Galopin Des Champs added his name to the Cheltenham Gold Cup roll of honor in 2023 when he landed the most prestigious race in Jumps racing at the Cheltenham Festival. The Irish horse is set to return to the meeting this year and he is a strong favorite to defend his crown.
Here is a look at three horses who could spring a surprise in the race and overcome last year’s winner.
L’Homme Presse
It was only a couple of years ago when L’Homme Presse was one of the leading novice chasers in the sport and seen as a potential Gold Cup winner one day. Unfortunately, he has had injuries since then that kept him off the track.
Venetia Williams runner is +1200 in the betting at Cheltenham Festival market for the Gold Cup, but he looks to have a much better chance than those odds suggest, particularly with two runs behind him this season.
The Cheltenham results show that L’Homme Presse was a winner at this meeting in 2022 when he landed the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase. If he reproduces the same level of form as his novice campaign, the nine-year-old has an excellent chance of giving his trainer a first success in the race.
Gentlemansgame
With just three appearances over fences, Gentlemansgame is the least experienced runner in this year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup field. He showed what he was capable of when he landed the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby back in November, beating Bravemansgame in a thrilling finish to the 3m contest.
Irish horses have an excellent record in the Gold Cup as they have won eight of the last ten renewals. Gentlemansgame has the potential to be the next big star of the division if he takes another step forward on his fourth chase appearance.
The eight-year-old has not featured since November, but that is not usual for Mouse Morris’ runners. He likes his horse to arrive at the Cheltenham Festival fresh. His latest star cannot be underestimated as he has all the attributes required to do well in the Gold Cup.
Nassalam
The conditions in this year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup are going to prove key to the chances of Nassalam. Connections of the horse will be hoping to see plenty of rainfall on Prestbury Park just before the race, as that will help the chances of their runner.
The five-time chase winner was successful in the Welsh Grand National at Chepstow on his latest start. He showcased his stamina in that 3m6f contest as it was run on heavy ground. Gary Moore’s runner flourished in these conditions, scoring by an empathic 34 lengths.
Although Nassalam has quite a bit to find on some of his rivals in the ratings, if this year’s Gold Cup becomes a stamina test, he has a big advantage over many of the runners in the field. Whatever happens at Cheltenham, he is set to feature a month later in the Grand National at Aintree.
The maximum field for this year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup will include 16 runners and the final declarations will be announced on March 13.