Did we see the Gold Cup winner in the King George? Three experts have their say

Bravemansgame was brilliant in the King George as he earned a 13th King George for trainer Paul Nicholls, who confirmed immediately afterwards that the Cheltenham Gold Cup would be the next stop for his star chaser. L'Homme Presse looked certain to follow Bravemansgame home in second before unseating Charlie Deutsch after the last, but what did our experts make of the race with the Gold Cup in mind?

Ryanair could be the best option for Bravemansgame

I think we might have, but it wasn't the impressive Bravemansgame and I would favour L'Homme Presse in a Cheltenham Gold Cup rematch.

Kempton is Bravemansgame's track and I suspect L'Homme Presse's superior stamina over 3m2½f on a stiff course would see the King George form reversed.

Bravemansgame leads L'Homme Presse in a cracking King GeorgeCredit: Mark Cranham

L'Homme Presse will also be much better going left-handed having compromised his chance at Kempton somewhat by jumping out to the left.

If I owned Bravemansgame I'd give strong consideration to the Ryanair Chase instead to remove any stamina doubts. Considering the worries surrounding Allaho's wellbeing, the Ryanair is quite an open race this year.
Robbie Wilders, tipster

L'Homme Presse looks to be Britain's biggest hope

Probably not. Galopin Des Champs looks like a bit of a freak and in my eyes the Gold Cup is his for the taking, providing he turns up in form and stays the trip.

Bravemansgame has to be a player and Paul Nicholls believes he is taking his racing better too, which is a positive. But ultimately I feel the trip may stretch him.

My main takeaway was a positive regarding L'Homme Presse. I did not fancy him at all, thinking Kempton would be way too sharp for him, but he was still there in contention before unseating Charlie Deutsch. He was an unlikely winner here but the Gold Cup – going left-handed on a stiff course – could be his ideal race.

Protektorat is a good horse but I believe L'Homme Presse will be Britain's best chance in the race come March.
James Stevens, reporter

Bravemansgame a contender after King George win

If we did then it’s most likely the winner on that evidence.

L’Homme Presse will be happier back at Cheltenham, but it was very noticeable how much Bravemansgame towered over him in the race. Paul Nicholls’ seven-year-old is an impressive-looking horse, and now he’s matured into a proper stayer so he’s got to have a chance at Cheltenham.

Harry Cobden celebrates with Paul Nicholls' assistant trainer Charlie Davies after his King George heroicsCredit: Edward Whitaker

We now await to see if A Plus Tard can return to some sort of form on Wednesday, but on what we’ve seen this season, the Gold Cup is between Galopin Des Champs and Bravemansgame, with Protektorat also a serious player if it turns up soft.
James Hill, tipster

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