Gold Cup Odds, Betting Tips and Preview (2023)

Cheltenham Gold Cup Betting banner Cheltenham Gold Cup Betting banner

The 2023 Gold Cup will feature a record-breaking prize fund of £625,000. This Grade 1 National Hunt race is run on the New Course at Cheltenham, over a distance of approximately 3 miles and 2 ½ furlongs. There are 22 fences to be jumped over the three-mile course, with the Gold Cup considered to be one of the toughest races of its type in the UK.

Forming part of our Cheltenham betting guide, I’m going to take a look at the latest odds, markets and wagering tips, while taking a sneak peek at the very best Gold Cup offers.

💯 Gold Cup Betting Odds (2023)

The best betting sites at Betinireland have already published their odds for the Cheltenham Gold Cup, with Galopin Des Champs having emerged as the initial favourite during the course of Gold Cup ante post betting. There’s still time to wager on the outright winner of this race, however, so here’s a quick glimpse at the latest Gold Cup betting odds.

Runner
Unibet-logo Unibet-logo
Galopin Des Champs2.752.632.752.752.752.752.50
Bravemansgame7.007.007.007.007.507.007.50
A Plus Tard7.007.507.508.507.008.008.00
Noble Yeats9.009.009.009.008.0010.009.00
Stattler9.009/009.009.009.0010.009.00
Conflated13.0013.0013.0013.0011.0011.0013.00
Ahoy Senor15.0015.0015.0015.0015.0013.0013.00
Protekorat15.0011.0013.0013.0013.0012.0015.00
Minella Indo21.0021.0021.0021.0021.0021.0021.00
Ga Law21.0021.0021.0021.0021.0021.0021.00

🏇 Gold Cup Preview

Cheltenham Gold Cup Betting Bnner Cheltenham Gold Cup Betting Bnner

As you can see from the latest Cheltenham Gold Cup betting odds, the 2023 iteration of the race is shaping up to be as close and keenly contested as ever. However, if you’re interested in Gold Cup betting in 2023, it’s important to determine which runners offer the best value and the greatest chance of success. Here’s my take on the best ante-post Cheltenham bets when backing an outright winner!

1️⃣ Galopin Des Champs

A quick glance at the latest Gold Cup betting odds reveals that Galopin Des Champs is the ante-post favourite, with an average price of 2.75 being offered by Betinireland’s partner sportsbooks.

The seven-year-old gelding certainly has form in National Hunt racing, winning five of his six steeplechases and three out of six hurdle races during this career. He’s also on a three-race winning run dating back to April 2022, with this sequence including a superb performance at the coveted Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown on February 4th, 2023.

This race saw him win over three miles and beat fellow Gold Cup runner Stattler into second, while former jockey Ruby Walsh is backing the Willie Mullins-trained contender to win the Gold Cup claiming that “he’s built” for the course.

Ultimately, it’s hard to argue with the pedigree and form of Galopin Des Champs heading into the Gold Cup, while the significant backing he has received from punters has seen his price shorten markedly in the last week or so.

2️⃣ Bravemansgame

Established trainer Paul Nicholls will go in search of his fifth Cheltenham Gold Cup and first since 2009 at this years’ festival, with his eight-year-old gelding ‘Bravemansgame’ thought to be the most likely to help him achieve this objective.

Now a seasoned runner with six steeplechase wins in seven outings over the course of his career, Bravemansgame was also exceptional when winning the King George VI Chase at Kempton Park on Boxing Day. Here, he timed his run to perfection and jumped to the front at the second to last during a punishing three-mile race, eventually winning by 14 lengths from his Herefordshire stablemate Royal Pagaille.

Interestingly, this performance saw Nicholls claim a 13th King George VI Chase win, and the durable Bravemansgame is undoubtedly best placed to deliver the trainer a fifth Gold Cup triumph and ideally suited to the long and challenging nature of the course.

