I think we'll see the 2026 Gold Cup winner on Sunday - and that could be the perfect time to hoover up big prices

After Cheltenham’s rain-soaked November meeting, there is barely time to catch our breath before Punchestown’s big two-day meeting at the weekend. Saturday’s Morgiana Hurdle should give us an early indication of the pecking order among the Irish two-mile hurdlers, but it’s the following day’s John Durkan Chase that I want to focus on this week. 

Last year’s race, the first of three clashes between the season’s three highest-rated staying chasers, was undoubtedly the early-season highlight. It’s a shame that one of those horses, Galopin Des Champs, will be absent this year, but Gaelic Warrior, the next best staying chaser on current ratings, is a very able and intriguing deputy.

If he is anywhere near full fitness, Fact To File will be very hard to beat again. Last year, he finished nearly three lengths ahead of Galopin Des Champs, after the two horses were sent off at near-identical odds. On Sunday, he will face a new reigning Gold Cup champion, but if the current betting is to be believed, such a close contest is unlikely. It’s almost accepted that Inothewayurthinkin will be some way short of his peak and nowhere near ready to mount a serious challenge.