The 2026 Cheltenham Gold Cup

[Ian_Davies]

Though never an encouraging influence for Cheltenham Festival obsession, in the wake of the King George and on Savills Day, it's probably time for a thread.

This race can be many things - high quality, ordinary, run on spring ground, run on testing ground.

My best bets in it have been moderate renewals on bad ground - few thought The Thinker, Charter Party or Master Oats were up to winning a race like that, but they did.

Drainage and climate change have meant fewer Gold Cups won by chasers who stay 3m4f+ in the modern era but, even on spring ground, the extended 3m2f on an undulating track takes some getting.

If either the winner of this year's Gold Cup or the winner of the previous two to that demonstrates they're as good as ever today, the rest will already probably be turning up for place money come March, but, if they don't, the race will be thrown wide open.

I've bet The Jukebox Man, because I thought he won at Kempton Park despite the flat Park Course 3m and not because of it.

I think he can progress further and be better still over the Gold Cup course and distance.

I've also organised nibbles at the double carpet Haiti Couleurs.

I think he's probably still a good stone off challenging the Savills lads in their pomp, but he will stay, go on spring ground and already has Cheltenham Festival chasing success to his name.

33/1 is "the wrong price" in my book - I'd have him half that and many books agree.

Ante-Post Betting: https://www.oddschecker.com/cheltenham-festival/cheltenham-gold-cup/winner

 

[reet hard]

Agree about The Jukebobox Man,but not enough to get involved this far away.

 

[Generous1991]

Though never an encouraging influence for Cheltenham Festival obsession, in the wake of the King George and on Savills Day, it's probably time for a thread.

This race can be many things - high quality, ordinary, run on spring ground, run on testing ground.

My best bets in it have been moderate renewals on bad ground - few thought The Thinker, Charter Party or Master Oats were up to winning a race like that, but they did.

Drainage and climate change have meant fewer Gold Cups won by chasers who stay 3m4f+ in the modern era but, even on spring ground, the extended 3m2f on an undulating track takes some getting.

If either the winner of this year's Gold Cup or the winner of the previous two to that demonstrates they're as good as ever today, the rest will already probably be turning up for place money come March, but, if they don't, the race will be thrown wide open.

I've bet The Jukebox Man, because I thought he won at Kempton Park despite the flat Park Course 3m and not because of it.

I think he can progress further and be better still over the Gold Cup course and distance.

I've also organised nibbles at the double carpet Haiti Couleurs.

I think he's probably still a good stone off challenging the Savills lads in their pomp, but he will stay, go on spring ground and already has Cheltenham Festival chasing success to his name.

33/1 is "the wrong price" in my book - I'd have him half that and many books agree.

Ante-Post Betting: https://www.oddschecker.com/cheltenham-festival/cheltenham-gold-cup/winner

Me too with the Jukebox Man. In the KG I saw everything I was hoping to see from him and I agree he can do better over the more testing trip.
The only thing that stops me doing more now at 8s (9s on the exchange) is what you say about the range of possible races that the GC can be on the day.
That and the fact that there are two champions stepping out today at Leopardstown!

 

[Ian_Davies]

If either the winner of this year's Gold Cup or the winner of the previous two to that demonstrates they're as good as ever today, the rest will already probably be turning up for place money come March, but, if they don't, the race will be thrown wide open.

I think the 2026 Cheltenham Gold Cup just got a touch more open.

 

[Jayhawk]

I think the 2026 Cheltenham Gold Cup just got a touch more open.

Could I Am Maximus be JP's main hope of winning another Gold Cup ? Fact To File looks a doubtful stayer at three and a quarter miles plus, and last year's winner needs to improve a lot on that run.

The list of Grand National winners running in Gold Cups must be a short one, but Hedgehunter finished second the year after winning at Aintree.

 

[Slim]

Could I Am Maximus be JP's main hope of winning another Gold Cup ? Fact To File looks a doubtful stayer at three and a quarter miles plus, and last year's winner needs to improve a lot on that run.

The list of Grand National winners running in Gold Cups must be a short one, but Hedgehunter finished second the year after winning at Aintree.

No. Hope this helps.

 

[Ian_Davies]

I would beware of knee-jerk reactions either way and I would also keep an open mind because, right now, it's looking a more open race - it's certainly not becoming a less-open one.

 

[Slim]

I would beware of knee-jerk reactions either way and I would also keep an open mind - because right now, it's looking a more open race, it's certainly not becoming a less open one.

