Key trainer quotes for the bet365 Gold Cup - as Willie Mullins nominates one 'high on his list' from his powerful team

Olly Murphy has enjoyed his best season, safely nestled in fifth in the trainers' championship behind Nicky Henderson, and hopes to celebrate by winning this £175,000 feature with the progressive Resplendent Grey.

The success of Murphy’s stable has gone a long way to making Sean Bowen champion jockey for the first time, and a victory for Resplendent Grey could conceivably give Dan Skelton a massive boost in his attempt to clinch the trainers’ title by keeping the Willie Mullins ten-strong raiding party at bay.

Murphy, who has landed high-profile handicaps such as the Imperial Cup with Go Dante and the Greatwood Gold Cup courtesy of Booster Bob since the start of last month, said: “Resplendent Grey is well. We’re applying cheekpieces and may ride him a bit differently this time.

Olly Murphy: trainer of Resplendent GreyCredit: Alan Crowhurst

“He's well capable of making a big impact in a race like this, he’s got a lovely racing weight, and must have a chance in what is obviously a very competitive race.”

Murphy is keen to finish the season in style and remains hungry for Grade 1 successes in the future.

He said: “We’ve had an unbelievable year in terms of numbers and strike-rate. The horses have been healthy all the way through from October which reflects considerable credit on all the staff.

“I'm disappointed not to have trained a Grade 1 winner this season, but we’ve lots of nice young horses coming through. It’s been a great season, and I am proud of what everyone has achieved and played our part in Sean’s first championship. It would be wonderful if we could all celebrate on the last day of the season by winning the bet365 Gold Cup.”

What they say

Willie Mullins, trainer of Grangeclare West, Minella Cocooner, Dancing City, High Class Hero, Lombron, Olympic Man, O’Moore Park, Spanish Harlem, Chosen Witness and Klarc Kent
Grangeclare West and Minella Cocooner ran well in the National. They must have their chance. Dancing City fell at Aintree, but before that you'd have to think he would have a real good chance and he's a good enough jumper. We switched High Class Hero from the Irish National to this race at a late stage as we thought maybe a drier track would suit him. He's going to be high on our list, if not the highest. Lombron is coming right. Olympic Man ran well for a long way at Ayr and the hood will be a big help to him. He's not without a chance. O'Moore Park is due a big win, he's been improving all season. Spanish Harlem will like the better ground and he's not out of it. It's the same with Chosen Witness, they're two big horses I haven't really run on this type of ground before, but I think it's time they did. Klarc Kent ran a cracker last time, but even claiming 5lb he's still going to be 7lb out of the handicap.

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Threeunderthrufive
He ran in the Grand National and didn’t enjoy it. He did a circuit and then Harry [Skelton] sensibly pulled him up. I always think it’s hard for a horse next time after the National, but he’s in good form and will love the good ground.

Goshen: runs for Gary and Josh MooreCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Gary Moore, joint-trainer of Goshen
He deserves to take his chance. I can’t recall him having 10st 2lb in his life; it’s a great racing weight. If the ones at the top of the handicap really do have two stone in hand then it’s going to be very difficult for the rest of them, but we’ll have to see. He always runs well at Sandown.

Emma Lavelle, trainer of King’s Threshold
We’re out of the handicap which isn’t helpful, but he’s improving. There's a question mark over the distance, but his pedigree suggests he will stay. His style of running also gives us confidence he’ll get the trip. He's always looked like he could develop into a nice horse, but it’s been a slow process. He’s flying at home, and there's no reason why he shouldn’t produce a career-best if he stays.

Dan Skelton, trainer of Hoe Joly Smoke
I always thought this was the right race. We didn't expect Grangeclare West to turn up, we're 12lb wrong before we start but we've got to give it a go.
Reporting by Richard Birch

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