Last season’s Grand National winner Corach Rambler is set to have a first shot at the Cheltenham Gold Cup this season, as connections of the horse are favoring the Blue Riband event over the Ultima Handicap Chase.
The Scottish-based runner has won the last two renewals of the Ultima Handicap Chase, but he is now unlikely to line up in the day one race, as his official rating indicates he is a worthy contender for the feature of the week.
Toughest Test to Date in Gold Cup
Corach Rambler is +2000 in the bet at Cheltenham race market for the 2024 Cheltenham Gold Cup. It is set to be the toughest test of his career, as he will come up against the best three-mile chasers in the UK and Ireland.
Those looking to back the Lucinda Russell’s runner in the day four contest should consider Paddy Power’s Cheltenham free bet offer. New customers can scoop a free bet to use on the race. There are currently 16 entries in the field, and it may be one of the strongest renewals for many years.
The dual Festival winner will need to improve on his form this season. He has failed to finish in the placings in two attempts in the campaign. His trainer often gets him in his peak condition for the final couple of months of the season, so his best performances may still be to come.
Defending Champion Among Entries
Galopin Des Champs is set to return to the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2024 where he will be bidding to successfully defend his title. The Irish horse beat Bravemansgame by seven lengths in the Blue Riband contest 12 months ago.
Irishman Willie Mullins was the leading trainer at the Cheltenham Festival in 2023 and he will be hoping his star chaser can help him cap off another great week. The nine-year-old has recorded major victories in the Savills Chase and Irish Gold Cup this season, with the latter coming at the Dublin Racing Festival on his latest outing.
There are also entries in this year’s Gold Cup for Irish chasers Fastorslow and Gerri Colombe. Those two horses have both won big races in Ireland and travel to the Cheltenham Festival with big reputations.
Return To Aintree in April
Corach Rambler is set to be one of several horses that will also feature at Aintree in April at the Grand National Meeting. He has been entered in the world’s most famous steeplechase once again.
The handicapper has handed the defending champion a weight allocation of 11st 2lb, which is the eighth highest in the race. He will have 11lb more weight on his back this year as he bids to replicate what Tiger Roll achieved in 2019 by winning the marathon contest in consecutive renewals.
The 10-year-old has shown throughout his career that he flourishes under a stamina test. He also jumped the Grand National fences well at the course in Liverpool in 2023. Although the assignment is tougher this year, many horse racing pundits feel he has a great chance once again.
Should he prove triumphant at Cheltenham or Aintree, Corach Rambler will be in contention to be named the Horse of the Year at the end of the 2023/24 National Hunt season.