The day to have a bet on the Gold Cup is the night before when you're certain of the ground. It's the most pointless ante post race of the year.

 

[barjon]

Aw, slim, you do take the fun out of life.

 

[Robicheaux]

I thought Iroko was running, 66s would intrigue me. Messed around with him for a National mark. I'm not sure we've seen the true ceiling of his ability yet.. Probably won't go down that road though.

 

[Slim]

Aw, slim, you do take the fun out of life.

I wouldn't say it unless I genuinely believed that was the correct thing to do. There is nothing going off short in this race. What real edge do you possibly have now?

 

[Ian_Davies]

The day to have a bet on the Gold Cup is the night before when you're certain of the ground. It's the most pointless ante post race of the year.

The Thinker 33/1, Charter Party 33/1, Master Oats 20/1 - I know I should put my entire life experience in the bin and just listen to the Pepsi drinker (and I am trying to), but it's hard sometimes.

The 33/1 the no-chance apparently Welsh National winner has vanished, predictably, but I daresay it's still got no chance.

 

[Frankel]

I thought Iroko was running, 66s would intrigue me. Messed around with him for a National mark. I'm not sure we've seen the true ceiling of his ability yet.. Probably won't go down that road though.

He would be interesting indeed!

 

[Len Madeiros]

Very open race now. 4/1 the field? Last two winners looking very beatable, all of a sudden. And plenty of runners for the four places.

 

[Slim]

The Thinker 33/1, Charter Party 33/1, Master Oats 20/1 - I know I should put my entire life experience in the bin and just listen to the Pepsi drinker (and I am trying to), but it's hard sometimes.

The 33/1 the no-chance apparently Welsh National winner has vanished, predictably, but I daresay it's still got no chance.

Can you tell me what relevance your black and white TV betting has in 2025? I'm happy to compare betting CVs with you, you won't do well against me.

 

[Slim]

Very open race now. 4/1 the field? Last two winners looking very beatable, all of a sudden. And plenty of runners for the four places.

It should be 6/1 the field.

 

[Ian_Davies]

Can you tell me what relevance your black and white TV betting has in 2025? I'm happy to compare betting CVs with you, you won't do well against me.

I don't do "Who's Got The Biggest C**k?" contests - and neither should you, tbh - they don't put any more money in either of our pockets.

We can agree to differ on this one - or, at least, I can!

 

[Slim]

I don't do "Who's Got The Biggest C**k?" contests - and neither should you, tbh - they don't put any more money in either of our pockets.

We can agree to differ on this one - or, at least, I can!

So don't reply to my post with Gold Cup winners you backed in 1970. It doesn't make your point.

 

[archipenko]

Jango Baie is the only danger to the G1 job horse imo

Galopin has no chance, money was down today and he ran to form with Grangeclare West and Montys Star, Fact To FIle let him down the other day as well, not a chance hes regaining it at 10yo, shouldnt be 2nd fav even if he wins the Hennessy.

 

[Double J]

If i was forced to bet now it’d be Jango.

Problem is we dont know how fit Galopin was. And we dont know if the JP horse is just taking the piss or not.

 

[Robicheaux]

If i was forced to bet now it’d be Jango.

Problem is we dont know how fit Galopin was. And we dont know if the JP horse is just taking the piss or not.

A JP horse taking the piss. Surely not.

 

[Double J]

A JP horse taking the piss. Surely not.

I dont understand why they wouldn’t try for this race though. Its a decent pot.

Bewildering. I know they have 1 race in mind, but not as if they’re trying for a mark now is it.

 

[archipenko]

If i was forced to bet now it’d be Jango.

Problem is we dont know how fit Galopin was. And we dont know if the JP horse is just taking the piss or not.

we absolutely know hes taking the piss, entire season is about getting the best price possible on that for one race, makes a mockery of the sport, its never been my cup of tea, think its an Irish thing

will run 4th or 5th in the Hennessy and probably end up 3/1 fav

 

[Ian_Davies]

I'm confused - everyone knew who trained the horse (and what his modus operandi can be) before the race.

So what's the big surprise?

I honestly think I've stumbled into losers's corner in a betting shop on here sometimes.

TH is better than this.

 

[LUKE]

we absolutely know hes taking the piss, entire season is about getting the best price possible on that for one race, makes a mockery of the sport, its never been my cup of tea, think its an Irish thing

will run 4th or 5th in the Hennessy and probably end up 3/1 fav

That's not going to happen -it is hard enough to win a Gold Cup with a perfect preparation.