Celestial Gold to make Pipe dream a reality

It's nine years since Imperial Call won the race that matters most to Irish race fans.

It's another 10 years back to that Dawn Run epic that brought the house down. The decade of dominance in the 1970s when Irish horses won the Gold Cup six times is another age. So as if there wasn't enough pressure on the Irish hopes already, the expectation level is sure to remorselessly rise even more until this afternoon's 3.15 boiling point.

The build-up to the great race has guaranteed that even more than usual. The defection of Best Mate left the gate to Gold Cup glory ajar and a procession of contenders have been pushing it wider as they drop out.

It's only a week since Ollie Magern cracked a cannonbone and three days ago Kingscliff worked so poorly he had to be taken out. At least he can have another go. Just 24 hours later Farmer Jack dropped dead of a heart attack. It's a catalogue of cross-channel problems that contrasts dramatically with the Irish experience.

Kicking King's recovery from illness has made Lazarus look like a wuss and the Beef Or Salmon team, so out of form they hadn't tasted success in months, put things right at just the right time with a winner last weekend. Pizarro's jumping has in the past looked far too ropey for chasing's greatest prize but there are some who insist he remains a realistic each-way option. All told it's looking decidedly encouraging, and yet . . .

There remains enough in the negative column to suggest the long wait may have to continue. Twist any way you like and it's still a concern that Kicking King has had an illness hiccup so close to the big race. Tom Taaffe is happy it is not a major issue and if he is right we could see the continuation of a fantastic family tradition. But there is also a possible "if" about the horse's stamina. Possessed of enough speed to be placed twice here over two miles, should he also have enough reserves to last this out then he is a truly singular talent.

It will be Beef Or Salmon's third attempt at the race and theoretically it must be his best chance. Falling as a novice was excusable as was finishing fourth off an interrupted preparation last year. But there is the suspicion the sort of strongly run race Cheltenham invariably provides doesn't see Beef Or Salmon at his best.

Pizarro's jumping is still too much of a concern.

With Best Mate out of the way the gate is also open for the home team and Celestial Gold and Strong Flow look the most likely candidates to go through.

The ground looks like it will be too quick for Grey Abbey and last year's runner-up Sir Rembrandt and the surface could also be a concern for Strong Flow whose career was under threat less than a year ago due to a serious leg injury. There is also the fact he has never even run at Cheltenham never mind run well here.

In contrast Celestial Gold ticks both those boxes with a vengeance. He won a novice over the course and distance last April and on good to firm going too. This season he has improved beyond recognition, picked up the Paddy Power and the Hennessy, and left the strong impression last time out that he is still on the upgrade.

That run in the Aon gives Strong Flow a slight edge but a strong pace today around his favourite track and on quicker ground should give Celestial Gold sway.

A peak-form Kicking King will frighten them all and a King George-Gold Cup double winner would be just the sort of star that Irish chase fans could take to their hearts. But for today Celestial Gold looks the safest option to give Martin Pipe and Timmy Murphy their first success in the race.

GOLD CUP FORECAST

1, Celestial Gold

2, Kicking King

3, Tiutchev