Here we are – the final day of the 2023 Cheltenham Festival.
So, in one last attempt to nod you in the direction of some winners, here’s my seven tips for all seven races on Friday.
Cheltenham Day 4 Tips 2023
- Lossiemouth to win @ 13/8
- Hunters Yarn to win @ 6/1
- Hiddenvalley Lake each-way @ 9/1
- Galopin Des Champs to win @ 15/8
- Famous Clermont to win @ 7/1
- Allegorie De Vassy to win @ 11/8
- Cool Survivor to win @ 5/1
1.30 – Triumph Hurdle
I would be gobsmacked if one of Lossiemouth, Blood Destiny or Gala Marceau doesn’t win the opener on Friday. They’re absolutely streets ahead of the rest.
I expect the former to reverse form with the latter, so it all comes down to Lossiemouth v Blood Destiny for me.
I’ve great respect for Blood Destiny, who not only boasts very strong form but is clearly very well-regarded at Closutton, but it’s Lossiemouth for me.
That extremely valuable 7lbs sex allowance and Paul Townend in the plate is what swings it for me.
Selection: LOSSIEMOUTH @ 13/8
2.10 – County Hurdle
Prominent owners Simon Munir & Isaac Suede have had a fantastic week courtesy of El Fabiolo and Impaire Et Passe and could be set for more success courtesy of Hunters Yarn in the County Hurdle.
The six-year-old boasts some excellent form this season and could easily have gone for the Supreme instead of this race.
Whatever the ground ends up will be no bother to him, and I get the impression this might just be an improving, Graded type in a handicap.
You need a bit of luck in running, as is the case with all handicaps at the Festival, but I certainly couldn’t oppose Hunters Yarn.
Selection: HUNTERS YARN @ 6/1
2.50 – Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle
I’m a big fan of Gordon Elliott’s Three Card Brag, who should go well in this, but I’m siding with Hiddenvalley Lake for the red-hot Henry De Bromhead.
His horses are in cracking form, and if you’d asked him before the Festival to name his best chances I’m sure this lad would have featured.
The form of both his wins late last year and that narrow defeat at Clonmel last month are right up there, and I think he’ll be suited by these slightly better conditions.
This looks a fiercely competitive renewal, so I’d advise playing this each-way at the prices – especially with Betfred paying an extra place (four places).
Selection: HIDDENVALLEY LAKE e/w @ 9/1
3.30 – Cheltenham Gold Cup
The Gold Cup is the one race this year that I’ve waited until the very last moment to form a proper opinion on – and that’s entirely down to the ground.
I think Galopin Des Champs is the best horse in the race, but I’d have probably opposed him in particularly testing conditions. However, it looks like the ground is going to dry out a fair bit before the Gold Cup, which makes him the likely winner in my eyes.
The seven-year-old is a superstar. He’s unlucky not to be bidding for the Festival hat-trick here, having won the Martin Pipe emphatically in 2021 before falling at the last in the Turners last season when having the race at his mercy. He can make amends for that on Friday.
He’s every chance of staying the trip on this ground and is the classiest animal in the field that can power up the hill to win the Blue Riband.
Selection: GALOPIN DES CHAMPS @ 15/8
4.10 – Hunters’ Chase
This is my least favourite race of the week so I’ll keep it short and sweet.
Vaucelet is the class act in the field and I wouldn’t put anyone off backing him, but Famous Clermont just keeps on winning and arguably boasts the best form of anyone this term.
I think he’s overpriced at 7/1.
Selection: FAMOUS CLERMONT @ 7/1
4.50 – Mares’ Chase
I think Willie Mullins’ Allegorie De Vassy is the best mare in training and will take the world of beating in the penultimate race of the 2023 Cheltenham Festival.
I respect Impervious, who has done nothing wrong all season and brings solid form to the table, but I think she’s up against a serious, serious animal here.
The selection’s hurdle form was top class but she’s gone to new heights over fences. Her emphatic 19L triumph over Brides Hill at Thurles in January was given a huge boost when the latter was a comfortable winner of a Listed contest at the same track just a few weeks ago.
The slight worry is her jumping, which isn’t straightforward, but I truly believe that her engine and ability is unrivalled and we could see a special performance if she puts in a clear round.
Selection: ALLEGORIE DE VASSY @ 11/8
5.30 – Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle
Lastly, we have the ultra-competitive Martin Pipe.
You could make a case for a bunch of these, but I think Gordon Elliott’s Cool Survivor has a great chance.
The form of his runs behind Hiddenvalley Lake and Good Land suggest he could be a Graded performer, and I think his mark of 140 underestimates him – and the very experienced Sam Ewing in the plate is a big plus.
Fingers crossed for a winning end to the Festival!
Selection: COOL SURVIVOR @ 5/1
Good luck whatever you’re on, enjoy what promises to be a brilliant day of racing – and, as always, please Gamble Responsibly.
*prices correct at time of publication
