PRESENTING Percy bids to justify Gold Cup favouritism off a comeback success in last month’s Galmoy Hurdle. In modern times it is surely unprecedented for the Gold Cup favourite to head Cheltenham off just one run over hurdles that season. The Gold Cup test will be by far the greatest test that Presenting Percy has faced to date and it will be his first run over fences since last season’s RSA Chase.

This in turn will see questions raised as to whether Pat Kelly’s charge will be sufficiently battle hardened or experienced. Firstly, supporters him can content themselves with his exemplary Cheltenham record. Secondly, a light campaign has been no barrier to success in championship races at Cheltenham in recent seasons. Native River won last year’s Gold Cup having won a three-runner race at Newbury on his only previous start last season. Two days before, Altior won the Queen Mother with his only previous outing last term coming against two rivals at Newbury, whereas Penhill came back from 11 months off to land the Stayers’ Hurdle.

In addition, the Gold Cup will not represent Presenting Percy’s first venture outside of novice company. He bolted up in a handicap chase off a mark of 145 on just his third run over fences last season and two runs later he posted a smashing effort to finish second to Our Duke in the Red Mills Chase.

The experience he acquired in those ventures beyond the relative comforts of novice only company can surely stand to him, and there is the small matter of last year’s RSA form. Monalee is a Grade 2 winner and Grade 1 placed this season. The third-placed Elegant Escape (who was beaten 14 lengths) won the Welsh Grand National in December, the fourth-placed Ballyoptic was only just touched off in the Scottish Grand National, and the also-rans featured Dounikos who recently won a €100,000 handicap off 147. Presenting Percy boasts the most compelling form in the line-up and his unusual route to Cheltenham isn’t the deterrent that some will make it out to be.