Who will be competing in their very own 'Gold Cup'? Graeme Rodway has the answer

Glenfarclas Crystal Cup Cross Country Handicap Chase | 3m6f | 5yo+ | RTV/ITV4

Three cross-country races are run at Cheltenham each season and the same horses tend to return for them all. It’s a little bit like the big sprint handicaps run throughout the summer in that, when there’s no outstanding hedge-hopper around, the winning tends to be shared around.

So, with no Spot Thedifference, Garde Champetre, Balthazar King or Tiger Roll in this line-up, whose turn is it going to be this time? A look back at last month’s quotes could be key.

In the preview for the cross-country chase in November, I was taken by a quote from Richard Bandey, the trainer of Diesel D’Allier, who was making his debut for the yard. Bandey said: “Our Gold Cup might be December and not November, but we’ll see. We’re there to have a go.”

That was a clear hint Diesel D’Allier might be in need of that first outing for the Bandey operation after a seven-month absence, yet the gallant grey looked set to win turning for home.

Diesel D’Allier was still in front on the run-in and traded at a low of 1.28 in running on Betfair before being headed in the final half-furlong. That was a mighty run for one who wasn’t considered to be at his absolute peak for the race and he should be much fitter here.

If this is Diesel D’Allier’s Gold Cup, then March might be Midnight Maestro’s judged on what trainer Enda Bolger told the Racing Post in his stable tour. He said: “We’ll give him a taste of Cheltenham before going there in March.” It seems evident the Festival is the aim.

No trainer has been more synonymous with the cross-country than Bolger down the years and he has saddled five winners of that race at the Cheltenham Festival. A look back at this preview might also be the best way to approach the big one coming up in three months’ time.
Race analysis by Graeme Rodway

Rothwell believes Banjo can deliver a fine tune

Philip Rothwell was reduced to tears after Mc Alpine provided him with his first Cheltenham winner since Native Jack won the cross-country at the festival in 2006 and the trainer is hoping for a much quicker follow-up with Singing Banjo here.

Narrowly beaten by Back On The Lash in last month's cross-country chase when racing from nearly a stone out of the handicap, Singing Banjo is 12lb worse off with that rival, but Rothwell is not overly worried given the improvement he expects from his veteran.

The trainer believes that, as long as the ground stays on the good side, Singing Banjo will be involved in the finish.

Rothwell said: "If they don't get too much rain and the ground stays on the good side he won't be far away. He ran a cracker from a stone out of the handicap at the November meeting and, although he's much higher in the weights now, that was his first time over the Cheltenham cross-country course and we think he'll improve massively for it."

He added: "He's in brilliant form at home and we're expecting a big run. He got the boat over this morning [Thursday] and has settled in well. We couldn't be happier."

What they say

Henry de Bromhead, trainer of Balko Des Flos and Plan Of Attack
They both ran really well over the course last month. I'm very happy with them and looking forward to getting them back there again.

Martin Keighley, trainer of Talkischeap and Back On The Lash
They both seem really well and went schooling at the track last week and enjoyed it, so I’m really pleased with them. We’ve kept them fresh this week and hopefully the rain will stay away as we don’t want it too soft. I was gutted with Talkischeap last time as he was running nicely until he jinked slightly and could have had a good finish. We know he stays really well, so I could see him running a big race. For Back On The Lash to win the first time around those fences last time was quite impressive and he’s only seven. If he can improve from his last run, and he will probably need to, he should go close.

Frank Berry, racing manager to JP McManus, owner of Midnight Maestro
He ran a cracker at Punchestown on his first start of the season. We're happy he's come out of the race well and goes there in good form. Enda [Bolger] is very pleased with him.

Richard Bandey, trainer of Diesel D'Allier
I was very pleased with his run there last time on ground that was probably quick enough for him. Given his previous experience on softer ground we were hoping for rain and we've nearly had enough – we could do with a deluge on Thursday night. We're high in the market and I think he's justified to be there as he's proven it over that track and trip before. The ground will be slightly on the easier side, so there'll be a bit more stamina involved. We've got a lovely weight and hopefully we'll be thereabouts.

Christian Williams, trainer of Potters Corner
He's probably a bit of a mudlark over the extreme distances, but even when it's nice ground in the cross-country race he seems to run well there. I probably shouldn't have run him at Haydock as three miles on a sharp track and good ground didn't suit him. I'd put a line through it. We'll ride him prominently again and I'm looking forward to running him.

Ross O'Sullivan, trainer of Call It Magic
We're hopeful more than confident. He took his run at Punchestown very well but it's not going to be an easy task from 10lb out of the handicap. Having said that, he's been a brilliant horse for us and he should run a respectable race.
Reporting by Brian Sheerin

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