Joseph O'Brien's Festival squad

As the oldest son of Aidan O'Brien, Ireland's legendary trainer, Joseph O'Brien is regally bred when it comes to racing.

He was a successful jockey in his youth, winning Classics in Ireland and Britain for his father, and has now established himself as a leading trainer, both on the Flat and over jumps.

He was widely credited with the success of the 2016 Triumph Hurdle winner Ivanovich Gorbatov, although his father was the official trainer, and the younger O'Brien has since sent out the likes of Band Of Outlaws to win the Boodles Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle at the meeting in 2019 and Early Doors in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle the same season.

Last year, Lark In The Morning won the Fred Winter and O'Brien will be hoping he can add to his tally in 2025.

Banbridge

Gold Cup odds: 8/1

Winner of the King George at Kempton on Boxing Day, Banbridge is being readied for a crack at the Gold Cup. He will have to prove his stamina, especially given his form in top-level races over two miles, but he stayed on really well to claim the front-running Il Est Francais at Christmas.

It's not shaping up to be the deepest Gold Cup and, bar Galopin Des Champs, connections will feel they have one of the strongest contenders. Will he get up the Cheltenham hill at the end of three-and-a-quarter-miles?

Beyond Your Dreams

Boodles Fred Winter odds: 20/1

Given O'Brien's record in the Fred Winter, his contenders for the juvenile handicap must be noted.

Beyond Your Dreams is a filly owned by JP McManus. She was second on her first two hurdles starts at Fairyhouse and Navan in November before opening her account in maiden company at the latter venue in December. Her trainer has confirmed this race as the next target.

Fakir D'oudairies

Cross Country odds: 25/1

A dual winner of the Melling Chase at Aintree in his pomp, Fakir D'oudairies has lost his way this season and was sent to Cheltenham in December for a crack at the Cross Country race. He was well beaten there but could be back for another tilt now and his best form often comes in the spring.

Galileo Dame

Triumph Hurdle odds: 20/1

This Galileo Gold filly had some smart form on the Flat, including finishing second in a Listed race at the Curragh in November, and has finished second in both hurdles starts to date.

The second of those was the Grade 1 Juvenile Hurdle at the Dublin Racing Festival behind Hello Neighbour and her trainer suggests the Triumph Hurdle is now the 'most likely target' at Cheltenham.

Home By The Lee

Stayers' Hurdle odds: 13/2

Home By The Lee is a reliable stayer over hurdles, despite appearing to have some quirks in his armour.

He is dual winner at Grade 1 level in Ireland, including when last spotted in December at Leopardstown, and will be having a fourth attempt at the Stayers' Hurdle, with last year's third behind Teahupoo his best finish.

Lark In The Mornin

County Hurdle odds: 12/1

Lark In The Mornin was a strong finisher when winning the Fred Winter at this meeting a year ago and the County Hurdle looks to be his target this time around. We've only seen him once this season and he was an eye-catching seventh on that occasion in a decent Leopardstown handicap at Christmas. He's one to monitor closely on his Cotswolds return.

Solness

Queen Mother Champion Chase odds: 11/1

One of the success stories of this season, Solness heads for the Champion Chase after landing successive Grade 1 wins in Ireland over two miles, showing much improved form. He has dominated those races with bold front-running tactics but hasn't been stopping late on. Can he topple Jonbon?

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