Haiti Couleurs Primed For Cheltenham Gold Cup Moment

Rebecca Curtis has actually long viewed Haiti Couleurs as a possible Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup winner and she will soon discover out if her "incredible 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 meeting 12 months earlier, Haiti Couleurs has actually included 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 completely primed for his quest to end up being the very 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 specifying moment in the saddle.


"We can't do anymore now and he's healthy and prepared," said Curtis.


"It would be great if a little bit of rain comes. It's not a concern as such as he's flexible and has won lots of times on goodish ground, but a bit of cut might bring a bit more stamina 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 match his running design.


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


"We're anticipating it and we have actually been on a remarkable journey with him. Whatever he performs in this will be a bonus offer and we'll discover out if he is up to that class. It would be definitely dazzling for everyone if it could take place."


While Curtis is browsing for her first success 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 Run and Bobs Worth.


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


"I wouldn't state he's certain to stay the trip, however I'm confident. We understand he comes up the hill and he's got the pace to win over two miles," stated Henderson.


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


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


"He 'd have more speed than Bobs Worth - he would not have won an Arkle. But Long term was an elite horse. To be reasonable this lad didn't truly win an Arkle, he fell in at the end of the day, however it was terrific at the time. He's not that fast, however he's pretty skilled.


"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 excellent possibilities and it's sure to be a hell of a race.


"In some Gold Cups, by the time they come downhill there are just two or 3 still playing, however you might easily see 6 or 7 still in play this time. Then when the cards are played it might be goofy - who is brave enough, who jumps well adequate and who eventually shows excellent enough."


Henderson's previous assistant Ben Pauling and The Jukebox Man claimed a memorable victory in that King George, with the scenes of delight involving owner Harry Redknapp illuminating the festive period.


Now having likewise kept away from the racecourse given that Christmas, Pauling is hoping his charge can show he is primary in an open department.


He stated: "Without Galopin Des Champs, there's absolutely nothing in the field aside from last year's winner (Inothewayurthinkin) that has proved they are up to Gold Cup-winning standard and he hasn't appeared like the exact 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 unbelievable Gold Cup and we're extremely fortunate to have a horse like this.


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


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


He finished ahead of Dan Skelton's Grey Dawning when they met in the Cotswold Chase, but the champ trainer elect has only 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," said Skelton.


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


"The enhancement from the Cotswold Chase has actually shown up, we are really prepared and I believe we will exist kipping down. Whether he's excellent enough from there, I don't understand, I just sense we're going there the very best we can be."