Has two-time winner Galopin Des Champs finally met his match in stablemate Fact To File in the Cheltenham Gold Cup?
It was one of the most important conversations for Matt Chapman and Paddy Brennan in the second episode of Unbridled.
The Willie Mullins pair dominate the market for the big race in March next year, with Fact To File 5/2 overall ahead of the defending champion at 7/2.
The first meeting between the two took place last weekend, with John Durcan updating at Punchestown, where Fact To File impressed many by seeing off fellow Gold Cup contenders Spillane’s Tower and Fastorslow in a battle with Gallopin Des Champs to finish third;
Matt’s performance in March’s extended three-and-a-quarter mile test was questioned, but Paddy certainly grabbed the winner.
Fact To File (nearby) and Galopin Des Champs battle it out in the John Durkan
“Fact To File is the one horse that has really come to the fore this weekend,” Brennan said. “I think he’s just an incredible animal, he does everything so easily.
“All roads lead to the Gold Cup, I was blown away by it.”
Chapman was not so quick to look away from the reigning champion. He said: “The bottom line after John Durkan was that it was one of the most amazing races we’ve ever seen along with Fact To File, Spillane’s Tower, Galopin Des Champs and Fastorslow.
“It’s been great to see them all come together, but I think it’s quite extraordinary that everyone is racing over two-and-a-half miles as a major test for an extended three-mile, two-furlong course.
“While I fully understand that this was a fantastic race, this was full of horses that don’t run on a journey that is designed to be run over. I don’t think that gives you any indication of what happens at Cheltenham in the golden cup.
“Stamina is important to Gallopin Des Champs, but stamina was the one thing he didn’t need in John Durkan. Give him three and a quarter at Cheltenham and he’ll get away with anything.
Galopin Des Champs won his second consecutive Cheltenham Gold Cup this year
“You’re dealing with one of the best Gold Cup winners and he’s not old yet, he’s only eight, he’ll be nine next year. Technically, he should be in his prime.”
Brennan replied.
“To have the pinnacle of a Gold Cup horse, you have to be able to win different trips.
“Fact To File has won over three miles so we pretty much know he stays. I have no doubt about that.
Fact To File and Mark Walsh after winning the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham this year
“At John Durkan, you put everyone on a level playing field.
“We know Galopin Des Champs is better and he runs well, but I wouldn’t trade Fact to File. He ticks every box.”
“When you go up the hill twice with the Gold Cup like the Galloping Des Champs, you have to be a horse to go and do it a third time.
“For a new contender like Fact To File, I think it will be a lot easier and he has what it takes to win the Gold Cup.”
Check out Matt & Paddy Unbridled on the At The Races YouTube channel and podcast platforms.
