Has twin winner Galopin Des Champs lastly met his match within the Cheltenham Gold Cup in stablemate Truth To File?
That was one of many large speaking factors for Matt Chapman and Paddy Brennan on the second episode of Unbridled.
The Willie Mullins pair dominate the marketplace for the massive race in March subsequent yr, with Truth To File a common 5/2 forward of the defending champ at 7/2.
Final weekend noticed the primary assembly between the 2 in a stacked renewal of the John Durkan at Punchestown, with Truth To File impressing many by seeing off fellow Gold Cup contenders Spillane’s Tower and Fastorslow, with Galopin Des Champs in competition till being handed into third late on.
How a lot of a marker that was for March’s prolonged three-and-a-quarter-mile take a look at was questioned by Matt, however Paddy was definitely taken by the winner.
Truth To File (close to) and Galopin Des Champs battle it out within the John Durkan
“Truth To File is the one horse who actually got here to the fore this weekend,” Brennan stated. “I believe he is simply an unbelievable animal, he does issues with such ease.
“All roads result in the Gold Cup. I used to be blown away by him.”
Chapman was not so fast to look away from the reigning champ. He stated: “The overall gist after the John Durkan was that this was one of the vital wonderful races we have ever seen with Truth To File, Spillane’s Tower, Galopin Des Champs and Fastorslow all within the combine.
“It was nice to see all of them coming collectively however I discover it fairly extraordinary that everybody is taking a race over two and a half miles as the important thing trial for a race over an prolonged three miles and two furlongs.
“Whereas I fully perceive that this was a implausible horse race, this was filled with horses not operating over the journey they’re meant to run over. I do not suppose it is given you any clue in anyway to what occurs in a Cheltenham Gold Cup.
“Stamina is essential to Galopin Des Champs, but stamina was the one factor he did not want within the John Durkan. Give him three and 1 / 4 at Cheltenham, he’ll energy away from every little thing.
Galopin Des Champs landed in his second successive Cheltenham Gold Cup this yr
“You might be coping with top-of-the-line Gold Cup winners on the market and he is not previous, he is solely eight, turning 9 subsequent yr. Technically, he needs to be in his prime.”
Brennan replied: “However he did not have Truth To File in his approach in 2023.
“To have the head of a Gold Cup horse, you have got to have the ability to win over varied journeys.
“Truth To File has gained over three miles so we just about know he stays. I’ve little question about that.
Truth To File and Mark Walsh after profitable the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham this yr
“Within the John Durkan, you’re placing everybody on a stage taking part in area.
“We all know Galopin Des Champs is best over additional and he is run nicely however I might not swap Truth To File. He ticks each field.
“While you’ve come up the hill in a Gold Cup twice like Galopin Des Champs, to go and do {that a} third time it’s a must to be some horse.
“For a brand new pretender like Truth To File, I believe it’s going to be a lot simpler and he is bought every little thing it takes to win a Gold Cup.”
Watch Matt & Paddy Unbridled on the At The Races YouTube channel and podcast platforms.
