Haiti Couleurs Primed For Cheltenham Gold Cup Moment
Rebecca Curtis has long seen Haiti Couleurs as a possible Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup winner and she will quickly find out if her "incredible journey" with her stable star leads to more Festival glory in the most significant race of all.
Since winning the National Hunt Chase at the conference 12 months ago, Haiti Couleurs has included Irish and Welsh Grand National triumphes 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 quest to become the very first Welsh-trained Gold Cup winner since Norton's Coin's shock 100-1 success in 1990, with champion jockey Sean Bowen seeking his own specifying minute in the saddle.
"We can't do anymore now and he's fit and ready," 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 won plenty of times on goodish ground, however a little bit of cut might bring a bit more endurance into the race which we understand he has a great deal of.
"It's been quite difficult for them to comprise ground this week with the ground being as it is, which will fit his running design.
Haiti Couleurs is on course to represent Wales in the Gold Cup (Jonathan Brady/PA)
"We're looking forward to it and we have actually been on a remarkable journey with him. Whatever he does in this will be a bonus and we'll learn if he is up to that class. It would be absolutely fantastic for everyone if it might occur."
While Curtis is looking for her very first triumph in the remaining showpiece, Nicky Henderson opts for his third with Jango Baie, who bids to follow in the steps of previous Seven Long term and Bobs Worth.
The winner of the Arkle here in 2015, he was excellent on his return at Ascot over the intermediate distance and has actually been kept fresh given that being denied by a half a length in the King George at Kempton on Boxing Day.
"I wouldn't state he's particular to remain the trip, however I'm enthusiastic. We understand he comes up the hill and he's got the pace to win over 2 miles," said Henderson.
"In the King George, after he leapt the third-last there was an injection of rate and we were absolutely captured on the back foot - we turned in 4th and ended up fourth.
"We're confident and it's the natural place to go. We were going to run in the Denman, however 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 fair this lad didn't actually win an Arkle, he fell in at the end of the day, but it was great at the time. He's not that fast, however he's quite talented.
"If you look at the King George form then there shouldn't be much in between three of them. Pick who you like, they've all got excellent opportunities and it makes certain to be a hell of a race.
"In some Gold Cups, by the time they come downhill there are only 2 or 3 still playing, but you might quickly see six or seven still in play this time. Then when the cards are played it could be crazy - who is brave enough, who leaps well adequate and who ultimately shows sufficient."
Henderson's previous assistant Ben Pauling and The Jukebox Man claimed an unforgettable triumph because King George, with the scenes of delight including owner Harry Redknapp illuminating the festive duration.
Now having likewise remained away from the racecourse because Christmas, Pauling is hoping his charge can prove he is number one in an open department.
He stated: "Without Galopin Des Champs, there's absolutely nothing in the field other than last year's winner (Inothewayurthinkin) that has actually shown they depend on Gold Cup-winning requirement and he hasn't appeared like the very same horse this season.
"I'm expecting something to stick its head above the parapet this year and I hope it will be us. It's an amazing Gold Cup and we're very lucky to have a horse like this.
"We won the King George by inches, however I make sure this track will suit him much 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 excellent order."
Also representing Britain will be Venetia Williams' L'Homme Presse who was fourth to Galopin Des Champs in 2024 and has a great record at Prestbury Park.
He ended up 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 considering that 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," stated Skelton.
"He stays, he revealed that in the Betfair. People are entitled to ask the question and I'm entitled to state he's done it!
"The improvement from the Cotswold Chase has actually shown up, we are truly all set and I have no doubt we will exist kipping down. Whether he suffices from there, I don't understand, I simply sense we're going there the very best we can be."