Who Is Galopin Des Champs’ Biggest Gold Cup Danger?
Galopin Des Champs could hardly have been more impressive in winning last season’s Cheltenham Gold Cup, but after a disappointing start to this campaign, and the fact that new rivals have arrived on the scene, there are doubts about Willie Mullins’ charge being able to defend his title in March.
Since his seven-length win at the Festival last season, Galopin Des Champs has failed to win in his next two starts. Both defeats have come at Punchestown, and both have come at the hands of a new rival for Gold Cup glory, Fastorslow. Fastorslow is now a big danger for the striking bay horse, but he is not the only one that will fancy their chances of lowering the colours of the defending champ.
Galopin Des Champs – Cheltenham Gold Cup 2023 ðŸﾏ†#CheltenhamFestival
— Cheltenham Festival Fans (@cheltfestfans) September 23, 2023
The Biggest Threats
Fastorslow
With two wins to his name over Galopin Des Champs, Fastorslow seems to have the measure of his more famous rival. Trained by the very shrewd, Martin Brassil, Fastorslow has seen off his foe over trips of 2 miles 4 furlongs, and three miles, and he is considered to be the biggest danger in the Cheltenham horse races betting odds.
Gerri Colombe
With a record of just one defeat in 10 starts thus far, Gerri Colombe is one of the most exciting young horses in training. Gordon Elliott’s 7yo kicked off his first season out of novice company when winning at Down Royal, and although his only defeat came at Cheltenham last season, he was staying on like a train up the hill, a good omen for a tilt at the Gold Cup.
Shishkin
Nicky Henderson’s star chaser, Shishkin, has endured a difficult start to his 2023/24 season. Once regarded as the best horse in training, the top-class 9yo refused to race at Ascot on his comeback, and the weather has played havoc with his other targeted races. A specialist at two miles earlier in his career, Shiskin showed that he could stay with victory in the Aintree Bowl, but the stamina-sapping test of the Gold Cup will put his staying power to the test.
Bravemansgame
Given that Bravemansgame chased Galopin Des Champs home in last season’s Gold Cup, it is perhaps surprising that he is not well-fancied in 2023/24. A high-class chaser who has been unlucky to bump into better opposition on many occasions, Paul Nicholls’ horse should not be underestimated, and he looks like a certainty to be challenging for a place at the very least.
Corach Rambler
One horse that will have no problem seeing out the stamina test of a Gold Cup is last season’s Grand National winner, Corach Rambler. Lucinda Russell’s quirky stable star has the experience of winning twice at the Cheltenham Festival already, and although he may be lacking the class of some of his rivals, he is another not to be underestimated.
Lucinda Russell on CORACH RAMBLER:
“I am delighted with that and he has stayed on really well. He has now just given us a dilemma as to what way we go with him. The horse means so much to us and we just want him to do well and be safe.
“He jumped a bit big early but once he… pic.twitter.com/cJfAVwGnch
— Road To Cheltenham (@RoadCheltenham) November 26, 2023
Gentlemansgame
Another young pretender that is improving at a rate of knots over fences is the Mouse Morris trained, Gentlemansgame. He never really showed much form over hurdles, but he has been brilliant at times in his three chasing starts to date. His performance in winning the Charlie Hall Chase last time brings him into the Gold Cup equation.