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 discover if her "amazing journey" with her steady star causes more Festival splendor in the biggest race of all.


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


He is now fully primed for his mission to end up being the first Welsh-trained Gold Cup winner since Norton's Coin's shock 100-1 success in 1990, with champ jockey Sean Bowen seeking his own defining minute in the saddle.


"We can't do anymore now and he's healthy and prepared," said Curtis.


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


"It's been quite difficult for them to make up ground today with the ground being as it is, which will fit his running design.


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 a remarkable journey with him. Whatever he does in this will be a bonus offer and we'll discover if he is up to that class. It would be definitely dazzling for everyone if it could take place."


While Curtis is searching for her first triumph in the remaining showpiece, 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 exceptional on his return at Ascot over the intermediate range and has actually been kept fresh given that being rejected by a half a length in the King George at Kempton on Boxing Day.


"I wouldn't say he's certain to remain the trip, however I'm hopeful. We understand he shows up the hill and he's got the rate to win over two miles," stated Henderson.


"In the King George, after he jumped the third-last there was an injection of pace and we were certainly captured on the back foot - we turned in fourth and ended up fourth.


"We're hopeful and it's the natural place to go. We were going to run in the Denman, however it was endless ground.


"He 'd have more speed than Bobs Worth - he wouldn't have actually won an Arkle. But Long term 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 fantastic at the time. He's not that fast, but he's quite talented.


"If you look at the King George form then there shouldn't be much in between 3 of them. Pick who you like, they've all got fantastic 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 could quickly see six or 7 still in play this time. Then when the cards are played it could be wacky - who is brave enough, who leaps well adequate and who ultimately proves sufficient."


Henderson's former assistant Ben Pauling and The Jukebox Man claimed a memorable triumph in that King George, with the scenes of happiness involving owner Harry Redknapp lighting up the festive period.


Now having also remained away from the racecourse since Christmas, Pauling is hoping his charge can show he is number one in an open department.


He said: "Without Galopin Des Champs, there's absolutely nothing in the field besides last year's winner (Inothewayurthinkin) that has actually proved they are up to Gold Cup-winning standard and he hasn't appeared like the exact 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 fortunate to have a horse like this.


"We won the King George by inches, but 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 somehow stuck on and I've got him in great 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 completed ahead of Dan Skelton's Grey Dawning when they satisfied in the Cotswold Chase, however the champ trainer elect has just ever had one day in mind because his Betfair Chase heroics in the autumn.


"He likes the course, he's won at the course and he's flexible on ground, as long as it's not heavy," said Skelton.


"He remains, he showed 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 prepared and I believe we will be there kipping down. Whether he's great enough from there, I do not understand, I just have a sensation we're going there the best we can be."