Lord Windermere team confident of bold show in Cheltenham Gold Cup
The nine-year-old scrambled home for an unlikely success 12 months ago but has failed to win so far this season.
His season began with a third placed finish in John Durkan Chase at Punchestown before he disappointed somewhat in the Lexus Chase at Christmas when he trailed home seven to Road To Riches.
His most recent run was encouraging, however, as he finished third behind Carlingford Lough in the Irish Hennessy last month.
His Cheltenham form also provides grounds for encouragement as Jim Culloty’s charge is two from two at Prestbury Park having also won the 2013 RSA Chase.
Owner Dr Ronan Lambe said: “I suspect he might be the forgotten horse of the race. We are expecting a big run.”
That expectation is shared by Davy Russell.
“I genuinely wouldn’t swap him for anything, he’s a proper horse and loves Cheltenham,” he said.
“I know his form is not ideal, but he doesn’t really handle soft ground and he’s not in love with Leopardstown as there’s not enough jumping in the race.”
Djakadam burst on to the Gold Cup scene at a relatively late stage, booking his ticket with a comfortable eight-length triumph under top weight in the Thyestes Chase at the end of January.
He had previously disappointed when only eighth in the Hennessy at Newbury, while he crashed out at the fourth-last in last year’s JLT Novices’ Chase at the Festival.
Trainer Willie Mullins said: “I don’t think jumping is going to be an issue any more than it will be for any other horse in the race.
“He got around Newbury three-quarters fit and Gowran is a fair test of any horse in that ground.”
Owner Rich Ricci is also sweet on his runner’s chance, but admits to having a slight doubt about him seeing out the extended three-and-a-quarter-mile trip.
He said: “My only niggle at the back of my mind is, will he stay?
“If the Gold Cup was three miles I’d be leaning in and saying, ‘Wow, what a great chance we have’, but that last two and a half furlongs is so gruelling up the hill. It’s my only niggle.
“That being said, Willie loves the horse, Ruby loves the horse and he’s in great order.”
Mullins also runs last year’s second On His Own and Boston Bob.
Road To Riches has made fantastic strides after winning last year’s Galway Plate, bagging Grade One glory at Down Royal before going on to beat On His Own by a length and a half in the Lexus.
The eight-year-old has shown a preference for making all of the running in the past but Noel Meade is not sure that is the best plan of action at Cheltenham.
He said: “I think he proved in Leopardstown he doesn’t have to be in front the whole time.
“If they do a good pace we’re not going to up there trying to kill ourselves. It’s very hard to make all the running in the Gold Cup.
“I’m not sure if anyone has ever done it. We’ll be happy enough to take a lead.”
