Date: Friday 19th March 2021
The Gold Cup is always about class, stamina and jumping, but the modern race has become even more specialist than it used to be. You want a horse in that 7 to 9-year-old sweet spot, ideally with Cheltenham form already in the book and enough Grade 1 class to cope with the demands of a true championship staying chase.
Recent form is another major pointer and this year once again looks likely to go to a horse arriving in peak condition rather than one trying to revive old glories. On the Turf Talk ratings these are the three that come out strongest.
TURF TALK RATINGS - LEADING CONTENDERS
| Horse | Turf Talk Rating |
|---|---|
| A Plus Tard | 222 |
| Al Boum Photo | 216 |
| Minella Indo | 207 |
| Royale Pagaille | 193 |
| Champ | 186 |
| Native River | 174 |
| Kemboy | 168 |
The ratings this year place strong emphasis on age, current-season form, Grade 1 class and previous Cheltenham experience. The race has repeatedly rewarded horses arriving off a light but high-quality campaign.
MAIN SELECTION
A Plus Tard (4/1 available)
He comes out top on the Turf Talk ratings and looks the most likely winner on profile.
He has the right age, the class is not in doubt and his recent form over staying trips suggests he is ready to peak in a race like this. He also fits the modern Gold Cup trend of a horse arriving relatively fresh but with top-level form in the book.
BACKUP SELECTION 1
Al Boum Photo (3/1 available)
The reigning champion still commands huge respect and has to be right on the shortlist.
He has the Festival record, the trainer and the Gold Cup class, and he comes here via the exact route that has served him so well in the past. A third straight win would be no surprise if he is still operating at the same level.
BACKUP SELECTION 2
Minella Indo (14/1 available)
The more interesting one at a bigger price and a horse with plenty going for him.
He has Cheltenham form, the right age and enough class to play a major role if the top two fail to deliver. He does not have the same market confidence behind him, but his profile still stacks up well.
SUMMARY
A Plus Tard tops the figures and gets the vote, with Al Boum Photo the obvious danger and Minella Indo the stronger each-way type in a race where class and current form look absolutely crucial. If you are after value then I would edge to small each way bets on Minella.
