THE dust has settled on Flemenstar’s impressive demolition of Sir Des Champs at Punchestown but there are still doubts about whether he is a Cheltenham Gold Cup winner-in-waiting. In fact, does this flamboyant jumper really deserve his position near the head of the ante-post market?

Peter Casey’s rapidly improving gelding has won seven chases on the bounce and his win in the John Durkan was probably a career best despite Sir Des Champs’ obvious ring rustiness on his seasonal reappearance.

But stamina is the big issue for me. He has never raced beyond 2m 4f and we won’t know until he tackles 3m whether he is a Gold Cup horse. Racing’s Blue Riband over 3m 2f in March has become a real stayers’ race: last year’s winner Synchronised was an out-an-out galloper and the other market leader Bobs Worth looks bombproof when it comes to stamina.

Maybe Flemenstar needs another year before tackling the Gold Cup and the Ryanair could be a better alternative this season.

For now, Flemenstar sits near the top of most Gold Cup ante-post markets. There is some great ante-post choice for punters including plenty to go at for fans of horse racing at Ladbrokes.

Do you think Flemenstar is the real deal?