Eldorado Allen is the outsider of the field in the Gold Cup, we understand that, but he’s finished second in a Charlie Hall this season, second in the Betfair Chase, fourth in the King George, so we feel he’s entitled to take his chance here. 

We’ll ride him differently from how he went at Newbury last time, when he was in attack mode. He disputed the lead with Hitman and the pair of them ended up going too fast too soon, setting it up for Zanza, who won in a course record time. We’re being realistic here, so will ride him to finish as well as he possibly can.

He does have some decent festival form, finishing second in an Arkle and third in a Ryanair, so we know he likes it around here, and if we ride him to see out his race, he could just pick up some pieces and nick a place in the first four or five.

I don’t think he’s ground dependent at all, he’s got form on all going, so any more rain that falls shouldn’t be an issue. It’s been a challenging season weather-wise for all racecourses, but in the circumstances I don’t think the ground can be an excuse this week, on the whole the right horses have been involved at the business end of races.

In terms of his opposition, it’s a Gold Cup so of course there is quality, and plenty of it. Galopin Des Champs is a worthy favourite, and although he’s got to prove his stamina, Willie Mullins has had another great week and they do seem to be very confident about this horse.

If A Plus Tard is in the same form as last year he could certainly be involved, while Protektorat and Royale Pagaille won’t mind testing ground. But I can’t be too concerned with the opposition, all I can do is get Eldorado Allen there in good form – which he is at home – and hope for a little bit of luck.

It’s very special to have a runner in the Gold Cup in my first season as the licence holder. Whatever his odds, the team at home can be very proud of that, and if he can pick up some prize money then it’s a job well done.

Joe Tizzard, Coral Racing Club Trainer