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If the Cheltenham Festival is one of the highlights of the horse racing calendar, then the Gold Cup is the finale to the finale to the entire jump racing season.

Run over the course of just over three miles, contenders must successfully negotiate 22 fences to have a chance of joining a roll of honour which includes the likes of Arkle, Golden Miller and the last horse to win the race twice, the incomparable Kauto Star. 2011 winner Long Run, who finished third last year and is back at Prestbury Park again to try to secure a place in history, is another to add to the roll.

However, there will be plenty of competition. After all, since 1983, only Kauto Star has improved on a placed finish the previous year. Bob’s Worth, especially having triumphed at the Hennessy, may find that the arduous course on the relatively good ground at Cheltenham will suit him. His trainer Nicky Henderson has certainly got him in good condition.

However, there are lots of good options for Gold Cup betting, and Sir Des Champs is a name that has been in the press quite often recently. The seven-year-old is another horse that might enjoy the good ground of Prestbury Park; having won at the Jewson, there is plenty of evidence that Sir Des Champs is a name to follow. Although he didn’t nail the Lexus, he was involved in an enthralling finish;he will need to show the same kind of spirit in order to do well in the Gold Cup. One way or the other, no matter who comes out on top, the Gold Cup promises to be a fascinating race.