The Cheltenham Gold Cup is the highlight of National Hunt racing and attracts the best three-mile riders the sport has to offer. With the likes of Arkle, Kauto Star and Best Mate all winning the blue ribbon in horse racing, the list of winners could hardly be more legendary.
As well as some of the most recognizable names the sport has ever known, the Gold Cup has also produced some unexpected results in the past, and in 2023 there is another group of talented underdogs who could potentially cause a shock.
Gold Cup 2023
With Gold Cup winners over the last 10 years returning at prices such as 9/1, 12/1 and 20/1, there is no guarantee that the more popular runners will come out on top.
Gallopin De Champs is the 6/4 favorite in the 2023 Cheltenham Festival betting markets, but if the Willie Mullins-bred superstar doesn’t fire, there are plenty of expensive rivals who will bide their time.
? “We have no doubts about its durability. I love this horse.’
Ruby in Friday’s Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup and Galopin Des Champs favourite
Who do you like in the Gold Cup?#RoadToCheltenham pic.twitter.com/cROjjagYzf— Racing TV (@RacingTV) March 13, 2023
Outsiders
When it comes to the 2023 Gold Cup betting odds, there are some talented horses in the field who certainly have a good chance of beating their high odds.
Below are some of the horses to consider for E/W betting.
Statler
The Gold Cup is a race that requires horses not only of high class but also of endurance. Stettler’s victory in last year’s National Hunter Chase showed he has plenty of stamina, and if the race turns into a war of attrition, Stettler’s ability to stay fit could come into play.
Minela Inda
The 2021 Gold Cup winner was again in a tough race 12 months ago when he finished best of the rest to the easy winner, A Plus Tard. He may still be a year older and his season hasn’t quite gone to plan, but he seems to have saved his best for the Cheltenham Festival and is a huge price of 20/1.
The Real Whacker
Partly unknown, The Real Whacker is the only newbie in the race, and his connections have bravely chosen to take on more experienced opponents rather than stay in the company of newbies. It would take a huge effort for a horse who has gone just two starts over fences to win the Gold Cup to win the Gold Cup to win the Gold Cup but horse racing is never an exact science and strange things have happened at the Cheltenham Festival.
Judgment
With Galopin Des Champs a banker for many people at the meeting and the likes of A Plus Tard and Bravemansgame having huge ability in their game, a big price winner in 2023 is unlikely. Grand National winner Noble Yates is also an interesting runner but may not have the class to win the Gold Cup.
The three outsiders mentioned above are probably the pick of the rest, with Minella Indo priced at 20/1 perhaps providing the best value.
