It's Boum time! Dual Gold Cup hero out to start new year with a bang

2.37 Tramore
Savills New Year's Day Chase (Grade 3) | 2m5½f | 5yo+ | ITV/RTV

After the year we've all had, getting the chance to see Al Boum Photo in full flight will be a sight for sore eyes.

We've seen change like never before in 2020, so there's something reassuring about the dual Cheltenham Gold Cup hero returning to compete in the race where he has made a winning start to his campaign in the past two seasons.

Of course, we're not likely to learn all that much about him unless he uncharacteristically blots his copybook.

Al Boum Photo: available at 9-2 to win his third Magners Cheltenham Gold CupCredit: Alain Barr

The introduction of a travel ban between Ireland and the UK raised the possibility of the now nine-year-old facing a real challenge in the shape of Monalee, who had been aimed at the King George VI Chase before the ban.

However, the Gold Cup fourth was forced to bypass a trip to Tramore this week due to a setback, which could put him out of action for a couple of months.

That leaves the stage pretty clear for Al Boum Photo to make it three wins in a row in this Grade 3 event, as one of three representatives in the five-strong field for Willie Mullins.

Stablemate Acapella Bourgeois ran with credit when beaten six lengths in second here last year, but at the age of 11 – and being 7lb worse off at the weights than 12 months ago – it's difficult to make a case for him to turn the form around.

Acapella Bourgeois: last seen winning the Grade 3 Bobbyjo Chase at FairyhouseCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

The champion trainer's string have been improving for their first runs of the season and Brahma Bull, a well-held second to Minella Indo at Navan on his return, could be the one to finish closest to the 175-rated favourite if he comes forward.

Djingle is an admirable performer but could struggle over this trip, while I'm A Game Changer, making his first start for Andrew McNamara, has a bundle to find on ratings and will meet kinder tasks than this in the future.

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Legendary American Football coach Paul 'Bear' Bryant once famously quipped that offence sells tickets but defence wins championships and, after years of trying to crack the Cheltenham Gold Cup code, Willie Mullins is intent on defending his crown again with Al Boum Photo rather than going on the attack for extra prizes.

Perhaps the quiet campaigning of Al Boum Photo in recent seasons has led to a slight underappreciation of the Donnelly family's superb talent, at least in the market anyway.

Al Boum Photo exercising at Closutton in early November under Paul RocheCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

When Golden Miller, Cottage Rake, Arkle and Best Mate were chasing their third Gold Cups, they were sent off 6-5, 5-6, 1-10 and 8-11 – Al Boum Photo, in contrast, is widely available at 9-2 to match their remarkable hat-tricks.

Speaking about his trio of representatives in Friday's highlight, Mullins said: "Al Boum Photo is in good form, he goes there in good order. He'll like the track and the ground. Acapella Bourgeois is in good shape and Brahma Bull has had a run already. I'm hoping they can both run well too."

The Closutton trainer enjoyed a phenomenal Christmas full of Grade 1 riches, and so too did owners Marie and Joe Donnelly, who have had six winners from nine runners in the past fortnight, operating at a 67 per cent strike-rate.

Al Boum Photo: will bid to continue the excellent run of form for Marie and Joe DonnellyCredit: Patrick McCann

Connections of I'm A Game Changer and Djingle are well aware of the magnitude of the task at hand but keen to come home with a slice of the €30,000 pie.

Djingle's trainer John Queally said: "I'd be delighted if we could pick up a bit of prize-money. He's probably going a bit further than ideal but I think the track will suit him."

McNamara, who saddles I'm A Game Changer, said: "It's his first run for us and we possibly would have hoped for an easier starting point, but we think he could be better suited to conditions races than handicaps. He's still eligible for beginners' chases and could be a nice novice for the summer."

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