Punchestown Gold Cup: preview, free tip and one outsider to watch

The highlight on Day 2 of the Punchestown Festival is undoubtedly the Grade 1 Punchestown Gold Cup and there was a shock result in 2023, as Galopin Des Champs was turned over. It should be a cracking race this year so we’ve previewed the main event. Here are the leading contenders, our verdict for the race and one outsider that can outrun its odds. Check out our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.

Main contenders

Galopin Des Champs was back to his imperious best in the Gold Cup at Cheltenham last time out and surely has every chance of following up here. It’s perhaps a slight concern that he was beaten in this last year but it’s always difficult to oppose Willie Mullins’ superstar chaser.

Fastorslow has managed to get the better of Galopin Des Champs twice here at Punchestown, in this race last year and in the John Durkan. He’d be dangerous to rule out once again and will certainly give the favourite something to think about.

Corach Rambler was a good third in the Gold Cup but may find life harder here, as there’s less emphasis on stamina. Lucinda Russell’s 10-year-old is talented individual and he should like the quicker ground however.

Hewick has been waiting for some nice ground and he’s finally going to get it here. Shark Hanlon’s gelding sprung a surprise when winning the King George and should be capable of making his presence felt once again.

Conflated finished second in the Melling Chase at Aintree and is a solid yardstick. That being said, he’s probably vulnerable from a win perspective and others appeal more.

Verdict

Galopin Des Champs is in a different league when at the top of his game and he can banish the scars of the past by getting his head in front here.

Outsider to watch

Hewick (14/1, William Hill) is a very talented horse on his day and he’s very ground dependent. The quicker conditions here will be a huge help and it’s hard to see him finishing outside of the first three.

If you back any of our selections you can watch them live on the free Racing Post app or racingpost.com. Simply log in to one of your bookmaker accounts and click ‘Watch live’ on the racecards.