Bravemansgame certainly offers value at a price of 7.50 with Unibet, while he’s widely tipped to finish in the top three and provide a viable each-way bet. However, I’d expect his price to shorten ahead of the race, as punters rush to back the gelding and maximise their potential returns.

3️⃣ A Plus Tard

We’ll close with the 2022 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner ‘A Plus Tard’, who was recently confirmed as one of two runners from the Henry de Bromhead stable. This seasoned, nine-year-old gelding wowed viewers when prevailing by 15 lengths from 2021 winner Minella Indo, after an epic battle that could well be resumed during this years’ iteration.

However, the Cheltenham Gold Cup betting for 2023 has ‘A Plus Tard’ as just third favourite to win the race for a second consecutive time, largely due to inactivity and the fact that he has competed just once since his triumph last March.

In fact, ‘A Plus Tard’ was absent for 246 days after his 2022 Gold Cup win, while he subsequently pulled up in Betfair Chase at Haydock on November 19th. Make no mistake; the gelding has suffered a series of physical setbacks over the course of the last 12 months, and while he’s now confirmed to run in the Gold Cup, there remains doubt about his ability to compete over a testing three-mile course.

His record of six wins in 15 outings during his career also pales when compared to his more fancied rivals, although he has placed in the top three in 14 of these races. This at least establishes ‘A Plus Tard’ as a viable each-way bet, especially when you wager with BoyleSports at a price of 8.50.

Now watch what our partners at BoyleSports have to say on the Gold Cup for this year in the video below:

✅ Cheltenham Gold Cup Betting Tips

As you can see from the latest betting odds comparison, there are a few runners that offer particular value as outright and each-way wagers. However, it’s important that you wager strategically and responsibly if you’re to make the most of your bankroll, so here are some helpful betting tips for the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2023.

📌 Carry Out Competition Research

Comparison and analysis are key components to successful betting, whether you’re choosing the best sportsbooks through which to place your wagers or identifying the runners that offer the best value odds and an optimal chance of winning.

When it comes to the former, your first step should be to review the latest Gold Cup betting odds to see which sportsbook is offering the best real-time prices for your selected runners. Additionally, I’d recommend reading the comprehensive bookmakers review content at Betinireland, so that you can analyse sportsbooks in more detail and appraise their full range of features and betting markets.

You can also see if they’re running any Gold Cup betting online offers, which may be available for a limited time and provide you with free bets ahead of the race.

In terms of identifying the best value Gold Cup runners, it’s also crucial that you research the field and analyse their most recent form. Pay particular attention to their overall performance in steeplechases of over three miles or more, while also factoring in the record of the relevant trainer and jockey in previous Gold Cups.

📌 Make Different Kinds of Bets

Earlier in this guide, I’ve discussed the outright Cheltenham Gold Cup betting odds and the three runners most likely to win the race. However, backing the winner of the Gold Cup is one of several betting markets that you’re able to leverage, while there are many different types of wager available online.

In horse racing betting, the most common type of wager is a ‘single’ bet. This is also the most straightforward betting market, and one that requires you to back a race winner or a runner who you think will place in the top three or four (known as an ‘each-way’ wager). In this particular race, the number of places paid in response to an each-way bet is four, although some Gold Cup betting offers may make provision for an additional place and payout if your runner finishes fifth.

It's not uncommon to bet on several runners in high-profile races such as the Gold Cup, with a combination of outright and each-way wagers helping to build your bet slip. Remember, runners like Bravemansgame and A Plus Tard offer significant value as each-way bets in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, and incorporating these wagers into your bet slip can deliver relatively reliable returns.

Tricast betting on the Gold Cup is also a popular option, with this type of wager enabling you to back the runners who you think will finish first, second and third in the race. While the risk here is a little greater and you’ll need in-depth knowledge to make informed selections (especially as you’ll need to select runners in the correct order), you can also earn a considerably higher return on your stake.

