A few of the big guns have suffered this week, especially with their jumping. On slower ground that may not have been the case, and if the slightly sounder surface holds up for Friday the same might just happen again.
We’re looking at the best bets for Friday on the last day of the Cheltenham Festival, up to and including the Gold Cup.
1:20 – Triumph Hurdle
There’s been lots of talk about Nicky Henderson’s Lulamba and it would be no surprise if he went on to win. He may struggle to beat EAST INDIA DOCK however who is well ahead on our ratings.
Though he’s had one run more and thus in theory has less scope, he’s ahead of his main rival at the same stage of his career. He has also had similar time to recover and improve from his last run. Sam Twiston-Davies rides for James Owen.
2:00 – County Hurdle
A tricky race, as ever. Willie Mullins holds a strong hand with Melbourne Cup fifth Absurde showing up well, but the stable’s top choice and ours is KARGESE.
Paul Townend rides the five-year-old who has lots of room for improvement. A horse at this stage of their career can do a good bit better. To find one trained by Mullins who gets in 2lbs lower than its best rating having never been outside of the front two is a gift.
Valgrand and Ethical Diamond are also of interest each-way.
2:40 – Mares’ Chase
This looks like another Mullins benefit, at least potentially. Dinoblue just keeps getting stronger in the market, but stablemate ALLEGORIE DE VASSY was odds-on to beat her last time, and she is just returning to form.
3:20 – Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle
Though this is a Grade 1 conditions race, the betting gives it the look of a festival handicap. Twenty go to post and we’re going at 7/2 the field at the time of writing.
Overpriced could be Jet Blue for the French team, but the one getting weight is THE BIG WESTERNER. Henry de Bromhead’s mare is two from two now and has a ton of improvement left in her this season.
4:00 – Cheltenham Gold Cup
Galopin Des Champs is around the 8/15 mark to make it three Gold Cups in a row. At a quick glance, it’s hard to see him getting beaten but there are different circumstances now.
Firstly, he’s getting older, and this race just gets harder for such types. He hasn’t been at his career best this season going into the race either while he has little experience on faster ground should that hold.
We’re not expecting Willie Mullins’ star to be as good as he was in 2023 and 2024, but that’s not to say he can’t win it as he looks clear of Ahoy Senor, Gentlemansgame, Inothewayurthinking, Monty’s Star, Corbetts Cross and The Real Whacker.
Don’t rule out a strong each-way run at a huge price from Royale Pagaille, but the one with the form to trouble the top dog at a price is BANBRIDGE.
The King George winner can stay this far we feel. We’re trusting that the surface is quick enough, as slow ground was the excuse at Cheltenham last year, and is one of few showing real progression.