Hayley sets you up for the final day of action at Prestbury Park with her selections for the big one, the Gold Cup.
Crappy day yesterday folks but I wasn’t confident heading into Day Three. I am today though and in the opener I’ve got my eyes on Dessie Hughes’ charge Guitar Pete. Admittedly not as stylish as the stable’s winner last year Our Conor, he is a tough, battle-hardened horse and in fact, won the Spring Juvenile Hurdle at Leopardstown four seconds faster than Our Conor. Some would question his class but I don’t and I think he’s got a cracking chance in the opener.
Cheltenian is the one to beat in the County Hurdle and David Pipe’s yard are in fantastic festival form. But it’s a tough race so I’m going to keep my powder dry until the Albert Bartlett where Briar Hill looks banker material despite the threat of the popular King’s Palace and each-way chance Deputy Dan. He’s a lazy bones at home apparently but has never failed to deliver at the track and I don’t believe he’ll disappoint today.
The highlight is the Gold Cup and Bobs Worth comes here to defend his crown off the back of a super Lexus win. This horse is the type that would make you fall in love with racing. He’s surprisingly small but has the heart of a lion and even when he looks completely beaten he simply refuses defeat. He’s unbeaten in five efforts at Cheltenham and I think will justify his position.
Silviniaco Conti was in the mix before falling in the race last year and was an impressive winner of the King George. At a massive price as a fun bet, Katenko could be worth having a couple of euros on each way at 100/1. His trainer has had a sparkling season and he has scattered pieces of decent form. Michael O’Leary will be hoping he can add to his War Of Attrition win with Last Instalment, who is running despite previous concerns about the ground. I think he may be up against it.
There’s a horse that has been quietly campaigned called Vieux Lion Rouge in the Martin Pipe, he’s had three odds-on wins against much inferior competition and could give the field a real run for heir money in the 4.40
If there’s any justice in the world, Oscar Delta will win the Foxhunter Chase at 4.00.
Jane Mangan was riding a brilliant finish aboard him last year before he jinked unseating her and she deserves to win. He’s been a bit disappointing since but he has a good record in the race and could challenge On The Fringe.
Hopefully we’ll finish the festival on top, enjoy the day and happy punting!
Don’t forget to check back here at around 1.00 today as when will kick off our bumper live blog of the day’s action, with all the tips, advice, craic and winners from Day Four of Cheltenham 2014.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
