3.30 3m. 2f. 70yds. 11 Declared. Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race) (Class 1 ) of £625,000.00 5-y-o plus
1st - €351,688.00 2nd - €132,500.00 3rd - €66,312.00 4th - €33,125.00 5th - €16,625.00 6th - €8,312.00 7th - €4,125.00 8th - €2,125.00
Formscan - Last year's hero GALOPIN DES CHAMPS put an underwhelming John Durkan effort behind him, when he was defeated for the second time by Fastorslow, when producing a breathtaking performance to hammer Gerri Colombe in the Savills Chase. His Cheltenham preparation continued to go to plan when he then got his revenge on Fastorslow to lift the Irish Gold Cup for a second time and he can follow in the hoofprints of Al Boum Photo, who won back-to-back Gold Cups for Willie Mullins in 2019/2020. Fastorslow has made great strides since being touched off by Corach Rambler in the Ultima here 12 months ago and is a serious player. Runner-up when attempting to defend his King George crown at Kempton over Christmas, and in this race last year, Bravemansgame looks the pick of the home team, although Gentlemansgame beat him in the Charlie Hall at Wetherby and he will need to take a big step forward on the form he has shown this season.