*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widget, while in-copy odds are accurate at time of publication but subject to change
The Gold Cup takes centre stage on the fourth and final day of the 2021 Cheltenham Festival, where Paddy Power are offering non-runner money back on all 28 races so there’s no risk of losing out if your pick withdraws before final declarations.
Al Boum Photo is looking to make it a hat-trick of wins to join the likes of Best Mate and Arkle in the history books. Willie Mullins’ nine-year-old is the favourite to land this year’s renewal but a number of intriguing dangers are expected to line up.
Trainer Tony Mullins and former jockey Nina Carberry joined Ruby Walsh and Frank Hickey on Paddy’s Ultimate Cheltenham Preview Night to run the rule over the potential runners in Friday’s big one.
Despite agreeing that Al Boum Photo is the one to beat, Tony and Nina are both looking elsewhere for their antepost flutter.
You can watch the full discussion BELOW where Paddy, Tony, Nina, Ruby and Frank take a deep dive into the 2021 Gold Cup.
TONY MULLINS
It’s going to be a sprint with KEMBOY, FRODON, NATIVE RIVER and VINNDICATION going hell for leather.
AL BOUM PHOTO‘s had such a funny history. Ruby wouldn’t have thought it was too funny when he broke his leg at Cheltenham a few years ago and then he had the moment of madness with Paul Townend where he ran out going to the last in Punchestown. He then comes along and runs once at Tramore on New Year’s Day and goes and wins the Gold Cup, he does the same thing again and now he’s trying to do it a third time. Every time we try and get a proper look at him, you can’t really.
I suppose he is the one to beat but A PLUS TARD is the horse for me. When he stepped up to the three miles at Leopardstown, he looked beat going to the last but then he outstayed everyone to the line. Another two furlongs are going to prove even better. He’s a real class horse and he’s the biggest danger.
NINA CARBERRY
There’s too many ifs about MINELLA INDO. I felt that he was cautious when jumping after his fall and it’s hard to get that out of them. You need to be at your best at Cheltenham and he was too cautious at Leopardstown.
Al Boum Photo is rock solid at the top of the betting but I was impressed with how CHAMP jumped over two miles in the Game Spirit Chase. If he’s ridden handy and has a bit of light he could be very hard to beat.
GOLD CUP BET SUMMARY
Tony Mullins – A Plus Tard
Nina Carberry – Champ
*Paddy will be all over your telly box throughout the Cheltenham Festival sponsoring ITV’s live coverage from Prestbury Park – and you can get free and exclusive tipping columns EVERY DAY from Ruby Walsh, Matt Chapman and Mick Fitzgerald here on PP News.
Read More on Cheltenham 2021
- Cheltenham Festival dates, race times and antepost picks from our experts
- Cheltenham tips: Gold Cup antepost pick revealed by Ruby Walsh
- Cheltenham tips: Gold Cup antepost best bet for Frank Hickey
- Gold Cup latest odds and tips
- Gold Cup potential runners and latest news
- Gold Cup dual winner Al Boum Photo’s 4 biggest threats