2026 Gold Cup

[Runragged]

Yeah he looks to have more improvement in him, and went well to the line.

Sectionals say he ran the 4th fastest last furlong and 3rd fastest last two furlongs, behind Gaelic Warrior and Banbridge. Admittedly there was only 0.03 secs between The Jukebox Man, Banbridge and Jango Baie in that final furlong which may in part be down to how the race was run and the ground. Wouldn't mind seeing Jango take in something like the Cotswold now to test his stamina a bit more.

 

[Kauto’s star]

Sectionals say he ran the 4th fastest last furlong and 3rd fastest last two furlongs, behind Gaelic Warrior and Banbridge. Admittedly there was only 0.03 secs between The Jukebox Man, Banbridge and Jango Baie in that final furlong which may in part be down to how the race was run and the ground. Wouldn't mind seeing Jango take in something like the Cotswold now to test his stamina a bit more.

I won’t read too much into the times, all four went flat out and didn’t gain or lose too much ground. I just feel jango missed a few and will improve more for another run than the ones around him. Agreed, stamina not confirmed just yet, but fairly confident he’ll stay

 

[Luke95]

I’d really fancy TJM for the ryanair, but almost certain to go for the Gold Cup now which i’d be far less confident in.

To me, Jango Baie looked like he’d be best suited by the gold cup. I really didn’t fancy him today and thought he might lose his position early/mid race, but he travelled really well for most of the race. He was first off the bridle turning in but kept finding. Think the gold cup would perfect for him. I like that blend of speed and stamina for the race.

Wouldn’t rule out Gaelic Warrior either, but would want Townend on and if Galopin turns up, that looks unlikely. Probably one to play on the day.

 

[Lobos]

Do believe if GDC wins the Savilles again then PT will ensure he rides him in the GC and Gaelic in the Ryanair.

 

[Craigy14]

Did Il Est Francais maybe just not go as fast as he normally does/or previously has done on the course hence the comments on it being slow? Do agree with them all so close turning for home did seem slower, could throw a blanket over the field going round the bend!

Also agree, that The Jukebox Man stayed on after being headed by both Gaelic warrior and Banbridge. How that translates to an undulating track over couple furlongs further is anyone’s guess, but I will certainly wont blame them for going for it.

Many have moaned about the Ryanair being there, now we want horses not to go for the Gold Cup after winning over 3m staying on? Has to be the Gold Cup imo.

 

[Wayward Lad]

Do believe if GDC wins the Savilles again then PT will ensure he rides him in the GC and Gaelic in the Ryanair.

I tend to agree, as the pain of Vautours switch still stings even now!

However I’m also sure that Rich would love an elusive Gold Cup winner

 

[Wayward Lad]

Seems madness, from a trends point of view, that not one, but two, Arkle winners are 4th and 5th favs for the GC at the moment……the double only completed once and nearly 50 years ago!

Dependant upon the Savills result then I still think Jango Baie, being only 6 years old, may be held back for a year and go Ryanair

 

[opatcho]

Seems madness, from a trends point of view, that not one, but two, Arkle winners are 4th and 5th favs for the GC at the moment……the double only completed once and nearly 50 years ago!

Dependant upon the Savills result then I still think Jango Baie, being only 6 years old, may be held back for a year and go Ryanair

I'm looking at the Gold Cup before the Savills, which has been the first place to look at going from previous seasons

2025 - Savills, Savills, Savills
2024 - Savills, Savills, Betfair Chase
2023 - Irish Gold Cup, King George, Savills
2022 - Savills, King George, Other
2021 - Savills, Savills, Other

Yet, my two antepost bets for the Gold Cup are both from the King George (Jango and Gaelic) - DOH!! I'm always pulled towards King George types, I guess they physically look like nicer horses instead of a scraggy looking dour stayer

I've taken a quick look at the Savills, and feel GDC could well be targeting to be at peak performance at the DRF and the Gold Cup. As a result, I'm going to take a look at one of the novices from last season, in particular, the BANC winner in Lucky Watson. Was put off slightly by "he looks a national type" comments but I think Willie just runs them and see where they're at.

