Paul Townend: Galopin Des Champs has unfinished business in Gold Cup
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Paul Townend concludes his trip to Cheltenham with five rides on Friday, including his bid for a third Gold Cup success on Galopin Des Champs.
The Ladbrokes ambassador talked about his prospects of ending the Festival in style.
I spent a lot of time trying to figure out which one I would ride. I am happy to be on Lossiemouth but whether I am on the right one remains to be seen. We were unlucky at the Dublin Racing Festival. She showed huge ability on her two wins before that and to get as close as she did to Gala Marceau after suffering so much interference that day was impressive. My horse has the form in the book so I sided with her.
He’s a nice type and an improving sort. He is a winner of three bumpers. A novice in the handicap is never ideal but he’s had his few runs to qualify for his. We have plenty of weight. State Man won the race last year as a novice off a few pounds lower in the handicap so we will see how much we are improving on what rate we are. It’s ultra-competitive though and there are a lot of horses you would make a case for in here.
He is an improving horse as he’s moved up in trip. The form of his win at Thurles isn’t the best form in the race but he was so impressive winning by 35 lengths that day. He seems to be going the right way and three miles around Cheltenham should be right up his street. I think he will give a good account of himself.
Shanbally Kid is one I tipped up as an each-way shot in the preview night. He has been getting his act together and the trip will suit him, as will the new course.
I am on Galopin Des Champs in the biggest race of the week. He has been excellent this year and has really grown up. I just can’t wait to ride him. Bar the hiccup we had at Cheltenham last year at the last fence, he has been foot perfect and seems to have learned from that.
𝗚𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗻 𝗗𝗲𝘀 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘀 is superb in the €250,000 G1 Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup
🏇 12 runs
🥇 8 wins
🏆 G1 Irish Gold Cup
🏆 G1 John Durkan Memorial
☑️ Four G1 victories
👀 Cheltenham Gold Cup favourite@LeopardstownRC | @WillieMullinsNH | @PTownend pic.twitter.com/vQi1XACQVy— Racing TV (@RacingTV) February 4, 2023
We have unfinished business here and he is a deserved favourite. I think he will stay the trip but we won’t know until we try. The way he went through the line in the Irish Gold Cup suggests it won’t be a problem.
She is a novice taking on some seasoned campaigners. She’s only had the two runs over fences. I nearly fell off her at the first at Thurles the last day but she has schooled very well since. Impervious has done nothing wrong and franked the form at Naas last Sunday before we came over. Her form is rock solid and will take plenty of beating. My mare is unproven, she hasn’t been beaten yet and we are hoping for a big run.
All odds and markets correct as of date of publication
