Cheltenham Gold Cup Runners

by Darren Brett
Below are guides to each of the gold cup runners for the 2013 Gold Cup. Which Gold Cup runners have performed well at Cheltenham before? Which runners are of a high enough class to win the Gold Cup? Which runners are likely to be in the race!!

2013 Gold Cup Runners

A look at each of the runners towards the head of the 2013 Cheltenham Gold Cup betting.

Bobs Worth

Like Sir Des Champs has won at the last two Cheltenham Festivals, taking the Albert Barltett two years ago and recorded a gutsy staying performance to take the RSA in 2012. Could one of these young pretenders record a remarkable hat-trick and take the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2013?

Sir Des Champs

Unbeaten in his first two seasons in Britain and Ireland, recording back to back wins at the Cheltenham Festival in the 2011 Martin Pipe and the 2012 Jewson. Looks sure to be one of the big players in the Gold Cup division.

Long Run

Winner of the King George and Gold Cup in the 2010/11 season but disappointed last year with just one win from four starts. Bounced back to form this season with a gustsy victory to win his second King George. Can he also reclaim the Gold Cup?

Silviniaco Conti

The horse entrusted with taking over the hopes of the Paul Nicholls stable now that Kauto Star and Denman have been retired. Silviniaco Conti has won three top class Grade One races in 2012/13, beating the likes of Long Run and The Giant Bolster in the process. Must have an excellent chance of continuing the fine form of the Nicholls yard in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

First Lieutenant

Defeated future Champion Hurdler Rock On Ruby to take the Neptune Hurdle at the Festival in 2011 and has maintained that high level of form ever since. Just missed out in the RSA last season when a game runner-up to Bobs Worth. Hasn't managed to win yet in 12/13 but came agonisingly close again last time out when just bobbed by Tidal Bay in the Lexus at Leopardstown.
Connections feel the soft ground this season has been against their charge and could be the one to prove a shock to the favourites.

Imperial Commander

2010 Gold Cup winner who was off the track for the best part of two years before an eyecatching return when just losing out to Cape Tribulation in the Argento. Could he emulate Kauto Star and regain the Gold Cup?

Captain Chris

Won the Arkle in 2011 and has bounced back to top form after an indifferent season in 11/12.
Looked to have claimed the King George this year but Long Run showed all his fighting qualities to nail Captain Chris on the line. Philip Hobbs' gelding was also arguably unlucky when finishing second to Cue Card last time out as a last flight mistake stopped his momentum as he was chasing the winner. Has a good record at Cheltenham but does have some stamina questions to answer. If he stays the trip he could prove a tough character to beat.

Other Gold Cup Runners

Keep a close eye on the latest Gold Cup Odds to help you work out the horse you want to follow.

Still not sure who to back? Check out our Gold Cup Trends