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.