📌 Multiple Races Bets

In addition to considering different types of bet, you can also wager on any number of the 28 races that are run over the course of four days at the Cheltenham Festival. In addition to the Gold Cup, other Grade 1 races include the Ryanair Chase, the Champion Hurdle and the Queen Mother Champion Chase, creating multiple markets and potential runners to consider.

You can even combine different race selections in ‘Double’ or ‘Treble’ bets. For example, you could bet on the respective winners of the Gold Cup and Ryanair Chase events in a double wager, in order to unlock extended odds and potentially higher returns. All selections must win (or place) if the bet is to payout, although this type of wager can deliver increased payouts.

You can also consider accumulator or ‘acca’ betting, which features anywhere between four and 20 selections in a single wager. So, you can select runners across multiple races at the Cheltenham Festival, and each of these must win for the acca bet to be successful. Obviously, both the risk and the odds associated with your acca increase with every selection, but you can improve your chances of winning by prioritising short price favourites across the board.

By comparing the full range of races and betting markets in play at the Cheltenham Festival, you can see which ones offer the most value and are likely to maximise the return on your stake money. Otherwise, you’ll be unnecessarily restricting yourself to single wagers and ignoring alternative race markets that may be much more lucrative!

⚡The Previous Winners

It’s interesting to note that the 2021 and 2022 Gold Cup winners will both start among the front runners in this years’ race, namely Minella and A Plus Tard. What’s more, Minella beat A Plus Tard into second when he edged the 2021 race, while these placings were reversed as the latter won by a whopping 15 lengths last time out.

Both of these Henry De Bromhead-trained runners will be looking to resume this rivalry in 2023, while A Plus Tard is hoping to become only the second horse to win consecutive Gold Cups since the legendary Best Mate won three in a row between 2002 and 2004.

Historically speaking, it’s the iconic Golden Miller that remains the most successful Gold Cup runner. He won five consecutive Gold Cups between 1932 and 1936, while Best Mate, Cottage Rake and Arkle all claimed three such titles during their careers. Arkle also helped jockey Pat Taaffe to three of his four Gold Cup wins, while contributing heavily to trainer Tom Dreaper’s record tally of five triumphs.

Below, I’ve built a table highlighting the last five Gold Cup winners, along with a look at the successful jockeys and trainers in each race!

YearWinnerJockeyTrainer
2018Native RiverRichard JohnsonColin Tizzard
2019Al Boum PhotoPaul TownsendWillie Mullins
2020 Al Boum PhotoPaul TownsendWillie Mullins
2021MinellaJack KennedyHenry De Bromhead
2022A Plus TardRachael BlackmoreHenry De Bromhead

Check out the thrilling finish by Rachael Blackmore and A Plus Tard from last year:

🏆 Who will Win Cheltenham Gold Cup 2023?

Galopin Des Champs remains the standout runner and favourite for the 2023 Gold Cup, with the gelding’s recent form more than justifying this lofty status. The Willie Mullins-trained runner is on a three-race winning streak dating back to last April, while his superb triumph at the Irish Gold Cup in February will see him bid to complete a double that was last achieved by Sizing John in 2017.

Also, it should be noted that just three of the last 10 winners have won the Cheltenham Gold Cup after being beaten on their most recent start, so form is a key consideration when determining the likely winner in 2023.

Over the course of the last 10 outings, conditions at Cheltenham have rarely been too taxing for runners, with seven races staged on good to soft ground or quicker. Such conditions will also suit Galopin Des Champs if they’re sustained, with the seven-year-old having won the 2021 Martin Pipe on good-to-soft ground. A Plus Tard also won the 2022 Gold Cup in similar conditions (although he pulled up during his last outing at the Betfair Chase in November), while Bravemansgame and Noble Yeats have achieved notable career successes on soft ground.

