It's the most eagerly awaited horse race in years, the clash of chasing superstars, the irresistible force Vs the immovable object, echos of Arkle V Mill House, Ali V Frazier, Coe V Ovett.
Kauto Star Vs Denman - the Gold Cup trilogy. FREE CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP BETS
The winners of the last three renewals between them, which one will prove himself the King of King's in a super-clash that promises to stop the Nation on Friday afternoon, and encapsulates all that is compelling about this sport.
Both giants in stature and achievement, Kauto Star last year became the first horse in the Gold Cup's eighty-five year history, to regain the Blue Riband of steeplechasing with an imperious performance.
Yet he appeared to raise the bar higher still, with that stunning fourth successive victory in the King George at Kempton on Boxing Day.
It was simply breathtaking - the definitive chasing performance of the era, from a horse who can justifiably be described as being the best chaser of the last 20 years.
A horse who has acquired comparable recognition with chasing greats such as Golden Miller, Arkle and Desert Orchid.
Kauto Star goes there in the form of his life, will go off an odds-on favourite, and will take a terrific amount of beating.
Denman will need all of his raw, brutal power in order to defeat his great stable-companion, and I just wonder weather we have seen the very best of this warrior.
I believe we have, and as long as the rain stays away and going conditions remain decent, I can see Imperial Commandar coming between the big two and chasing Kauto Star home up the hill.
The odds may well suggest that this is a Gold Cup match between the Paul Nicholls trained superstars, but Imperial Commandar is a real Prestbury Park force, is at his very best when fresh, and expect a big run.
But it's Kauto Star to win his third Gold Cup in his glittering career. |
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