1 Gold Cup form: The Cheltenham Gold Cup picture is struggling for shape these days. The second, third and fourth from last year’s race, On His Own, The Giant Bolster and Silviniaco Conti, were all well beaten on Saturday. All three had excuses, all three were expected beforehand to come on for the run, but all three were still at least a little disappointing.
Other contenders also disappointed. Favourite Holywell was well beaten at Carlisle on Sunday (again, he had excuses), Boston Bob was well beaten into third place at Down Royal, Cue Card was well beaten in the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter on Tuesday, albeit over an inadequate trip. Even potential contenders like Ma Filleule and Taquin Du Seuil came up short. Of course, we still have to see the reigning champ, and it is worth noting that the last horse to win back-to-back Gold Cups was Best Mate, who was ridden to all three of his Gold Cup victories by Lord Windermere’s trainer Jim Culloty. He is reportedly on track for the John Durkan Chase, but it is probable that he will have a Henrietta Knight-esque preparation.
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