Cheltenham Gold Cup – Djakadam the one for me says jockey Sam Twiston-Davies
SAM TWISTON-DAVIES is looking forward to riding Paul Nicholls' Saphir Du Rheu in Friday's Gold Cup.
But Twiston-Davies reveals it is Djakadam he would love to be on if he had the choice.
He told ITV4's The Opening Show: "We have Saphir Du Rheu, but with the top three, they could be very hard to beat.
"I ride Saphir Du Rheu but if (I wasn't), I would like to be on Djakadam.
"He's been there before, his form is rock-solid and he's been freshened up for the race.
"There's a lot to like about him."
Saphir Du Rheu and Djakadam are two of 14 contenders left in the Gold Cup.
Hennessy and Welsh National hero Native River tops the entries along with stablemate Cue Card for Colin Tizzard.
Cheltenham Tips: Naps from Matt Chapman, Templegate, Sam Twiston-Davies and Jon Francombe
- Sam Twiston-Davies: Foxhunters Steeple Chase - Wonderful Charm
- Matt Chapman: Ryanair Chase - Un de Sceaux
- John Francome: JCB Triumph Hurdle - Defi Du Seuil
- Templegate: Gold Cup - Native River
Gordon Elliott was forced to rule Don Poli out on Friday but he still has Outlander and Empire Of Dirt in the mix.
Jessica Harrington's Sizing John and the Henry de Bromhead-trained Champagne West are other leading hopes from Ireland.
Twiston-Davies' father, Nigel Twiston-Davies, won the race with Imperial Commander back in 2010 and has Bristol De Mai in contention this time.
Jonjo O'Neill is doubly represented with Minella Rocco and More Of That, while the list of hopefuls is completed by Irish Cavalier, Smad Place and Tea For Two.