The countdown to the Cheltenham Festival is on, and all eyes are on reigning champion Galopin Des Champs as he sets his sights on an incredible third consecutive Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup victory.

The Willie Mullins-trained superstar has already cemented his legacy with back-to-back wins, but can he make history once again?

Dominating the Competition but Not Unbeatable

The nine-year-old has been in sensational form this season, securing impressive wins in both the Savills Chase in December and the Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown in February.

His dominance has made him the 1/2 favorite with Paddy Power to claim another Gold Cup.

However, his loss to stablemate Fact To File in the John Durkan in November served as a reminder that he isn’t invincible.

The Biggest Threat to Galopin Des Champs

While many believe Galopin Des Champs is unstoppable, racing expert Tony Mullins has thrown a curveball into the mix.

Speaking at the Ultimate Cheltenham Preview Night, Mullins made a bold claim that Fact To File is the only horse capable of challenging the defending champion.

“I was always a Fact To File fan,” he said. “He ran too free in the Durkan but gave an unbelievable display to win.

Then, in Leopardstown, he was everywhere in the race! I still believe he should run in the Gold Cup.

He’s the only horse who could put anything up to Galopin Des Champs.”

Racing Legends Back Galopin for Another Win

Despite the excitement surrounding Fact To File, legendary jockey Ruby Walsh remains confident that Galopin Des Champs is simply too strong for the competition.

“He doesn’t need good luck to win,” Walsh stated.

“He just needs average luck because he’s the best horse and he’ll win the race. What you don’t need is bad luck.

He’s got a great mentality, a solid jumper, and a turn of foot… try and pick a hole in him!”

Racing pundit Johnny Dineen echoed this sentiment, adding that the only way to beat Galopin Des Champs is to stay ahead of him from the start – a near-impossible task.

A Shot at Racing History

If Galopin Des Champs pulls off the three-peat, he will join an elite group of modern racing legends.

Only Best Mate and Arkle have managed to win three consecutive Gold Cups in the modern era.

Meanwhile, trainer Willie Mullins could claim his fifth Gold Cup in just seven years, and jockey Paul Townend is aiming for a record-breaking fifth victory in the race.

Could Banbridge Be a Dark Horse Contender?

While much of the focus has been on Galopin Des Champs and Fact To File, another name has quietly emerged as a serious contender – Banbridge.

The Joseph O’Brien-trained eight-year-old recently won the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day, and at 5/1 odds, he is seen as a real threat.

O’Brien has strategically rested Banbridge since, aiming to have him peak at just the right time for the Gold Cup’s grueling 3m 2½f distance.

Latest Gold Cup Odds

The latest betting odds reflect just how dominant Galopin Des Champs is expected to be. However, with challengers like Banbridge and Fact To File in the mix, surprises could still be on the cards.

📅 Gold Cup – Friday, March 14 @ 4 PM

Galopin Des Champs – 1/2
Banbridge – 4/1
Fact To File – 5/1
Montys Star – 10/1
Corbetts Cross – 11/1
Grangeclare West – 14/1
Lhomme Presse – 16/1
Others – 28/1

With the Cheltenham Festival just around the corner, the Gold Cup battle is shaping up to be one for the ages. Will Galopin Des Champs make history, or will an underdog rise to steal the crown?