'All the roads lead to Cheltenham' - Al Boum Photo poised for Tramore four-timer

Saturday: 2.20 Tramore
Savills New Year's Day Chase (Grade 3) | 2m6f | 5yo+ | ITV/RTV

Willie Mullins has often been described as a creature of habit and there are few stronger examples of that suggestion than his campaigning of all-star stayer Al Boum Photo.

It wouldn't be New Year's Day at Tramore without an appearance from the two-time Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, who has once again seen his odds for the festival highlight tighten in the past week despite remaining tucked away in his Closutton stable.

We can often be guilty in sport of being lured in by the excitement of unexposed potential rather than appreciating proven talent.

After a festive period where a number of Gold Cup candidates failed to deliver, Al Boum Photo could well be the answer to the Blue Riband conundrum. He's been there, done that – twice – and is arguably overpriced for Cheltenham at 14-1.

An earlier-than-normal return was mooted this season in a bid to ensure he had a "harder fitness" than before last season's Gold Cup, when an admirable third.

Al Boum Photo: the star attraction at Tramore on SaturdayCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

But that did not happen and we're once again heading back to the seaside as Al Boum Photo bids to make it four successive wins in this race.

Jockey Paul Townend said: "He obviously loves it around the track and is in great form at home. I'm really looking forward to getting back on him."

Townend added in his Ladbrokes blog: "He's a favourite of mine, winning two Gold Cups. All the roads lead back to Cheltenham again and hopefully he can do it here."

Joe and Marie Donnelly's star turns ten on Saturday, which is not exactly an attractive statistic for the Gold Cup considering 1998 scorer Cool Dawn is the last horse aged older than nine to claim the spoils.

However, Al Boum Photo is not your conventional ten-year-old.

In the 1,346 days that have followed an unforgettable 2018 Growise Champion Novice Chase at Punchestown, in which he carried out Finian's Oscar before the last, we've seen the dual Cheltenham hero just eight times.

Paul Townend on Al Boum Photo: 'He's a favourite of mine'Credit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

In comparison to his other Gold Cup rivals, we've seen A Plus Tard and Minella Indo 13 and 15 times respectively during the same period, while Galvin hadn't even made his debut before the 2018 Punchestown festival. He's been sighted on 19 occasions since.

Al Boum Photo may be ageing, but the miles on his clock are still relatively low.

'It's going to be a testing track' – fresh ground key to Tramore conditions

Tramore clerk of the course Paddy Graffin believes that fresh ground for Saturday's fixture could make all the difference for conditions at the popular meeting, considering the track has been hit by significant rain in recent days.

Speaking via the IHRB's Twitter feed at 4pm on New Year's Eve, Graffin said: "For the last seven days we've had 70mm of rain at Tramore. I know the country has had a lot of rain but we've had it particularly bad around this area. Since declarations we've had 28mm of rain."

He added: "I'm pleased to say that we have a completely fresh line on both the hurdle and chase tracks. Given the amount rain we've had, I think the fact we're on fresh ground has given me less concerns and the best possible chance to race.

"Despite the fact it's fresh, it is still going to be a testing track. We're going to have heavy ground. I'm hoping it will dry a little bit more, we have a good breeze here.

"There's some rain forecast, which hopefully will keep the ground loose, but it's in very good nick and we're looking forward to a great day of racing."

More New Year's Day race previews:

1.25 Cheltenham: why L'Homme Presse will need to answer some fresh questions to win the Dipper

1.40 Musselburgh: 'He's a bit of an enigma' – Olly Murphy unsure what to expect from Strong Glance

2.00 Cheltenham: why Alnadam's delayed Cheltenham raid might prove to be beautifully timed

2.10 Musselburgh: progressive Tommy's Oscar seeks hat-trick for in-form Hamilton team

2.35 Cheltenham: 'He's in the form of his life' – can Malzard strike again on Kansas City Chief?

2.40 Fairyhouse: festival clues galore as top mares Put The Kettle On, Elimay and Mount Ida clash

3.10 Cheltenham: 'He's always good fresh' – Relkeel Hurdle trainer quotes and big-race insight

Racing Post exclusive offer. New customers can get £30 in free bets. First single & e/w bet only. Odds of 1/1 or greater. 6 x £5 bet token. Free bet stakes not included in returns. Free bets redeemable on horse racing only. Free bets are non-withdrawable. No free bet expiry. Eligibility restrictions. Further T&Cs apply. 18+. begambleaware.org.