Date: Friday 15th March 2024
The Gold Cup trends have been brutally consistent in recent years and they once again point us towards the top of the market. Irish-trained runners continue to dominate, age remains critical and proven Grade 1 staying form is still the biggest single factor.
This year’s race has the feel of a champion trying to confirm his position at the top, and the ratings strongly suggest that is indeed the most likely outcome.
These are the three that come out best on the Turf Talk figures.
TURF TALK RATINGS - LEADING CONTENDERS
| Horse | Turf Talk Rating |
|---|---|
| Galopin Des Champs | 231 |
| Fastorslow | 216 |
| Gerri Colombe | 208 |
| L’Homme Presse | 194 |
| Corach Rambler | 186 |
| Bravemansgame | 174 |
| The Real Whacker | 167 |
The ratings this year put huge weight on proven Grade 1 chase form, age, recent winning form and whether the horse already looks a genuine Gold Cup animal. On that basis the defending champion sets a very high standard.
MAIN SELECTION
Galopin Des Champs (Evens available)
He is the clear top-rated horse and very much the one to beat.
He sits perfectly in the modern Gold Cup sweet spot, comes from the dominant yard and has already shown himself to be a top-class staying chaser. Favourites have had a very strong recent record in this race and he looks another who fully deserves that status.
BACKUP SELECTION 1
Fastorslow (4/1 available)
The horse most likely to give the favourite a proper race.
He has the class and recent form to be taken very seriously, and he looks the most convincing alternative on the figures. If the race turns tactical or becomes more of a battle up the hill, his profile makes plenty of appeal.
BACKUP SELECTION 2
Gerri Colombe (8/1 available)
Another classy Irish-trained contender who fits many of the race’s key trends.
He has the age and the profile, and he still looks the type to develop into a proper championship staying chaser. He has a little more to prove than the top two but still makes the shortlist comfortably.
SUMMARY
Galopin Des Champs tops the ratings and is taken as the main selection, with Fastorslow and Gerri Colombe looking the strongest alternatives in a race where the recent trends all point firmly towards the defending champion.
