March 13, 2025
3 Minute Read
Cheltenham Gold Cup Preview & Betting Predictions
The wait is over- the biggest race of the Cheltenham Festival is here. The 2025 Cheltenham Gold Cup takes centre stage on Day 4, with nine elite chasers ready to battle for the sport’s most coveted prize.
All eyes will be on Prestbury Park this Friday as racing fans witness history in the making. Can the reigning champion hold onto his crown, or will a new hero emerge and upset the party? Let’s assess the key contenders and find the best bet for the Gold Cup.
Galopin Des Champs – Aiming for Gold Cup Immortality
The defending champion. The dominant force. The horse to beat.
Galopin Des Champs is on the verge of history, bidding for a third consecutive Gold Cup victory. Already an 11-time Grade 1 winner, he has redefined the staying chase division with his blend of speed, stamina, and flawless jumping.
His latest Irish Gold Cup win underlined his continued supremacy, and if he runs anywhere near that level, the rest of the field will struggle to lay a glove on him. Willie Mullins’ superstar is poised to cement his place among the all-time greats.
Banbridge – King George Hero Faces His Toughest Test
Banbridge enters the Gold Cup conversation after a brilliant victory in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day. His slick jumping and strong travelling style make him a fascinating contender, especially on decent ground.
The big question: will he stay the full 3m2f at Cheltenham? Trainer Joseph O’Brien has placed him here with confidence, but this will be a true test of his stamina at the highest level. If he gets home, he’s the most likely challenger to the favourite.
Monty’s Star – The Dark Horse with Untapped Potential?
Henry de Bromhead knows what it takes to win a Gold Cup, and his charge Monty’s Star has been trained specifically for this moment.
Second in last year’s Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase, he’s got Festival form in the book and showed further promise when runner-up behind Spillane’s Tower at Punchestown. He’ll need a career-best effort to get involved, but his staying credentials could see him sneak into the frame.
Inothewayurthinkin – The Value Each-Way Bet?
A late supplement to the race, Inothewayurthinkin has the profile of a horse that could spring a surprise.
He finished strongly in the Irish Gold Cup, shaping like a horse who will relish this stamina test. With Gavin Cromwell’s runners in flying form, he’s a lively each-way player—especially if the favourite doesn’t bring his A-game.
Royale Pagaille – Conditions Against Him?
A dual Betfair Chase winner, Royale Pagaille has proven his class, but Cheltenham hasn’t always been his happiest hunting ground. His best performances have come on testing ground, and with Venetia Williams’ yard struggling for winners, it’s tough to see him mounting a serious challenge.
Verdict – Is a Three-Peat Inevitable?
Everything points towards Galopin Des Champs continuing his reign at the top of the chasing division. He’s simply the best in the field, and unless something goes wrong, a third straight Gold Cup should be his.
🏆 Selection: Galopin Des Champs (Win)
For those looking for an each-way angle, Inothewayurthinkin could be the one to chase him home at a bigger price.
The Gold Cup is the race where legends are made—will Galopin Des Champs join the greats on Friday afternoon?
