Cheltenham Festival: Al Boum Photo plots back-to-back Gold Cup victories

Jockey Paul Townend celebrates following his victory with Al Boum Photo in last year's Gold Cup. Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images

Last year’s winner has lead the market for the majority of the season and for anyone else in the field hoping to win the blue ribbon event, finishing ahead of the Paul Townend-mount is likely what it will take.

Mullins has previously admitted he couldn’t get the Gold Cup preparation right, but a light campaign for Al Boum Photo could do the trick once again.

Delta Work (6/1) represents the next best from the Irish challengers, and his win over Presenting Percy (7/1) and Kemboy (9/1) Leopardstown in February stands as really good preparation.

Kemboy was once the ante-post favourite, but issues with ownership delayed the start of his season and pushed him to an outsider.

Nicky Henderson-trained Santini (7/2) is a rather surprising market-leader given he has not won a Grade One race.

However, second in last year’s RSA, ahead of Delta Work, and beating Bristol De Mai (25/1) in January’s Cotsworld Chase at Cheltenham proves he has the fight and staying ability, but a quick-run race will slow him down.

Winning the King George is often ideal preparation for glory in the Gold Cup, however, this was not the case for Clan Des Obeaux (7/1) last year, who could only muster fifth having won on Boxing Day.

The dual-King George winner is entering Cheltenham’s biggest prize again but this time has not had a race between Kempton and Prestbury Park, which will serve him when battling up the hill towards the last.

Lostintranslation (13/2) dethroned Haydock staying specialist Bristol De Mai in November, but his preparation took a hit when pulling up at Kempton a month later. Colin Tizzard’s stable-star comes into this fresh, but there remains valid questions over his previous outing.

Chris's Dream (25/1), Monalee (25/1), Elegant Escape (66/1) and Real Steel (66/1) complete the 12-strong field.

It’s said every year that ‘this is the most competitive Gold Cup’ and 2020’s renewal more than fits that bill.

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