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Galopin Des Champs has topped the ante-post Gold Cup betting since the end of last season. Mullins star ran roughshod through the novice ranks last term, with the only blot on his form book that final-fence tumble when in control of the Marsh Novices' Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.
Mullins' star looks as good as ever when scoring in the rescheduled John Durkan Memorial Chase on his only start so far this season. Speaking to Sky Sports on Monday, Willie Mullins has revealed that Golopin Des Champs is likely to run in the Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown on February 7th, before heading onto Cheltenham.
"Galopin Des Champs seems to be in very good form." Mullins said. "I would say there is every chance his next race will be the Irish Gold Cup."
"He's been doing everything right at home since the John Durkan and I'm very happy with him. He relaxed at Punchestown and I was very happy to see him doing that. I think it's another string to his bow and a very important string. I'd say there is every chance you will see him at Leopardstown next."
Galopin Des Champs wasn't the only Willie Mullins horse to feature in the initial entries for the 2023 Cheltenham Gold Cup. Stattler proved he was a genuine Gold Cup contender by romping to victory in the National Hunt Chase at last year's Festival, and ran very well on his comeback behind Minella Indo in the Savills Chase on New Years Day.
Willie Mullins could have two runners in this year's Gold Cup. (Getty)
Many had expected Stattler to line up in the Irish Gold Cup next month, but Willie wasn't sure whether Stattler would be ready in time for the Dublin Racing Festival.
"I'm not sure where Stattler will run next." Mullins continued. "He had a tough race at Tramore and we'll have to have a think about where is the best place to go with him next. We'll get our thinking caps on.
"I was very happy with the way he ran at Tramore. He was beaten by a former Gold Cup winner in Minella Indo and it was a terrific local success and a wonderful day at Tramore. I don't think Stattler lost much in defeat and I was very pleased with him."
Coral currently lists Galopin Des Champs as their 7/4 favourite for the 2023 Gold Cup. Stattler has drifted a little since Mullins spoke to the press. Last year's National Hunt Chase winner can be backed at 10/1.
Galopin Des Champs2022 Cheltenham Gold Cup FavouriteGET 7/4 HERE
