Haiti Couleurs Primed For Cheltenham Gold Cup Moment

Rebecca Curtis has actually long viewed Haiti Couleurs as a potential Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup winner and she will soon find out if her "fantastic journey" with her stable star results in more Festival splendor in the most significant race of all.


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


He is now totally primed for his mission to become the very first Welsh-trained Gold Cup winner considering that Norton's Coin's shock 100-1 success in 1990, with champ jockey Sean Bowen seeking his own specifying moment in the saddle.


"We can't do anymore now and he's in shape and all set," stated Curtis.


"It would be nice if a little rain comes. It's not a concern as such as he's flexible and has won a lot of times on goodish ground, but a little cut may 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 comprise ground today with the ground being as it is, which will suit 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 does in this will be a bonus offer and we'll find out if he depends on that class. It would be absolutely dazzling for everyone if it could take place."


While Curtis is looking for her very first victory in the remaining masterpiece, Nicky Henderson goes for his 3rd with Jango Baie, who bids to follow in the footsteps of previous Seven Barrows greats Long Run and Bobs Worth.


The winner of the Arkle here in 2015, he was exceptional on his return at Ascot over the intermediate range and has been kept fresh given that being rejected by a half a length in the King George at Kempton on Boxing Day.


"I would not state he's particular to stay the trip, but I'm hopeful. We understand he shows up the hill and he's got the speed to win over two miles," stated Henderson.


"In the King George, after he leapt the third-last there was an injection of rate and we were absolutely captured on the back foot - we kipped down fourth and finished fourth.


"We're hopeful and it's the natural place to go. We were going to run in the Denman, but it was bottomless ground.


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


"If you take a look at the King George form then there shouldn't be much in between 3 of them. Pick who you like, they have actually all got great chances and it makes certain to be a hell of a race.


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


Henderson's previous assistant Ben Pauling and The Jukebox Man claimed a remarkable success because King George, with the scenes of happiness involving owner Harry Redknapp illuminating the festive period.


Now having likewise stayed away from the racecourse given that Christmas, Pauling is hoping his charge can prove he is primary in an open division.


He said: "Without Galopin Des Champs, there's nothing in the field aside from last year's winner (Inothewayurthinkin) that has actually shown they are up to Gold Cup-winning standard and he hasn't appeared like the exact same horse this season.


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


"We won the King George by inches, however I make certain this track will fit him much 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 terrific order."


Also representing Britain will be Venetia Williams' L'Homme Presse who was 4th 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, however the champ fitness instructor choose has just ever had one day in mind because his Betfair Chase heroics in the autumn.


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


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


"The enhancement from the Cotswold Chase has shown up, we are truly ready and I have no doubt we will exist kipping down. Whether he's good enough from there, I do not know, I just have a sensation we're going there the very best we can be."