It's Gold Cup Day and the great prospect of Kauto Star versus Long Run in the race for the cup.

Friday starts off with the Triumph Hurdle Gr 1 with 20 runners. Sadler's Rock is at 5/1 but we rather like the second fav Grumeti at 11/2 whose last win came after Pearl Swan was disqualified but who should be able to win on his own merit this time. Baby Mix beat Sadler's Risk in the Adonis and that particular rematch could go either way.

The Vincent O'Brien County Handicap Hurdle Gr 3 has 28 in the field, with the market putting Citizenship on top at 7/1, followed by Moon Dice 8/1 and Raga Tier, Snap Tie and Ifyouletmefinish all on 12/1, so very open and sharp pin required.

The Spa Novice Hurdle has 20 to run with Boston Bob on 7/4 following his good win at Leopardstown in a Gr2 in January. Mount Benbulbin is 5/1 and Rocky Creek and Sea of Thunder are on 7/1.

And the Cup - Long Run is a very very good horse indeed but Kauto Star is exceptional - he is so light on his feet and flies through his jumps so we have to stay with him. Burton Port is on 7/1 and we may do combos with Weird Al 10/1, who isn't weird at all.

The last race is the Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase Challenge Cup Gr. 3 with 21 to run. Toubab is 7/1, Kid Casidy and de Boitron 8/1 and the pin found Kumbashwar at 12/1.