If the Cheltenham Festival is the Olympics of Jumps racing, then the Gold Cup is the 100m sprint.
Ironic, given one is a dash and the other a stamina-sapping test, but they are both known as the Blue Riband events of their respective competitions and legend-status awaits the winners.
This season's renewal looks red-hot, unsurprisingly, but is also looks wide-open. Let's take a deeper look, shall we?
Latest Cheltenham Gold Cup Ante-Post Odds
Betfred's current favourite at 11/4 is Willie Mullins' Galopin Des Champs. It goes without saying that he is an exceptionally-talented individual who should boast a perfect record over fences but for a very unfortunate fall at the last in the Turners in March, but I think it's wise to oppose him at the odds.
Why? First of all, he's very short in the betting for a horse that's yet to appear in open company. Secondly, he's never ran over further than 2m5f, and there's a more than fair argument that, given his exuberant racing style, 3m2f at HQ would not suit.
Another I'm reluctantly - as I absolutely adore the horse - suggesting could be opposed is the champ A Plus Tard (8/1).
He was sensational in claiming the crown last season, but as consistent as he is this will be his fifth visit to the Festival and his third go in the Gold Cup. That takes its toll on a horse, and after his no-show without explanation in the Betfair Chase earlier in November, I'd be looking elsewhere.
Allaho is 10/1 and prominent in the market but he's highly unlikely to line-up, not only as the Ryanair is his obvious aim but it's been suggested that he could go straight to Cheltenham without a prep run this term after suffering a setback.
At the same price is Protektorat, who has to be taken very, very seriously indeed - not only on his recent Betfair Chase win, but on last season's form too.
Then you're looking at those I see as more attractive propositions for the most prestigious prize in the National Hunt game.
I wouldn't put anybody off L'Homme Presse at 6/1. The Brown Advisory winner's reappearance in a handicap off a mammoth weight was extremely pleasing, and he's one of a few novices going into open company that's entitled to keep improving throughout the season.
Another of those potential improvers is Capodanno, also for Ireland's champion trainer, at 20/1. Mullins has been quoted saying he thinks he's a "Grade 1 horse every day of the week" in a recent stable tour, so he's another to watch closely.
But the one I'm most interested in is National Hunt Chase winner Stattler - unsurprisingly another one for the maestro of Closutton.
He improved for every race last season, and his performance in the 3m6 novices' chase at the Festival was superb. He travelled well, jumped every fence immaculately and finished strongly proving that stamina is certainly something he possesses in spades.
The six-year-old is 16/1, and that could be the each-way play at this early stage.
Cheltenham Festival Betting Odds
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