Banbridge peaking at right time says Slevin

JJ Slevin hopes that Banbridge is maturing at the perfect time as he gears up for the Boodles Gold Cup at Cheltenham next Friday.

The Joseph O’Brien-trained gelding has shortened into second favourite behind Galopin Des Champs after connections confirmed the blue riband event as the target for the Doyen gelding.

He comes into the race fresh after proving his stamina over three miles when chasing down Il Est Francais in the King George at Kempton over Christmas.

“(Owner) Ronnie (Bartlett)’s plan, after he won in Punchestown last year, was to train him for the King George and if that went well then the Gold Cup,” said William Hill ambassador Slevin.

“You can’t argue with a man for wanting to run a horse in the Gold Cup.

“He’s getting older and he’s getting a bit stronger. I don’t think people realise how long it takes an Irish-bred horse to actually fully develop. He’s only starting to fill into himself now.”