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 "incredible journey" with her stable star results in more Festival magnificence in the most significant race of all.


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


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


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


"It would be great if a bit of rain comes. It's not a concern as such as he's versatile and has actually won lots of times on goodish ground, however 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 tough for them to make up ground today with the ground being as it is, which will match his running style.


Haiti Couleurs is on course to represent Wales in the Gold Cup (Jonathan Brady/PA)


"We're anticipating it and we've been on a remarkable journey with him. Whatever he carries out in this will be a reward and we'll find out if he is up to that class. It would be definitely fantastic for everyone if it might happen."


While Curtis is searching for her very first success in the showpiece, Nicky Henderson chooses his third with Jango Baie, who bids to follow in the footsteps of previous Seven Barrows greats Long Run and Bobs Worth.


The winner of the Arkle here in 2015, 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 would not state he's certain to remain the trip, however I'm enthusiastic. We understand he turns up the hill and he's got the rate to win over two miles," said Henderson.


"In the King George, after he jumped the third-last there was an injection of rate and we were definitely caught on the back foot - we turned in 4th and completed fourth.


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


"He 'd have more speed than Bobs Worth - he would not have actually won an Arkle. But Long Run was an elite horse. To be reasonable this lad didn't actually win an Arkle, he fell in at the end of the day, however it was terrific at the time. He's not that fast, however he's pretty skilled.


"If you look at the King George form then there should not be much in between three of them. Pick who you like, they've all got terrific opportunities and it makes sure to be a hell of a race.


"In some Gold Cups, by the time they come downhill there are only two or 3 still playing, but you could easily see six or 7 still in play this time. Then when the cards are played it might be crazy - who is brave enough, who leaps well enough and who ultimately proves sufficient."


Henderson's former assistant Ben Pauling and The Jukebox Man declared a memorable victory because King George, with the scenes of joy involving owner Harry Redknapp illuminating the joyful duration.


Now having also kept away from the racecourse considering that Christmas, Pauling is hoping his charge can prove he is primary in an open division.


He stated: "Without Galopin Des Champs, there's absolutely nothing in the field aside from last year's winner (Inothewayurthinkin) that has actually proved they depend on Gold Cup-winning standard and he hasn't looked like the exact same horse this season.


"I'm anticipating something to stick its head above the parapet this year and I hope it will be us. It's an unbelievable Gold Cup and we're really fortunate to have a horse like this.


"We won the King George by inches, but I'm sure this track will match him better. I thought he looked tapped for speed at the back of three-out at Kempton but he somehow stuck on and I have actually got him in terrific order."


Also representing Britain will be Venetia Williams' L'Homme Presse who was 4th to Galopin Des Champs in 2024 and has a great record at Prestbury Park.


He finished ahead of Dan Skelton's Grey Dawning when they satisfied in the Cotswold Chase, but the champ fitness instructor elect has just ever had one day in mind because his Betfair Chase heroics in the autumn.


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


"He stays, he showed that in the Betfair. People are entitled to ask the concern and I'm entitled to say he's done it!


"The enhancement from the Cotswold Chase has actually arrived, we are actually all set and I believe we will exist kipping down. Whether he's good enough from there, I don't know, I just sense we're going there the very best we can be."