Favourite Geraghty Keen on Gold Cup ride

Barry Geraghty has expressed his delight at securing the ride on Keen Leader in the Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Barry Geraghty has expressed his delight at securing the ride on Keen Leader in the Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup.

With rides booked on the likes of Moscow Flyer, Spirit Leader and Kicking King, the Irishman has been installed as favourite to be leading rider at the Festival for the second successive season.

But he is especially looking forward to getting back on the Jonjo O'Neill-trained Keen Leader, whom he partnered to a runaway success in the Tommy Whittle Chase at Haydock in December.

"The cherry on my cake is getting the ride on Keen Leader in the Gold Cup. He jumped brilliantly for me at Haydock," the rider said. "I think he's a machine and I'm expecting a big run as he has loads of class too."

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Geraghty is also relishing the clash between Moscow Flyer and his big rival Azertyuiop.

"Of course I will give Azertyuiop all the respect he deserves but I think my horse has the edge, having beaten him already this season at Sandown," he said.  "He is all class."