Owner Rich Ricci says he is feeling very optimistic of Djakadam's chances of winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup this year.
The coveted event at Prestbury Park gets underway next month and the field for the Gold Cup has already suffered numerous high-profile withdrawals – most recently the pre-race favourite Thistlecrack being ruled out. For the runner you like the look of for the Gold Cup highlight view TVG codes and bonuses first as the likes of Aiden O'Brien, Paul Nicholls and Nicky Henderson head to Cheltenham.
Djakadam, who has finished runner up in the race for the last two years, is once again being tipped to challenge for victory and he heads to Cheltenham in fine fettle.
The eight-year-old, son of Saint Des Saints, was last seen finishing third at the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown in December last year and Ricci admits the preparations have been going very well for the Gold Cup.
Writing in his blog for BetBright, the owner said: “As opposed to last year, we've had a clean run with Djakadam. We know he gets the trip and he gets around Cheltenham well.
“Last year he fell in the BetBright Trial at Cheltenham and we had a terrible rush to get him back for Cheltenham ? Willie [Mullins] and the team did an extraordinary job to produce him in such form.
“But this year it has been far smoother and his prep has gone to plan. He goes there a fresh horse with 11 weeks from Leopardstown to Cheltenham and we are quietly purring away in the background daring to dream.”
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