Ultimately, it’s hard to look past Galopin Des Champs as the eventual Gold Cup winner, although last years’ victor A Plus Tard and Bravemansgame will push the seven-year-old hard and offer outstanding value as each-way bets. 2021 winner Minella is also durable and may be a viable outside bet at a price of 21.00, while Stattler also ran Galopin Des Champs close at the Irish Gold Cup last month.

🎁Gold Cup Free Bets Offers

If you intend to act on some of the Cheltenham Gold Cup betting tips I’ve referenced above, you should first check the latest free bet offers being promoted by the leading Betinireland brands. This way, you may be able to unlock free bets or deposit match offers up to a specified value, but be sure to check the minimum odds and wagering requirements in the relevant T&Cs before you commit!

Betting SiteOfferClaim
100% Deposit Match up to 100%
Unibet-logo Unibet-logo
Up to 40% Money Back Bonus
Claim up to €50 in Free Bets
Up to €125 in Welcome Bonus
Get up to €450 in Welcome Bonus
50% Deposit Match up to €50
100% Sports Bonus up to €50

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Gold Cup Betting

You’ve come to the end of my Gold Cup betting preview, with this thrilling and often unpredictable race now just a few days away! Below, I’ve also answered some of your most frequently asked questions about the 2023 Cheltenham Gold Cup.

1️⃣ Who are the favourites for the Gold Cup?

Irish Gold Cup winner Galopin Des Champs is the current favourite to prevail in the 2023 Gold Cup, and he can be backed at an average price of 2.75. Bravemansgame and 2022 winner A Plus Tard are also contenders and excellent each-way bets, while Noble Yeats (9.00) and 2021 champion Minella (21.00) offer value as outside contenders.


2️⃣ What is the prize money for Gold Cup 2023?

The Cheltenham Gold Cup is established as the most valuable non-handicap chase in Britain, with a total prize fund of £625,000 set aside for 2023. The winning runner and stable will bank more than half of this sum and a cool £351,688 for their efforts, with this more than £100,000 higher than the Champion Hurdle race.


3️⃣ Where to bet on Cheltenham Gold Cup?

All of Betinireland’s recommended sports betting sites offer a huge array of Cheltenham Gold Cup markets, although the real-time prices will vary from one sportsbook to another. Of course, you can also bet in person if you attend the race at Cheltenham Racecourse, although you’re likely to access better ante post and in-play odds when wagering online.


4️⃣ What are the odds for Gold Cup?

The 2.75 Gold Cup favourite Galopin Des Champs is a clear front-runner among Betinireland’s sportsbooks, although Bravemansgame and A Plus Tard are also strong contenders who can both be backed at an average price of 7.50. 2022 Aintree Grand National winner Noble Yeats is priced at a competitive 9.00 to win at Cheltenham, while last years’ third place runner Protekorat can be backed at around 15.00 to prevail.


5️⃣ Who won Gold Cup 2022?

The 2022 Gold Cup was won by this years’ third favourite A Plus Tard, who prevailed by 15 lengths ahead of 2021 winner Minella. Minella was also the runner up last time out, while A Plus Tard trailed in second in 2021 and lost by barely a length. Both runners are contenders in the 2023 Gold Cup, and will be hoping to continue their burgeoning rivalry at Cheltenham.

✒️ Lewis Humphries – Sports Betting Expert and Tipster

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Lewis Humphries is an experienced sports writer and tipster from the UK. He writes regularly about the Champions League, Premier League, Serie A and other competitions, regularly delivering expert match predictions and betting insights. He also successfully predicted the winner of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, while accurately forecasting the outcome of several group stage and knockout games.

Lewis doesn't just stick to sports; you can also find plenty of online casino gaming content. He's reviewed some of the world's leading casino platforms while creating blog posts and landing page content for various sports betting brands.His content has also been featured on a number of different sites, including Life Hack, Investopedia, Yahoo Finance and Business Insider. He also pens regular sports features for sites including 90 Minutes, Think Football Ideas and Sportsblog.

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