Cheltenham: fourth and final day

The Gold Cup, run over 3 1/4 miles + at 16.20 CET, is not only today´s main feature but in the eyes of all N.H. fas the most important jumps race of the year. Today´s field of 16 runners is one of the best in recent memory, and includes the last two winners Kauto Star (Ruby Walsh) and Denman (Sam Thomas), both of them trained by Paul Nicholls, as are Neptune Collonges (Christian Williams), third last year, Star de Mohaison (Timmy Murphy) and My Will (Nick Scholfield). It is quite possible that Nicholls can repeat his 200 result of saddling the first three, although we doubt that he can emulate the feat of Michael Dickinson and saddle the first five. However the stable looks nailed on to win again, probably with Kauto Star, back to his best when winning the King George at Christmas last time out, with several of these behind. Of course Denman in his 2008 form would be hard to beat, but his heart problems and a lacklustre effort on his only start this season, plus the likely f aster going, are not in his favour. Exotic Dancer (Jonjo O´Neill/ Tony McCoy) was runner-up to kauto Star here in 2007, but has never beaten that horse in several attemtpts, but could still run on into a place. Trainer Charlie Mann is optomistic abot the chances of German-bred Air Force One (Noel Fehily), but this smart handicapper needs to improve to figure here, as does the Queen´s Barber Shop (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty). He would prably be the most popular winner, especially as the owner is expected to be present. Madison du Berlais (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore) beat Denman easily enough last time, but the latter was clearly not at his best that day and we expect that form to be reversed. Everything seems to be in favour of Kauto Star today who is by far the most likely winner.