Haiti Couleurs Primed For Cheltenham Gold Cup Moment

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Rebecca Curtis has actually long viewed Haiti Couleurs as a prospective Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup winner and she will soon discover if her "incredible journey" with her steady star causes more Festival magnificence in the biggest race of all.


Since winning the National Hunt Chase at the meeting 12 months back, Haiti Couleurs has actually added Irish and Welsh Grand National success to his growing CV and even more boosted his claims for the blue riband in Newbury's Denman Chase.


He is now fully primed for his quest to end up being the first Welsh-trained Gold Cup winner since Norton's Coin's shock 100-1 success in 1990, with champion jockey Sean Bowen seeking his own defining moment in the saddle.


"We can't do any more now and he's healthy and all set," stated Curtis.


"It would be good if a bit of rain comes. It's not a concern as such as he's versatile and has actually won a lot of times on goodish ground, however a little cut might bring a bit more endurance into the race which we understand he has a great deal of.


"It's been rather tough for them to make up ground today with the ground being as it is, which will suit his running design.


Haiti Couleurs is on course to represent Wales in the Gold Cup (Jonathan Brady/PA)


"We're eagerly anticipating it and we've been on an incredible journey with him. Whatever he performs in this will be a reward and we'll learn if he is up to that class. It would be absolutely brilliant for everybody if it could take place."


While Curtis is looking for her first victory in the remaining showpiece, Nicky Henderson opts for his third with Jango Baie, who bids to follow in the footsteps of previous Seven Barrows greats Long term and Bobs Worth.


The winner of the Arkle here last year, he was exceptional on his return at Ascot over the intermediate range and has actually been kept fresh given that being denied by a half a length in the King George at Kempton on Boxing Day.


"I wouldn't state he's particular to stay the journey, but I'm enthusiastic. We understand he turns up the hill and he's got the rate to win over two miles," said Henderson.


"In the King George, after he leapt the third-last there was an injection of speed and we were definitely captured on the back foot - we kipped down 4th and completed fourth.


"We're confident and it's the natural place to go. We were going to run in the Denman, however it was endless ground.


"He 'd have more speed than Bobs Worth - he wouldn't have actually won an Arkle. But Long Run was a classy horse. To be reasonable this lad didn't really win an Arkle, he fell in at the end of the day, however it was terrific at the time. He's not that quick, but he's pretty talented.


"If you look at the King George form then there shouldn't be much in between three of them. Pick who you like, they have actually all got fantastic possibilities and it makes sure to be a hell of a race.


"In some Gold Cups, by the time they come downhill there are just 2 or 3 still playing, however you might easily see 6 or seven still in play this time. Then when the cards are played it could be crazy - who is brave enough, who leaps well adequate and who ultimately shows sufficient."


Henderson's former assistant Ben Pauling and The Jukebox Man claimed an unforgettable victory because King George, with the scenes of delight involving owner Harry Redknapp lighting up the festive period.


Now having also kept away from the racecourse since Christmas, Pauling is hoping his charge can prove he is number one in an open division.


He stated: "Without Galopin Des Champs, there's absolutely nothing in the field other than last year's winner (Inothewayurthinkin) that has actually shown they depend on Gold Cup-winning requirement and he hasn't appeared like the same horse this season.


"I'm anticipating something to stick its head above the parapet this year and I hope it will be us. It's an Cup and we're really lucky to have a horse like this.


"We won the King George by inches, but I make sure this track will fit him better. I believed he looked tapped for speed at the back of three-out at Kempton however he somehow stuck on and I've got him in great order."


Also representing Britain will be Venetia Williams' L'Homme Presse who was 4th to Galopin Des Champs in 2024 and has a fine record at Prestbury Park.


He completed ahead of Dan Skelton's Grey Dawning when they satisfied in the Cotswold Chase, but the champ trainer choose has just ever had one day in mind considering that his Betfair Chase heroics in the fall.


"He enjoys the course, he's won at the course and he's flexible on ground, as long as it's not heavy," stated Skelton.


"He remains, he revealed that in the Betfair. People are entitled to ask the question and I'm entitled to state he's done it!


"The enhancement from the Cotswold Chase has shown up, we are truly prepared and I have no doubt we will exist turning in. Whether he's good enough from there, I don't know, I simply sense we're going there the very best we can be."

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