Don’t miss Bryan Cooper’s latest column as he talks all things Our Duke, his rides and the weekend action in Ireland

I HAVEN’T stopped smiling since Our Duke’s fantastic win in the Red Mills Chase at Gowran last weekend.

He produced everything we hoped for and more in beating the excellent novice Presenting Percy. We were worried about dropping back in distance but he travelled well and jumped much more fluently than at Leopardstown the time before.

He was giving weight away but it didn’t bother him as he went to the front and kept pulling out more when needed. It was a really eyecatching performance.

Now it’s all systems go for the Cheltenham Gold Cup and I notice that the bookies have shortened him right up.

He’s in the mix to be second-favourite and I would be amazed if there wasn’t plenty of money for him on the day when the Irish lads start getting stuck in.

Our Duke’s win has given the Gold Cup a boost because he’s a real contender now. You’ve got Might Bite for the home side and Ireland have our fella and Sizing John leading the challenge.

There’s a lot of water under the bridge between now and Festival Friday but if they all get there in one piece, it’s going to be a real cracker.

I wouldn’t put anyone off backing Our Duke because he’s got the class and is clearly back to full fitness. It’s exciting — and the race is less than three weeks away now!

Get your notebook out for Presenting Percy too.

I know a few people expected him to beat Our Duke but he’s only a novice taking on a seasoned chaser. He ran a brilliant race to get so close to him.

That was a quality warm up for the RSA Chase and he must have a massive chance of lifting that prize. He looks just the type of horse you want for Cheltenham in that he’s a nimble, quick jumper and will be able to handle the Festival pace.  

Looking to this weekend, there’s a cracking card at Fairyhouse today and Naas tomorrow is none too shabby either.

We might not see as many Cheltenham horses as in previous years because of the Dublin Racing Festival, but there should still be a few pointers.

He has won around Naas a couple of times so the race should suit him right enough.

He takes on Doctor Phoenix who I thought he was very good in the Dan Moore. Okay, the form of that race hasn’t worked out that well but he still won really easily in the end. It looks between Gordon Elliott’s pair and is well worth watching.