Sunday’s Irish Gold Cup betting preview: Latest runners, riders, odds and trainer quotes for the final field
Don't miss the latest trainer quotes ahead of the Grade 1 contest at Leopardstown on Sunday
A CRACKING field are set to go to post for the Irish Gold Cup.
The market is headed by Road To Respect, who was an eye-catching third in the Savills Chase.
1. Al Boum Photo - Willie Mullins/Paul Townend (7-2)
High-class performer who made an impressive return to action at Tramore.
Will have improved plenty for the outing and looks sure to run a big race.
Patrick Mullins on Al Boum Photo
"I think Al Boum Photo's performance at Tramore on New Year's Day - beating Total Recall and Invitation Only when giving them both weight - has probably been overlooked.
"He'd improved with every run and we're expecting a big show from him."
2. Anibale Fly - Tony Martin/Barry Geraghty (9-1)
Third in last year's Cheltenham Gold Cup and fourth in the Grand National.
Fourth over an inadequate trip on his return and likely to have been primed for this.
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3. Balko Des Flos - Henry De Bromhead/Rachael Blackmore (20-1)
Hugely impressive winner of the Ryanair at the Cheltenham Festival last year.
Disappointing since then and hard to fancy on current form.
4. Bellshill - Willie Mullins/Ruby Walsh (4-1)
Very classy performer on his day and ran well in the Savills Chase last time.
Likely contender for powerful yard.
Patrick Mullins on Bellshill
"I have my own theory about Bellshill - I just think he's a much better horse going right-handed.
"He ran well the last day and should improve.
"He has some good form going left-handed, but I think he's only been beaten once going the other way and that was when he was unlucky in last year's Irish Grand National."
5. Edwulf - Joseph O'Brien/Derek O'Connor (25-1)
Defied the odds to win this race at 33-1 last season.
Not been in the same form since and he its hard to see him defending his crown.
Joseph O'Brien on Edwulf
"He ran a nice enough race the last day but it was a very messy, slow race and they sprinted for the last six (furlongs).
"He's in good form, but he probably wants softer ground ideally.
"Derek (O'Connor) knows him well and there's not much point changing now."
6. Monalee - Henry De Bromhead/Robbie Power (7-1)
Very talented performer who won the Flogas on this card last year.
Yet to fully convince over 3m, for all he ran a cracker in the Savills Chase here last time.
Henry De Bromhead on Monalee
"We were happy with his run at Christmas and we'll take our chance again and see.
"I'm not sure if he stays at this stage to be honest. I thought he did, but I think you'd have to start questioning that.
"I think we'll give it another go and see."
7. Noble Endeavor - Gordon Elliott/Keith Donoghue (50-1)
Shaped as though he would improve for the run when midfield in the Becher in December.
That will have blown away the cobwebs, but he is still expected to find this tough going.
8. Outlander - Gordon Elliott/Jack Kennedy (25-1)
Multiple Grade 1 winner who was just touched off in this race last year.
Another struggling for form at present, but could go well at a price.
9. Road To Respect - Noel Meade/Sean Flanagan (9-4)
Stumbled and lost ground at a crucial stage when third in the Savills Chase over Christmas.
Did well to finish so close that day and he is a leading contender here.
Noel Meade on Road To Respect
"He was travelling well. It was a peculiar race because they went no gallop and David (Mullins) got plenty of plaudits for his ride on the winner afterwards.
"It became more like a six- or seven-furlong sprint than a three-mile chase.
"Our plan that day was to go around the inside as he did last year and everything was going well until they went no gallop and then he slipped twice.
"It all felt apart. That's racing and the fact there was no gallop caused all the horses to concertina together."
10. The Storyteller - Gordon Elliott/Davy Russell (20-1)
Won the Festival Plate at the Cheltenham Festival last term.
Behind a few of these when sixth in the Savills Chase and looks set to play a minor role again.