The Jukebox Man hitting right notes ahead of Gold Cup mission
CHASING GOLD: Jockey Ben Jones, trainer Ben Pauling, and owner Harry Redknapp alongside The Jukebox Man during a media morning at the Naunton Downs Estate, Gloucestershire on Monday. Picture: Andrew Matthews/PA
Ben Pauling feels the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup will be better suited to The Jukebox Man than the King George VI Chase proved to be.
The Harry Redknapp-owned eight-year-old went to Kempton still with plenty to prove in the eyes of many, but his victory there, while also very popular, showed he was one of the best stayer chasers in training.
The three and a quarter miles of the Gold Cup is seen as the ultimate test for a reason, but a bullish Pauling has no concerns about the track or the trip.
"People say he isn't very quick, but it was a course record in the King George. I think the Gold Cup is a good race. He's not a showman and he does what he has to do," said Pauling.
"After his return in the autumn coming back from an injury it was a steady start. I was nervous he wasn't fit enough for Haydock, but he exceeded our expectations there, while the King George was an exceptional day.
"He's come out of the King George very well and in fact better than I expected. I could have put a Denman Chase into him, but I didn't think he needed it.
"Having a horse of his calibre in such good form going into the Gold Cup is extremely exciting. I'm hoping we can get him there in the form I know he can be, but I personally think it will be less of a test for him than the King George.
"He is uncomplicated and can operate just as effectively on any track. You have to be able to to jump and travel and don't want to be behind and missing fences when it will become hard work.
"I firmly believe he will stay and be much more effective over this longer trip than three miles.
"It was only his tenacity and will to win the enabled him to get back in front at Kempton."
With dual winner Galopin Des Champs not quite the force of old and last year's hero Inothewayurthinkin struggling to recapture his form, it is currently 5-1 the field for the Festival highlight.
"Looking at the race it's a little bit like the King George, there's not a standout horse in the field," said Pauling. "But you can bet your bottom dollar that on the day there will be.
"In the King George he had a lot of questions to answer. He was only rated 158, he had to step forward 15lb and he did."
By the time of the Gold Cup on the Friday the Prestbury Cup is likely to have been decided, the competition between trainers based in Ireland and the UK.
While recent editions have been landslide victories for the visitors, not least because Willie Mullins on his own has trained 10 winners twice, the home team appear to have much more ammunition this season.
Pauling said: "We are very aware how dominant the Irish have been. But I do believe we have some more competitive horses coming through.
"As for the Prestbury Cup, while it's more likely the Irish win it, it might be just by two or three and not be 15.
"We've got Nicky (Henderson) and Paul (Nicholls), but it's now down to the younger brigade and we can't just rely on Dan (Skelton).
"I think it's my best team and I think this year some can do both Cheltenham and Aintree."
Redknapp, of course, knows the pitfalls of top-level sport as well as anyone, but is thoroughly enjoying being carried along for the ride — and will not be tempted to part with his pride and joy.
"It's a dream to have a horse to run in the Gold Cup and go there with a chance," he said.
"I've had an awful lot of horses, still got an awful lot, but this one has taken us to places that you only dream about as a racehorse owner. He's my dream, he's not for sale and he wouldn't be for sale at any price.
"I'm not saying we're going to win it, (but) we've got a serious horse, it's an open race and I think we've got as good a chance as anything."
