The absence of Vautour takes some of the intrigue from the Gold Cup, but it remains a very competitive race, in which Don Cossack can regain his place as the highest rated chaser in these islands by landing the week’s feature for Gordon Elliott, Bryan Cooper and Gigginstown House Stud.

The featured Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup brings down the curtain on a remarkable week of racing and such is the momentum behind the Willie Mullins team, it’ll be no surprise if the meeting’s leading trainer lands his maiden success in this race with any of his three charges, writes Tommy Lyons.