Gold Cup tips: OUR CHELTENHAM PANEL OF EXPERTS GIVE THEIR PICKS ON THE RACE

RUBY WALSH

As soon as Al Boum Photo won the Gold Cup last year, it was the biggest certainty Willie Mullins would put him on the same route this year. He beat Acapella Bourgeois at Tramore on New Year’s Day.

Kemboy got the better of him at Punchestown in his only other outing since winning the Gold Cup., but Punchestown is a much flatter track than Cheltenham, it’s more reliant on speed, and that suited Kemboy.

The only doubt for Al Boum Photo here is history.

Best Mate was the last horse to win back-to-back Gold Cups. Al Boum Photo is a clever horse, but he knows f**k all about history!

And I think he’ll win again.

LIZZIE KELLY

I see no reason why Al Boum Photo can’t win another Gold Cup.

PADDY POWER

He might be no good at history, but he knows his way around Cheltenham, so he’s not bad at geography! I don’t think last year’s performance will be good enough to win this year.

Presenting Percy ran a terrible race last year, I think he might do better this time around with more runs under his belt.

Lostintranslation was pretty impressive last year and could challenge. Delta Work has improved out of sight and can win. I don’t much fancy Santini.

He and Al Boum Photo look vulnerable.

Lostintranslation is the one I’m leaning towards. He can gallop up the hill and looks a touch above the others.

PAUL JACOBS

I think this is a better race than last year and Al Boum Photo will need a career best to win it. The Cheltenham Gold Cup is made for him, though. He jumps well, he stays well.

Delta Work has had two really tough races at Leopardstown and I can’t see him winning.

I think Santini and Al Boum Photo are the archetypal horses for the Gold Cup. I can’t decide between the two of them.

FRANK HICKEY

Al Boum Photo is only eight-years-old and still improving. He was an impressive winner last year despite making a mistake at the last. The rest have a lot to do and he looks a fair price to retain his crown.

Of the others, Clan Des Obeaux, Delta Work and Lostintranslation all have credentials but Al Boum Photo will win.

He will win.