Cheltenham Gold Cup Preview & Betting Tips

The biggest race of the Cheltenham Festival is here. The 2025 Cheltenham Gold Cup takes centre stage on Day 4, with nine elite chasers declared for the sport’s most prestigious prize.

With months of anticipation now behind us, the final field is set, and racing fans around the world will be watching as history is made at Prestbury Park on Friday afternoon.

Let’s break down the leading contenders and pick our best bet for the Gold Cup.

Galopin Des Champs – The Champion Seeks Three in a Row

The focus is firmly on Galopin Des Champs, who bids for a historic third Gold Cup victory. Already an 11-time Grade 1 winner, Willie Mullins’ superstar has dominated this division, and another victory here would further cement his legacy as one of the all-time greats.

Simply put, there are no weaknesses in his game. His blend of speed, stamina, and jumping makes him the complete Gold Cup horse. He arrives off the back of yet another dominant win in the Irish Gold Cup, and if he runs anywhere near his best, it’s hard to see past a three-peat.

Expect the majority of the Cheltenham crowd to be roaring him home as he seeks to join the legends of the sport with a third consecutive win in the Festival’s marquee event.

Banbridge – The King George Winner Steps Up

Trainer Joseph O’Brien has taken a bold step by entering Banbridge in this race, and after his King George VI Chase victory on Boxing Day, he’s earned the right to line up.

A strong traveller with plenty of class, Banbridge will relish the good ground, but the key question is whether he can truly stay the 3m2f trip at Cheltenham. If he does, he could be the biggest threat to the favourite.

Joseph O’Brien is known for targeting races with precision, and a Gold Cup win would be a huge moment for the young trainer. If there’s a horse capable of causing an upset, it’s him.

Monty’s Star – The Dark Horse?

One horse that continues to attract quiet confidence is Monty’s Star from the Henry de Bromhead yard.

Although de Bromhead’s runners have had an inconsistent season, Monty’s Star has been trained specifically for this race. His second-place finish in last year’s Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase and his run behind Spillane’s Tower at Punchestown suggest he has the class to compete – but he’ll need further improvement to challenge Galopin Des Champs.

With a strong staying pedigree, he could be one to sneak into the places at a nice price.

Royale Pagaille – Conditions Against Him?

A Grade 1 winner at Haydock, Royale Pagaille has shown glimpses of brilliance but has never quite looked at home around Cheltenham.

His two Betfair Chase wins have proven his ability, but Venetia Williams’ stable form is a concern, with just one winner from her last 25 runners. That makes him difficult to back, even for an each-way bet.

Inothewayurthinkin – A Live Each-Way Contender?

One horse that could outrun his odds is Inothewayurthinkin, who was supplemented for the race by trainer Gavin Cromwell.

He ran a huge race in the Irish Gold Cup, finishing strongly, and the extra distance of the Gold Cup trip could bring even further improvement. With Cromwell’s yard in excellent form, he’s a genuine each-way player and is also worth keeping an eye on ahead of a potential Grand National tilt.

Verdict – Can Anyone Stop Galopin Des Champs?

With proven class, experience, and dominance, Galopin Des Champs is the standout pick. His unmatched ability in this division makes him the most likely winner, and a third consecutive Gold Cup triumph would be a fitting moment in Cheltenham history.

✅ Selection: GALOPIN DES CHAMPS (WIN)

For those looking for each-way value, Inothewayurthinkin could be a solid place bet if the favourite doesn’t deliver.

The Gold Cup is always a spectacle, and this year’s renewal promises to be another classic. Can Galopin Des Champs make history? We’ll find out on Friday afternoon.