Only strongest will survive Gold Cup endurance test

There is simply no hiding place in a Cheltenham Gold Cup. Every year they go a strong, relentless gallop from the start and it is the ultimate challenge for a staying chaser.

With ground conditions already testing and further rain forecast on Thursday night, this year’s Timico-sponsored showpiece (3.30) is going to prove even more of an endurance test than ever.

A big field of 18 runners will assemble at the start, including my mount Saphir Du Rheu, who ran a superb race to finish fifth to Sizing John on good ground 12 months ago.