1.30 – Sir Gino has long been the favourite for this race but recent market weakness might put a few off. I wouldn’t want to be taking a short price about any horse in the Triumph as these young horses improve and develop so quickly it is possible for one to spring a surprise. One horse who I am anticipating to improve dramatically is MAJBOROUGH who looks a really smart prospect for Willie Mullins and JP McManus. Mullins has spoke of him as a potential Gold Cup horse in the future so he is clearly held in high regard hence why he was thrown into a Grade 1 on his first start for new connections last time out. He made all of the running that day only to get collared late by some more streetwise rivals. I anticipate a quieter ride here and I expect him to go close. Stablemate Ethical Diamond could give each way punters a run for their money.
2.10 – Given what we saw from Slade Steel earlier this week it is impossible not to be confident about KING OF KINGSFIELD here who looks a potential blot in the handicap. Gordon Elliott‘s horse is a proper speed ball who will appreciate the test this course provides and looking at his form you would have to admit he wouldn’t have been out of place in Tuesday’s Supreme Novices Hurdle. He will be favourite for this but I think he is a good thing granted a clear round.
2.50 – There are a lot of unbeaten records on the line here and plenty of unexposed horses in the line up. I have a lot of respect for Readin Tommy Wrong, the likely favourite but I am plumping for a little more value in the shape of GIDLEIGH PARK. Harry Fry has enjoyed success in this race before and I think his charge has what it takes to make his presence felt here. All of his form stands up to close inspection and he impressed me last time when battling back up the hill which suggested this race would be the ideal test for him. If you can get 9/1 or 10/1 about him then I think he is a cracking each way play.
3.30 – Galopin Des Champs is a hot favourite for this race and he might well be the superstar we all want to see but I am not here to tip up 7/4 shots in the Gold Cup. I think GERRI COLOMBE is the value play here as he is better than his second placed effort last time out and is better judged on his performances at Aintree last year and Down Royal earlier this season. Gordon Elliott has always said he has trained him for one day in mind and you won’t find many better target trainers than the Cullentra handler. Of the bigger priced horses I think Corach Rambler could pick up some pieces late on given his supreme course record. Connections are pointing him towards retaining his Grand National crown but I suspect he may well be tuned up for this race first.
4.10 – This race usually yields a lot more runners than it has this year which will hopefully make it easier for the better horses to come to the fore. ITS ON THE LINE has been snapped up by JP McManus and that says plenty about his chance. A close second last year, he appears to have improved again this year being only 7 years old and although he will be a short priced favourite, he too could be a good thing.
4.50 – The Mares Chase divides opinion amongst many and personally speaking it wouldn’t be my favourite festival race either. However, we look to have a good race on here between the front 3 in the market I expect DINOBLUE to come out on top. A much improved mare from her younger days, she has been operating at a higher level recently against some of the best. This represents a big step down in class and although she has to prove she stays this trip, I fully expect her to do so. 5.30 – The concluding race of the 2024 Cheltenham Festival and if you’re not in front by now then I would hazard a guess you may end up down on the week as this race isn’t the easiest to predict. It does tend to go to a young improver and WATERFORD WHISPERS is exactly that. Henry De Bromhead enjoyed success earlier in the week and I’m sure he will be looking forward to this chap given his mark off 133 which looks far too low looking at his Irish form. He has seemingly been kept back for this and I expect him to be well supported in the market so get on early if you can.
