Ground no concern as Djakadam bids to break Gold duck

Our quest to achieve a first win in the Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup continues today when Djakadam will attempt to go one better having finished runner-up twice in the last two seasons.

We've tried to land the coveted prize for many years and have had the runner-up in the race six times. Before Djakadam we had Florida Pearl, Hedgehunter, On His Own and Sir Des Champs – all finished second.

It would be fantastic if this could prove to be Djakadam's year and he does seem in really good form. We decided to give the Irish Gold Cup a miss and today's race will be his first since he ran a close third in the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown's Christmas meeting.