Road To Respect heads the betting for the Punchestown Gold Cup

Intriguing-looking renewal in Kildare ahead

Road To Respect heads the sponsor’s betting for Wednesday’s Coral Punchestown Gold Cup at 2/1, following the final declarations for the Grade One highlight. 

Noel Meade’s seven-year-old charge was an impressive fourth in the Cheltenham Gold Cup back in March and is fancied to go well in Ireland.

The Willie Mullins-trained trio of Bellshill at 7/2, Djakadam at 11/2, and 6/1 chance Killultagh Vic come next in the betting, ahead of Edwulf and Total Recall, both available at 10/1.

“Willie Mullins has a strong quartet representing him in the Coral Punchestown Gold Cup as he bids to catch Gordon Elliott in the trainers’ championship standings.

Although it’s Noel Meade who sends out the favourite for the race, following Road To Respect’s Cheltenham fourth last month,” said Coral’s David Stevens.

Looking ahead to Saturday’s Gold Cup Handicap Chase, Blaklion and Missed Approach are Coral’s 6/1 joint favorites for the Sandown contest, ahead of Bigbadjohn at 10/1.

**Coral Punchestown Gold Cup
2 Road To Respect, 7-2 Bellshill, 11-2 Djakadam, 6 Killultagh Vic, 10 Edwulf, Total Recall, 16 Outlander, 20 Alpha Des Obeaux, 40 Sizing Granite, Sub Lieutenant, 50 Sandymount Duke, 80 Arctic Skipper, Sumos Novios

**Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle
7-4 Penhill, 5 Bacardys, Identity Thief, 6 Coquin Mans, 7 Apple’s Jade, 8 Supasundae, 10 Benie Des Dieux, Faugheen, 12 Diamond Cauchois, 16 Bar

**Gold Cup Handicap Chase
6 Blaklion, Missed Approach, 10 Bigbadjohn, 11 Rock The Kasbah, Sugar Baron, 12 Daklondike, Step Back, The Young Master, 14 Minella Daddy, Rathlin Rose, Regal Encore, Ucello Conti, 16 Amore