I've backed him for the Savill, can get 20/1, will place the without fav market aswell, and also backed him for Gold Cup at 50/1's - thats too big for a previous BANC winner

 

[Carnage at Taunton]

Seems madness, from a trends point of view, that not one, but two, Arkle winners are 4th and 5th favs for the GC at the moment……the double only completed once and nearly 50 years ago!

Dependant upon the Savills result then I still think Jango Baie, being only 6 years old, may be held back for a year and go Ryanair

I can see the age factor, but when it comes to the Arkle trends factor I think Jango bucks that. He won in the style of a staying type and because of the way the race panned out, particularly with Majborough.
He does look a player for the Gold Cup for sure imo as yesterday that’s exactly the impression I got.
I’m covered for both races, so glad of that, with a slight financial preference for Ryanair.
I think because of his age and last years winner and Gallopin around its a tough call for connections.

 

[Wayward Lad]

Just trying to think about Savills outcomes and what, if any, horses at the top of the market need to be backed now, because prices may contract

Inothewayyourthinkin wins - and shortens to 2/1- 9/4

Inothewayyourthinkin loses - and doesn’t drift much as he was beat 15l last year in the Savills after a previous run to start his season. Needed a fair few races to get fit last year before the GC and showing his 16lb improvement. Also Cromwells stable not firing at the moment.

Gallopin Des Champs wins - and shortens to 3/1 -7/2 with the view that one less run this year v’s last year prior to the festival may well mean an improved performance in the GC against Inothewayyourthinkin…….also winning first time up for Willie may be marked up with some of his stable needing the run?

Gallopin Des Champs loses - but and drifts to 7/1 - 8/1…may not be seen as a busted flush due to Willies horses needing their first run?

Both Inothewayurthikin and Gallopin Des Champs lose - Inothewayyourthinkin drifts not much to maybe 4/1 (won’t go much bigger due to last years campaign and Cromwells current strike rate)……Gallopin Des Champs drifts to 8/1- 9/1 and Gaelic Warrior shortens to 7/1 - 8/1 as a result

For me the biggest move could be if Inothewayyourthinkin wins the Savills and beats GDC, as it would confirm his superiority against GDC at a track apart from Cheltenham and that his 16lb improvement from his previous races last year to the GC was not a fluke. If he doesn’t win then he should still have the same chance to win the GC as before the Savills, based upon last years campaign and he therefore has to be the bet at the moment @ 7/2…..with maybe a saver on Gaelic at 10/1 as he will probably shorten if GDC gets beat as his chance of winning the GC will increase as well as the likelihood of him running in the race

Simples…

 

[FinalFurlong91]

Im not going to back inothewayurthinkin myself. If he does it again then fair play.

We have seen over and over again that winning the gold cup breaks horses.

You have to be a very tough horse to recover from it.

So many have just never been the same after winning it.

 

[Carnage at Taunton]

Just trying to think about Savills outcomes and what, if any, horses at the top of the market need to be backed now, because prices may contract

Inothewayyourthinkin wins - and shortens to 2/1- 9/4

Inothewayyourthinkin loses - and doesn’t drift much as he was beat 15l last year in the Savills after a previous run to start his season. Needed a fair few races to get fit last year before the GC and showing his 16lb improvement. Also Cromwells stable not firing at the moment.

Gallopin Des Champs wins - and shortens to 3/1 -7/2 with the view that one less run this year v’s last year prior to the festival may well mean an improved performance in the GC against Inothewayyourthinkin…….also winning first time up for Willie may be marked up with some of his stable needing the run?

Gallopin Des Champs loses - but and drifts to 7/1 - 8/1…may not be seen as a busted flush due to Willies horses needing their first run?

Both Inothewayurthikin and Gallopin Des Champs lose - Inothewayyourthinkin drifts not much to maybe 4/1 (won’t go much bigger due to last years campaign and Cromwells current strike rate)……Gallopin Des Champs drifts to 8/1- 9/1 and Gaelic Warrior shortens to 7/1 - 8/1 as a result

For me the biggest move could be if Inothewayyourthinkin wins the Savills and beats GDC, as it would confirm his superiority against GDC at a track apart from Cheltenham and that his 16lb improvement from his previous races last year to the GC was not a fluke. If he doesn’t win then he should still have the same chance to win the GC as before the Savills, based upon last years campaign and he therefore has to be the bet at the moment @ 7/2…..with maybe a saver on Gaelic at 10/1 as he will probably shorten if GDC gets beat as his chance of winning the GC will increase as well as the likelihood of him running in the race

Simples…

Blimey!! Wheres the paracetamol??

