Stephen Welch's NAP of the Day (13th March)
2 minutes Today’s NAP comes in the biggest race of the week, the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
4:00 Cheltenham
Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race)
HAITI COULEURS - 5/1
Haiti Couleurs looks the type made for a searching Cheltenham Gold Cup and appeals as the one most likely to come out on top in this year’s open renewal. Rebecca Curtis’ progressive stayer announced himself as a major Festival force when landing the National Hunt Chase here 12 months ago, a performance that highlighted not only his stamina but also his ability to jump accurately and sustain a relentless gallop up the famous hill. Since then, he has continued to strengthen his staying credentials and arrives here on the back of another excellent campaign.
His Welsh National victory was a particularly important piece of evidence in the context of this race. Carrying a big weight in one of the season’s toughest staying handicaps, Haiti Couleurs showed determination and reserves of stamina that very few in this field can match. He then confirmed himself as a genuine Gold Cup horse when winning the Denman Chase at Newbury in authoritative fashion, travelling with purpose and putting the race to bed in the style of a horse still on the upgrade rather than one who had already reached his ceiling.
This year’s Gold Cup looks likely to be run at an honest tempo and that should play directly to his strengths. The Jukebox Man, Gaelic Warrior and Jango Baie all command huge respect on class and recent form, while last year’s winner Inothewayurthinkin cannot be dismissed if bouncing back to his Festival best. However, Haiti Couleurs brings a slightly different profile to the race. He is not just classy, he is relentless, proven at Cheltenham and already battle-hardened in the sort of staying tests that often prove decisive in this championship.
There is also a sense that the Gold Cup could arrive at exactly the right time for him. He has developed into a strong, uncomplicated staying chaser with a sound jumping technique and the ability to keep finding off the bridle. In a race where some of his market rivals still have to prove they fully see out the trip under Gold Cup pressure, Haiti Couleurs already looks tailor-made for it. If he gets into his rhythm early and Sean Bowen can keep him rolling, he may well grind the finish out of some more fashionable rivals from the third-last.
Verdict: With proven Cheltenham form, deep reserves of stamina and the profile of a horse still improving at exactly the right time, HAITI COULEURS is taken to land the Cheltenham Gold Cup and is a standout NAP of the Day.
