Best bets for Friday with Galopin Des Champs clear favorite for the showpiece

The Cheltenham Festival is considered the biggest festival of the racing season and Friday is the culmination of all four days with the Gold Cup.

Gold Cup day caps a massive week of high-profile action, with big cash prizes awaiting the showpiece winner.

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Last year it was 3/1 favorites A Plus Tard who came home under Rachael Blackmore to take home the trophy for coach Henry De Brohmhead.

In 2021 it was Minella Indo, also coached by Bromhead, who was a 9/1 outsider.

However, there seems to be one clear favorite this season that just barely missed out on festival glory last year.

Galopin Des Champs is leading the bets but it could still open that day with the likes of A Plus Tard, Noble Yeats and Bravemansgame looking worthy contenders.

Triumph hurdle top

Comfort zone 10/1

This horse, owned by JP McManus, could be one of many winners or places for the popular owner.

So far he has performed well in Graded Company, including just six lengths behind this year’s favorite Lossiemouth.

But this favorite proved beatable last time out, while Comfort Zone improved under great rides from Jonjo O’Neill Jr.

He has beaten Dixon Cove and Scriptwriter in his last two appearances including Cheltenham which sets him up perfectly for the festival.

Improvement is likely for coach Joseph Patrick O’Brien and he is very valuable as a two-way contender.

Gold Cup Betting Tip and Predictions

Champs gallop 13/8

The other Class 1 chase and biggest race of all sees a decent price for another favorite, Galopin Des Champs, also coached by Mullins.

The now seven-year-old was almost guaranteed victory at last year’s festival in the Turners, but ultimately fell in a dramatic turn of events that gave victory away to Bob Olinger, who ended up winning by 40 lengths in a four-runner contest.

Galopin was 12 lengths too good when he jumped last and would no doubt have increased that lead had he jumped it successfully.

He showed his true potential in April when he won at Fairyhouse by 18 lengths.

Before defeating even tougher rivals next time in December at Punchestown to win by 13 lengths over Fakir D’oudairies.

Now rated at 175, there doesn’t seem to be a better favorite throughout the festival. Until now.

Chase tip from Paddy Power Mares

Impervious 2/1

Another JP McManus horse who has a good chance, but even more so, for an overall win in this Mares’ Chase over an extended 2m4f.

However, she meets close favorite Allegorie De Vassy and needs to be good to win 2/1.

The CA Murphy-trained horse has won their last three since they switched to obstacles.

Beating geldings like Journey With Me and Minella Crooner in a small field on heavy ground and going up against Mares now might get a little more to the finish.

These victories in test conditions can prove how good Impervious can be at the Cheltenham Festival and get it on the line, especially when it’s raining.

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