 

[opatcho]

I can’t be having the top two in the Savilles

Ground is drying up, GDC first time out and I’m not keen when there’s mention of a alternative route - not for me

Inothewayyourthinkin, not for me. Still needs to prove himself over these sharper trips. Unless there’s been mention from trainer they plan target earlier races this season, I doubt it, same as last year - peak for festival

Fsstorslow… hmmmmm, used to be a big fan of this horse but would be a little disappointed if younger horse isn’t able to progress passed this one

Why is Cobden booked on Champ K? Weird. I know champ is 9 but low mileage

I think I’m going to blindly back the 7 year olds/ novices from last season

Leaky Watson 16/1
Affordable Fury 25/1
Croke Park, will leave him out

 

[Guinness Village]

I can’t be having the top two in the Savilles

Ground is drying up, GDC first time out and I’m not keen when there’s mention of a alternative route - not for me

Inothewayyourthinkin, not for me. Still needs to prove himself over these sharper trips. Unless there’s been mention from trainer they plan target earlier races this season, I doubt it, same as last year - peak for festival

Fsstorslow… hmmmmm, used to be a big fan of this horse but would be a little disappointed if younger horse isn’t able to progress passed this one

Why is Cobden booked on Champ K? Weird. I know champ is 9 but low mileage

I think I’m going to blindly back the 7 year olds/ novices from last season

Leaky Watson 16/1
Affordable Fury 25/1
Croke Park, will leave him out

Stella magic

 

[opatcho]

Waiting for heavy in the going with that fella

 

[Lobos]

Give it up Lobos

Yeeeeeeeeehaaaaaaa

Highest weight carrying performance ever in Welsh National.

Incredible run.

 

[BigL]

I can’t be having the top two in the Savilles

Ground is drying up, GDC first time out and I’m not keen when there’s mention of a alternative route - not for me

Inothewayyourthinkin, not for me. Still needs to prove himself over these sharper trips. Unless there’s been mention from trainer they plan target earlier races this season, I doubt it, same as last year - peak for festival

Fsstorslow… hmmmmm, used to be a big fan of this horse but would be a little disappointed if younger horse isn’t able to progress passed this one

Why is Cobden booked on Champ K? Weird. I know champ is 9 but low mileage

I think I’m going to blindly back the 7 year olds/ novices from last season

Leaky Watson 16/1
Affordable Fury 25/1
Croke Park, will leave him out

You're looking to take on two top grade 1 horses with Lecky Watson and affordale fury ? They are not the same league

 

[Lobos]

Paddy Power make the winner 14-1 from 20s for the Grand National and 33-1 for the Cheltenham Gold Cup, with Curtis having no doubt Haiti Couleurs would be worth his spot in Prestbury Park’s blue riband event.

She added: “He does love Cheltenham and I’ve heard people say that maybe he doesn’t have the class for a Gold Cup, but I think he can go a really good gallop and stay off it as well.

“I don’t think he has to have that marathon trip, and he can go a right good clip. We’ll enjoy today and then decide where to go with him next.”

The Great Burrough Hill Lad won the Welsh National off 10st 9lbs before going on to win the Gold Cup in the same season.

 

[Lobos]

You're looking to take on two top grade 1 horses with Lecky Watson and affordale fury ? They are not the same league

The way the results have gone the last 2 days absolutely anything could happen. The ground is getting faster by the minute as well. Can we trust any of the results at Leopardstown when thinking of Cheltenham??? Dubious.

 

[BigL]

I think Lecky Watson will be held up out of the back looking to drop down the handicap. Affordable fury couldn't even beat a 12 yo envoi Allen. Can't see beyond the top 3 here even if they are only at 50%