The Gold Cup might as well be booked for export - all that stands between Ireland and victory is Betfair favourite Grey Dawning

Sometimes a horserace is about more furlongs and fences. Sometimes it's about hope and the excitement that is to come.

The Betfair Chase is a massive race in its own right and whoever wins will be duly celebrated, but if we are to go into the winter months with even a semblance of hope next year's Gold Cup isn't pre-destined for a mantlepiece in Ireland, we almost need a Grey Dawning victory.

A quick scan of the Gold Cup market highlights what a significant weekend this is as six of the first seven in the betting are in action. Keep working down the list,  however, and when you reach 50-1 hopes Ahoy Senor, Chianti Classico and L’Homme Presse it becomes apparent that only one of the first 14 is trained in Britain, with one from France and a staggering 12 based in Ireland.