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This is the final call for glory! Three Group 1 races are on the card on day 4, including a Gold Cup that could complete the return to the top of the French regiment after its first two days hiatus. Six of the 12 declared runners come from France, including the two favourites, Al Boum Photo, who is going for a third win in the Blue Riband at 9/4, with A Plus Tard a second choice at 4/1, Royale Pagaille to spice up the cocktail with the Bryony Frost-ridden Frodon and the all consistent Kemboy… Sure this year’s Festival proved that numbers are not everything, but quality is there to matte the quantity and the game is on.

Friday is the 27^th anniversary of the last Gold Cup lifted by a French-trained horse, Marquesa de Moratalla’s The Fellow, winner in 1994 for trainer François Doumen. It was the start of a history of French-bred winners in the race, but it remains a daunting test, and nothing can be taken for granted there. Yet, this is probably the best chance of a final French win at Cheltenham this season.

Just as if we only gave our best when the odds were against us …