The final day of what has been a fantastic Cheltenham Festival with plenty of dramatic moments and great stories. Lets hope we round off the week with a winner or two.
1.20 Cheltenham 2m1f (2m179y) (New) JCB Triumph Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (4yo)
Willie Mullins has a strong hand in terms of number of runners, but he won’t for my money have the winner. It looks a match between East India Dock v Lulamba, I am marginally keener on Nicky Henderson’s horse who we have seen just twice compared to the three runs that East India Dock has had. I think Lulamba will have a bit more improvement in his locker to win this race. I was at Ascot for his first start in the UK and was really taken with him. He gave 10lb to the field and went clear on the run in with limited fuss. Nicky Henderson I think is set to unleash a horse who could be very exciting for the future.
1 point win Lulamba
2.00 2m1f (2m179y) (New) William Hill County Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (5yo+)
It feels strange to not have more runners is this handicap, that said it looks like quality over quaternity. The four of Kargese, Lark In The Mornin, Absurde and McLaurey have all been well found in the betting and were all on the short list. Marginally for me Lark In The Mornin stands out, a previous Festival winner on Heavy ground I think the better ground will suit Joseph O’Brien’s horse even more. Seen just once recently when running down the field over Christmas the yard has already been in the winners enclosure this week and I feel like this horse can take another step forward off a mark of 132.
1 point win Lark In The Mornin
2.40 Cheltenham 2m4½f (2m4f127y) (New) Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase (Registered As The Liberthine Mares’ Chase) (Grade 2) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (5yo+)
I remain needing to be convinced that this race has a home at the Festival, that said we do at least have plenty of familiar faces from last years renewal. A small each way play is likely to be the best I can muster as a suggestion, and I think Brides Hill can get possible justice for being a non runner last year when the ground turned against her. Turned over at odds on at Doncaster and Huntingdon would reduce most people’s enthusiasm. I think she is worth giving one more go as I would assume that the Spring would have been her ultimate target, and she may have just been slightly undercooked for those two run.
Brides Hill 1 point Each Way
3.20 Cheltenham 3m (2m7f213y) (New) Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) (Registered As The Spa Novices’ Hurdle) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (5yo+)
Anyone who watched the BetVictor sponsored Weekend Winners show will know how keen I have been on the chances of The Big Westerner here. This Irish Mare has been seen just twice this season and then been kept fresh for this race. Her getting seven pounds from the boys will be helpful and I expect Henry De Bromheads horse to go close. If you want an option at a bigger price Wendigo saw his form well advertised by The New Lion on Wednesday. Jamie Snowden’s horse was second in the Challow Hurdle to Dan Skelton’s Turners winner and can at least place for a yard in sensational form.
2 point win The Big Westerner
1 point Each Way Wendigo
4.00 3m2½f (3m2f70y) (New) Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (5yo+)
The Gold Cup and a chance for Galopin Des Champs to edge close to being in the conversation about all time greats. A third Gold Cup would be historic and on paper the renewal this year looks fairly week. Of those trying to stop Willie Mullins horse King George winner Bambridge looks to be getting his ground but he does need to prove he can stay a Gold Cup trip. I have had a small each way bet on Inothewayyurthkin to at least make the frame if not upset the fav. Gavin Cromwell’s horse is favourite for the Grand National and find it interesting they have opted to supplement him to run here. More rain would help his chances but I am convinced he is a Gold Cup type, he won here 12 months again in the Kim Muir and could just cause a big shock at Prestbury Park before heading to Aintree next month.
Inothewayyurthkin 1 point Each Way
4.40 Cheltenham 3m2½f (3m2f70y) (New) St. James’s Place Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters’ Chase (Class 2) (5yo+)
This would be an area of racing I don’t really follow and won’t be likely to have a bet in. It certainly looks an interesting renewal with some old names mixing it with younger pointers. Best of luck if you are having a play but it isn’t for me, I will leave to those who follow the Hunter Chase scene to tip in.
No Bet
5.20 2m4½f (2m4f56y) (New) Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race) (Class 2) (4yo+ 0-145)
One of the biggest talking horses of the week rounds off the Festival with French Import Kopeck De Mee a three-time winner in France set to be well backed by punters. My French form knowledge is limited, and I do see the angle but at the expected prices I want to take him on. I think the going, and track will suit Wodhooh that has progressed nicely all season for Gordon Elliott. The form last time out here looks strong with the second having won the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury after that race. Hopefully she can round off the week with a winner and get the fav turned over.
1 point win Wodhooh
