Nap of the Day: Owen goes for gold on Friday

While it's not been the best week for my through-the-card selections, it has been fruitful for Nap of the Day backers, courtesy of Old Park Star (9/4) on Tuesday and Supremely West (7/2) on Thursday.

Can we make it three out of four on Gold Cup Friday? It's one in the big'un that I've put my faith in.

Since the Dublin Racing Festival, I've been convinced that if GAELIC WARRIOR runs in the Gold Cup with Paul Townend on board, he'll win it.

That was unlikely for as long as Galopin Des Champs, a two-time winner of the race, was still in the mix - but after his unfortunate setback, I've got my wish.

Willie Mullins' eight-year-old is the best horse in the race as far as I'm concerned, and he possesses all the tools to win the Cheltenham Festival's blue-riband event.

Classy and pacey enough to win an Arkle over the minimum trip. Stamina to land the Aintree Bowl over 3m1f. Enough heart and guts to hold off Fact To File from the front in the John Durkan four months ago.

Ground? It doesn't matter to him. Arguably he prefers a bit of cut, but it's certainly not a necessity. Tactics? He can go from the front, he can sit in behind, or he can be held up. Talk about versatility.

Since stepping up to Gold Cup-like trips after a poor effort over 2m1f at the 2025 DRF, the son of Maxios has recorded form figures of 11132.

The first of those two defeats was in the King George at Kempton on Boxing Day, as Gaelic Warrior settled for third behind The Jukebox Man and Banbridge in a blanket finish.

He was arguably unlucky not to cross the line in front, with Townend dropping his whip after the last, but it was a fine effort nonetheless. I'd be confident about him reversing form with Ben Pauling's winner, at Cheltenham over further. Quite confident, in fact.

I absolutely loved what he did in the Irish Gold Cup last month. Under Patrick Mullins, he was rather keen during the early stages - and yet when push came to shove, he was there, staying all the way up to the line.

Gaelic Warrior was only five lengths behind Fact To File in the end, and over eight lengths clear of Galopin Des Champs and Co. He can improve on that over an extra couple of furlongs with Townend on his back.

I fear the seven-year-old, Jango Baie, and Inothewayurthinkin if Gavin Cromwell has performed a bit of magic, but it's only Gaelic Warrior I want to go to battle with.

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