TRAINER Noel Meade believes Road To Riches is a “stupid price” for this afternoon’s Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown.
Having struck twice at the highest level last season before finishing third in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, there is little doubt the nine-year-old brings the strongest form to the table and he looked as good as ever when winning on his seasonal return in November’s Clonmel Oil Chase.
However, he was unable to defend his crown in the Lexus Chase due to being under the weather over the Festive period and although Meade is confident his stable star is back firing on all cylinders following a pleasing racecourse gallop at Punchestown last Sunday, he feels bookmakers may have underestimated his task this weekend.
“Everything has gone well since Christmas and he seems in great shape this morning,” said Meade.
“What will be will be and we’re just going there hoping for a clear run and a bit of luck, which you always need in these big races.
“The one thing I would say is I think he’s a stupid price. He’s entitled to be favourite, but he’s only 5lb clear on the ratings, so I wouldn’t expect him to be so short in the betting.
“That does put the needle into it a bit, but there’s nothing we can do about the price and all we can do is get him there in good shape, which we think he is.”
Road To Riches is odds-on across the board to beat nine rivals, with Meade also fielding Wounded Warrior.
They are just two of five runners for Gigginstown House Stud, with Willie Mullins-trained pair of Sir Des Champs and Valseur Lido and Mouse Morris’ admirable veteran First Lieutenant also carrying the famous maroon and white silks of Michael O’Leary’s operation.
Sir Des Champs and Valseur Lido are part of a three-pronged challenge for champion trainer Mullins, who bids for a 10th victory in the race.
Sir Des Champs has suffered his fair share of injury problems since winning this prize three years ago and was never a factor in the Lexus Chase last time, while Valseur Lido was last seen falling at the final fence when well-beaten in the King George at Kempton on St Stephen’s Day.
Mullins also runs On His Own, who was not beaten far in the Lexus and is once again ridden by the trainer’s son, Patrick.
Mullins junior said: “Road To Riches is the horse to beat, I think that’s pretty obvious, but we’ll give it a go.
“Sir Des Champs was disappointing in the Lexus, but it was his second run back after a lay-off and that can sometimes be a tricky run. His work at home has been good since.
“Valseur Lido is in good form. He was a little disappointing in the King George, we thought he’d run better than he did that day.
“Three miles is his trip and we think he’s up to running well in a race like this, but he has to go and prove it.”
