Haiti Couleurs Primed For Cheltenham Gold Cup Moment

Rebecca Curtis has actually long viewed Haiti Couleurs as a potential Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup winner and she will soon learn if her "incredible journey" with her stable star causes more Festival magnificence in the biggest race of all.


Since winning the National Hunt Chase at the meeting 12 months back, Haiti Couleurs has included Irish and Welsh Grand National triumphes to his growing CV and even more enhanced his claims for the blue riband in Newbury's Denman Chase.


He is now totally primed for his mission to end up being the first Welsh-trained Gold Cup winner because Norton's Coin's shock 100-1 success in 1990, with champion jockey Sean Bowen seeking his own specifying moment in the saddle.


"We can't do any more now and he's in shape and all set," stated Curtis.


"It would be good if a bit of rain comes. It's not a concern as such as he's flexible and has actually won lots of times on goodish ground, however a little cut may bring a bit more stamina into the race which we understand he has a great deal of.


"It's been quite tough for them to make up ground this week with the ground being as it is, which will fit his running style.


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 an amazing journey with him. Whatever he carries out in this will be a reward and we'll learn if he depends on that class. It would be absolutely dazzling for everybody if it could take place."


While Curtis is looking for her very first success in the staying masterpiece, Nicky Henderson chooses his 3rd with Jango Baie, who bids to follow in the steps of previous Seven Barrows greats Long term and Bobs Worth.


The winner of the Arkle here last year, he was excellent on his return at Ascot over the intermediate range and has been kept fresh since being rejected by a half a length in the King George at Kempton on Boxing Day.


"I would not state he's certain to stay the journey, however I'm enthusiastic. We understand he comes up the hill and he's got the rate to win over 2 miles," stated Henderson.


"In the King George, after he leapt the third-last there was an injection of speed and we were absolutely caught on the back foot - we turned in fourth and completed fourth.


"We're confident and it's the natural location to go. We were going to run in the Denman, but it was bottomless ground.


"He 'd have more speed than Bobs Worth - he wouldn't have actually won an Arkle. But Long Run was an elite horse. To be fair this lad didn't really win an Arkle, he fell in at the end of the day, but it was excellent at the time. He's not that quick, however he's quite skilled.


"If you look at the King George form then there shouldn't be much in between three of them. Pick who you like, they have actually all got great 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, but you might quickly see 6 or seven still in play this time. Then when the cards are played it could be crazy - who is brave enough, who jumps well enough and who ultimately proves sufficient."


Henderson's former assistant Ben Pauling and The Jukebox Man declared a memorable triumph because King George, with the scenes of happiness involving owner Harry Redknapp illuminating the joyful duration.


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


He stated: "Without Galopin Des Champs, there's nothing in the field besides in 2015's winner (Inothewayurthinkin) that has proved they depend on Gold Cup-winning standard and he hasn't appeared like the very 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 extraordinary Gold Cup and we're really lucky to have a horse like this.


"We won the King George by inches, however I make certain this track will suit him much better. I thought he looked tapped for speed at the back of three-out at Kempton however he in some way stuck on and I have actually got him in terrific order."


Also representing Britain will be Venetia Williams' L'Homme Presse who was 4th 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 satisfied in the Cotswold Chase, however the champ fitness instructor elect has just ever had one day in mind considering that 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 stays, he revealed that in the Betfair. People are entitled to ask the question and I'm entitled to state he's done it!


"The improvement from the Cotswold Chase has actually gotten here, we are truly and I have no doubt we will exist kipping down. Whether he's good enough from there, I do not understand, I just have a sensation we're going there the very best we can be."