Is ‘I Am Maximus’ An Early Outside Contender For The 2025 Cheltenham Gold Cup?

-
cheltenham gold cup

Off the back of his superior success in the Grand National, all eyes will be on I Am Maximus in the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March and it will be interesting to how he runs in what is likely to be a very competitive field.

A few days in the run-up to the event, the Willie Mullins-trained, French-born horse plummeted in the betting to be pre-race joint-favourite at 7/1 – well justified and, he did not disappoint.

Indeed, following his win, jockey Townend revealed: “What an unbelievable race and unbelievable horse”.

Conundrum For Mullins?

Of course, Mullins and Townend did the big-race double, with the team claiming victory with the 10/11 odds-on favourite, Galopin Des Champs in the Gold Cup which could present a problem for last season’s UK champion trainer this time around.

Obviously, Townend cannot ride them both and much will depend on who Mullins believes has the better chance. Last season’s winner, who has the course experience, or a newcomer, albeit with supreme potential.

That is why, at 66/1 and for now, with there being no indication as to who rides him, I Am Maximus is unbelievable value. Should the team decide on Townend, the odds will undoubtedly come down, though Galopin Des Champs will certainly be the race favourite given last season’s performance.

Regardless of who rides I Am Maximus, he really showed his class at Aintree last year, looking completely unperturbed and stormed to victory, demonstrating his unbelievable stamina.

If Townend sticks to Galopin Des Champs, perhaps a contender to ride I Am Maximus, is his nephew Danny, who has shown he is certainly capable with 137 hurdle wins to his name over the course of his career so far.

Guaranteed Success For Mullins?

Regardless of who rides I Am Maximus, trainer Mullins certainly has the strongest chance of securing yet another win in the Gold Cup this season. Galopin Des Champs is without a doubt, a classy horse, while he also has the current second-favourite, Fact To File, in addition to Embassy Gardens and Gaelic Warrior, all of which have a respectable chance.

It is true that I Am Maximus is definitely a long shot, though he could be a great pick for a place and it could result in the Mullins camp doing a clean sweep if all goes according to plan.

As always, this year promises to be a strong field that will provide a highly entertaining spectacle and help to further enhance Mullins’ status as of one of the best trainer’s in the sport.