“It really is a competitive race this year. There are several horses who line up with strong chances,” says Racing TV Presenter Ash Symonds with excitement ahead of the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
“It’s great to see that it’s shaped into a good race. We’ve had year’s where it hasn’t been a fantastic renewal so to see some of the names lining up is great.”
Symonds had a strong view on the race, believing that the British hold the cards for the Gold Cup winner.
“I believe this will go to the Brits or rather I hope it goes to the Brits as I have it between The Jukebox Man and Jango Baie.
“I’m sitting on the fence saying both of them, but I believe the King George form will come to the forefront here.”
The two horses have had already met this season, when The Jukebox Man won a dramatic King George on Boxing Day at Kempton with Jango Baie finishing a close fourth.
🚨 Thriller in the King George!
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) December 26, 2025
The Jukebox Man denies defending champion Banbridge, Gaelic Warrior & Jango Baie in a vintage renewal of the Festive feature pic.twitter.com/pfQ1R61M5m
However, the 21-year-old is leanings slightly towards the latter, seeing his racing qualities as being more suited for the race.
“I would side just with Jango Baie. I see him as just more of an archetypal Gold Cup horse.
“He reminds me of Long Run and Bob’s Worth, horses also trained by Nicky Henderson that have won a Gold Cup.
“He’s won an Arkle so is not short of speed, but I believe the longer trip is where you will see him at his best.”
Symonds did not ignore the strong chance The Jukebox Man has to secure a Gold Cup for owner Harry Redknapp.
“The Jukebox Man, people doubt will he stay based off of his Albert Bartlett run back at the 2023 Festival, but I don’t read too much into that.
“He was an immature horse back then and kicked for home too soon. He has improved massively since going over fences.
“His King George run really impressed me. It looked like he was going to be swallowed up but he stuck his head out and got up really well. I think they’ve both got really strong chances.”
Another runner from the King George is towards the top of the market and that is the Willie Mullins-trained Gaelic Warrior.
The horse was possibly an unlucky loser in that dramatic finish, with the head-bob unfortunately not going his way.
Symonds was not convinced by his latest run at the Dublin Racing Festival, viewing the trip as being inadequate for the 8-year-old.
“I watched that race and came away thinking that he does not want the Gold Cup distance.
“He obviously has course form here also winning an Arkle but I just think that there will be stronger stayers in the race and he’ll fall just short.”
