Djakadam gunning for Gold glory at Cheltenham

Willie Mullins believes that Djakadam's preparation has gone much better than in previous years as he bids to make it third-time lucky in the Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup.The eight-year-old finished second behind Coneygree two years ago and again hit the crossbar when finding only Don Cossack too strong last season. "He hasn't had any setbacks this year," said Mullins, who has yet to win the race."I think he's more mature this season and he's come to the age where you can win a Gold Cup."We just need the ball bouncing in our favour a little bit more and it could happen.It would be nice to win it." Jessica Harrington is especially wary of Djakadam when she saddles Sizing John, the Irish Gold Cup winner.She said: "It remains to be seen whether he'll stay the extra two furlongs up the hill, but he's going there a relatively fresh horse."He was unlucky to be the same age as Douvan, but now he's stepped up in trip he seems to be flourishing.The one I fear the most is Djakadam." Impressive Lexus Chase winner Outlander adds weight to the Irish challenge.Trainer Gordon Elliott said: "We decided to miss the Irish Gold Cup with him."People know I'm not afraid to run my horses, but we just thought it was the right thing to do."He's probably surprised me a bit. He's a horse at home that doesn't do anything too fancy."Henry de Bromhead goes to war with Champagne West, who has been in fine form this year and is also a two-time course winner.De Bromhead said: "He has good form around Cheltenham, but there is still a little question mark with his jumping."But when you see how closely they're all rated this year, it's very open and very competitive."