As anticipation mounts for the highly anticipated 2025 Cheltenham Festival, racing enthusiasts worldwide are eagerly awaiting the clash of titans on the prestigious track. With a plethora of talent poised to showcase their speed, agility, and stamina, the festival promises unparalleled excitement and drama. Here's a glimpse at some of the main contenders vying for glory:
Arkle Chase
L’EAU DU SUD is unbeaten over fences, winning all four starts. He landed the Arkle Trial in November over C&D, jumping well throughout and sprinting clear. He’s since added the G1 Henry VII Novices’ Chase and the G2 Kingmaker to his list of honours. His form is rock solid and looks a banker for the Placepot and a Tote place bet.
Selection: L’Eau du Sud – Placepot & Place bet
Champion Chase
JONBON is rightly standing tall at the head of the Champion Chase market. Winning his last five starts brushing his rivals aside in the process. He missed last year’s festival due to the concerns with the Henderson yard, but he looks ideally placed to break his festival duck this time around.
SOLNESS looks the value each-way play in the race and has taken his form to another level this season. He’s been in fine form at Leopardstown in his last two starts, winning two Grade 1’s, including the Dublin Chase last time out. If he gets his own way out in front he could be difficult to peg back, and he’s got to be respected.
Selection: Swinger – Jonbon & Solness
Triumph Hurdle
LULAMBA was very impressive at Ascot on his British debut, travelling smoothly and jumping well throughout. He put the race to bed in a matter of strides putting the 111-rated Mondo Man in his place. He’s sure to come on for that run, and he looks like a very exciting prospect and will take some beating in the Triumph Hurdle.
Useful flat horse EAST INDIA DOCK has impressed since switching to hurdles, including winning twice at Cheltenham in two Triumph Hurdle trials. He looks like the main danger to Lulamba on form, in a race in which the British-trained runners hold the ace cards.
Selection: Lulamba & East India Dock – Exacta
Lulamba & East India Dock – Swinger
Gold Cup
GALOPIN DES CHAMPS has looked as good as ever this season with wide margin wins in the Savills Chase and the Irish Gold Cup. He’s a very short price ahead of his historic pursuit of a third Cheltenham Gold Cup, and he will take all the beating.
L'HOMME PRESSE could be the best each-way play in the race. He’s proven around Cheltenham, winning three of his four starts at the track. His only defeat when fourth in last year’s Gold Cup. His win in the Cotswold Chase on trials day when outstaying Stage Star sets him up nicely. However, he will have to overcome a disappointing run in the Ascot Chase last time.
CORBETTS CROSS would be an interesting contender if he turns up here. The winner of the National Hunt Chase last season beating Embassy Gardens, he’s a thorough stayer and he could be staying on late in the piece in the Gold Cup. His second in the Ascot Chase over an inadequate trip, should put him spot on for this.
Selection: Swinger – Galopin Des Champs & L’Homme Presse
Trifecta – Galopin Des Champs, L’Homme Presse & Corbetts Cross
As the countdown to the 2025 Cheltenham Festival begins, the stage is set for an unforgettable spectacle of speed, skill, and sheer determination. With these main contenders and many more ready to showcase their talents, fans can expect nothing short of an exhilarating showcase of the finest horse racing has to offer.
