Haiti Couleurs Primed For Cheltenham Gold Cup Moment
Rebecca Curtis has long viewed Haiti Couleurs as a possible Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup winner and she will soon learn if her "fantastic journey" with her steady star results in more Festival magnificence in the most significant race of all.
Since winning the National Hunt Chase at the meeting 12 months ago, Haiti Couleurs has added Irish and Welsh Grand National success to his growing CV and even more improved 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 champ jockey Sean Bowen seeking his own defining moment in the saddle.
"We can't do any more now and he's healthy and prepared," said Curtis.
"It would be nice if a little bit of rain comes. It's not a worry as such as he's flexible and has actually won plenty of times on goodish ground, but a little bit of cut might bring a bit more stamina into the race which we know he has a lot of.
"It's been rather hard for them to comprise ground this week with the ground being as it is, which will match his running style.
Haiti Couleurs is on course to represent Wales in the Gold Cup (Jonathan Brady/PA)
"We're anticipating it and we've been on a remarkable journey with him. Whatever he performs in this will be a perk and we'll discover if he depends on that class. It would be absolutely fantastic for everyone if it might occur."
While Curtis is looking for her very first victory in the staying masterpiece, Nicky Henderson goes for his 3rd 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 in 2015, he was exceptional on his return at Ascot over the and has actually been kept fresh since being denied by a half a length in the King George at Kempton on Boxing Day.
"I wouldn't state he's specific to stay the journey, but I'm enthusiastic. We know he turns up the hill and he's got the rate to win over 2 miles," said Henderson.
"In the King George, after he leapt the third-last there was an injection of pace and we were absolutely captured on the back foot - we kipped down 4th and completed fourth.
"We're enthusiastic and it's the natural location to go. We were going to run in the Denman, but it was endless ground.
"He 'd have more speed than Bobs Worth - he would not have won an Arkle. But Long Run was an elite horse. To be fair this lad didn't actually win an Arkle, he fell in at the end of the day, but it was fantastic at the time. He's not that quick, but he's pretty talented.
"If you take a look at the King George form then there should not be much in between three of them. Pick who you like, they have actually all got terrific possibilities and it makes sure to be a hell of a race.
"In some Gold Cups, by the time they come downhill there are only two or three still playing, but you might quickly see six or seven still in play this time. Then when the cards are played it could be crazy - who is brave enough, who jumps well adequate and who ultimately shows great enough."
Henderson's former assistant Ben Pauling and The Jukebox Man claimed a memorable success in that King George, with the scenes of pleasure involving owner Harry Redknapp illuminating the joyful duration.
Now having likewise stayed away from the racecourse considering that Christmas, Pauling is hoping his charge can prove he is top in an open department.
He said: "Without Galopin Des Champs, there's nothing in the field other than last year's winner (Inothewayurthinkin) that has shown they are up to Gold Cup-winning standard and he hasn't looked like the same horse this season.
"I'm expecting something to stick its head above the parapet this year and I hope it will be us. It's an amazing Gold Cup and we're extremely lucky to have a horse like this.
"We won the King George by inches, however I make sure this track will match him better. I thought he looked tapped for speed at the back of three-out at Kempton but he somehow stuck on and I've got him in great order."
Also representing Britain will be Venetia Williams' L'Homme Presse who was fourth to Galopin Des Champs in 2024 and has a great record at Prestbury Park.
He finished ahead of Dan Skelton's Grey Dawning when they satisfied in the Cotswold Chase, but the champion trainer elect has just ever had one day in mind because his Betfair Chase heroics in the fall.
"He enjoys the course, he's won at the course and he's versatile 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 concern and I'm entitled to say he's done it!
"The enhancement from the Cotswold Chase has actually gotten here, we are actually prepared and I believe we will be there turning in. Whether he suffices from there, I do not know, I simply have a feeling we're going there the very best we can be."