Leopardstown’s Dublin Racing Festival (3-4 February) is the new stage for the Irish Gold Cup, which takes place on the second day of Ireland’s latest and exciting new initiative to boost attendances at Irish National Hunt Meetings.
However, whilst this new initiative sees the Irish Gold Cup and Irish Champion Hurdle take place at the same meeting for the first time, the Irish Gold Cup is a very prestigious race in its own right.
Established in 1987, this 3-Mile Grade 1 Chase’s role of honour is a who’s who of Irish Steeplechasing, a race won by the likes of four-time winner Florida Pearl and three-time winner Beef Or Salmon.
Irish Gold Cup trends
- The last 10 winners have been aged between 7 and 10
- The lowest-rated winner in the last 10-years was rated 150
- The highest-rated winner in the last 10-years was rated 164
- 6 of the last 7 favourites have lost
- Neptune Collonges was the shortest-priced winner in the last decade at 8/13
- Carlingford Lough was the longest-priced winner in the last decade at 20/1
- 3 of Willie Mullins’ 9 winners have come in the last 7 years
2018 Irish Gold Cup Main Contenders
Our Duke
Was highly-touted as a future Cheltenham Gold Cup winner after a being one of the most impressive winners of the Irish Grand National last season but he ran terribly on his only run this season at Down Royal before Christmas. He is a Grade 1 winner over the curse and distance though, form which has been boosted since by the placed horses Coney Island and Disko. Suspicion he might be at his best over the longer trip of the Cheltenham Gold Cup, but it will be no surprise if emulates his stablemate Sizing John by winning this before heading to Cheltenham.
Anibale Fly
Carried a big-weight to victory when winning a course and distance handicap in December but, whilst that form entitles Tony Martin’s horse to plenty of respect, he looks held by Our Duke on collateral form using Coney Island as a guide.
Killultagh Vic
Had to have nearly two-years off the track after injuring himself over fences, but he has a serious engine, as he proved with victory over Thistlecrack over hurdles at the Punchestown Festival. Powered home to win on his comeback run over a shorter-trip over hurdles and, as trainer Willie Mullins thinks he’s a better chaser in the making, he could easily give Mullins his tenth Irish Gold Cup winner.
Outlander
Not the most consistent animal in the world but has done connections proud with 7 wins from 22 starts. However, he’s definitely interesting as four of those wins have come here at Leopardstown. His other run here saw him finish third in this season’s Lexus Chase, and he shouldn’t be overlooked with Jack Kennedy likely to be back in the saddle this time.
Minella Rocco
Has the form in the book to win a race like this having finished second in last year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup but, though he will probably improve from his sixth here at Christmas, he probably needs further to be seen at his best.
Our Top Unibet Irish Gold Cup 2018 Betting Tip:
Our Duke could prove himself a class apart from his rivals if back to his best, but he has something to prove. Meanwhile, Outlander has the look of an each-way bet at double-figure odds considering his course record. However, it could be worth taking a chance on the chasing-potential of Killultagh Vic, especially considering the record of his trainer in the race.
2018 Irish Gold Cup Tip: Killultagh Vic