Noel Meade: The Irish Verdict

Ireland have won the last two

Gold Cups but it is difficult to see

anyone beating Kauto Star if he

jumps well this afternoon.

The drying ground has dashed

Beef Or Salmon’s hopes of ending

his fruitless trips to Cheltenham

and I believe it will also hinder

improving handicapper Cane

Break. That leaves Forget The

Past who must be respected

after his third in last year’s race.

Read more:

• Kauto camp gets jitters

• Noel Meade: The Irish Verdict

• Turner's Earners

• 100-1 Talk not an Idle threat

• Cheltenham 2007 - Day Three results

Our Triumph Hurdle hopes are

far more obvious with in-form

favourite Lounaos, but it is hard

to predict how she will cope with

conditions. Kevin O’Brien’s Duty

stays well but, like Convincing, he

has won over hurdles on much

softer ground. I run the improving Alqaab who is an each-way hope.

Leading Run, my hope in the Brit

Insurance Novices’ Hurdle, is in

fine shape and has a more

obvious chance. He tends to jump

right-handed, but I hope intense

schooling has sorted him out.

Whyso Mayo is back to try to win

the Foxhunter again and looks in

good form and, while I think the

British runners should win the

Grand Annual Chase, my Zum See

could go well. If the real Sweet

Wake turns up in the County

Hurdle, he will make them all go.

We’ve done loads of tests on him

since his poor run last time and

we’ve had him on the treadmill.

Thankfully, nothing has shown up

and he has been in good form.

Pedrobob and Callow Lake also

hold strong chances, but I just

prefer Pedrobob, who ran well

when third in the totesport Gold

Trophy.

After yesterday’s first blank day

for three years, Irish trainers will

badly want to register a victory.