The Gold Cup is the main attraction of the final day of Cheltenham action and it’s the most prestigious and lucrative contest of all jumps racing.
There are also two further Grade Ones on the final day, along with some handicap races as well as the ever-entertaining Foxhunters.
Here are our expert tips for the day’s racing.
1:30 JCB Triumph Hurdle (Grade One) 2m1f
Nicky Henderson’s APPLE’S SHAKIRA (11/4) is definitely one to look out for if the turf is as soft as is expected. She’s won at the New course at Cheltenham already in the Grade Two Finesse, holding off Nube Negra to win comfortably.
There’ll be plenty of support for FARCLAS (7/1) in this one, while MR ADJUDICATOR (13/2) and WE HAVE A DREAM (15/2) bring winning form in Grade Ones into this contest and they’re rightly at the top of the betting market.
However, Apple’s Shakira is our pick and should be able to outlast what is a sizeable field.
JCB Triumph Hurdle Tip: APPLE’S SHAKIRA 11/4
2:10 County Handicap Hurdle (Grade Three) 2m1f
FLYING TIGER (12/1) hasn’t won his last year’s Fred Winter, but has performed well in graded races since. Dan Skelton’s SOLOMON GREY (20/1) has been impressive this season, losing just one race over hurdles, coming second behind If The Cap Fits and he could be a contender for this one.
However, stablemate MOHAAYED (25/1) is currently an outsider, but is an excellent each-way bet and was narrowly denied victory by Irish Roe in a Class Two Handicap at Doncaster. Shelton has form in this race, having won it with Super Story two years ago and he could win it for a second time this year.
County Handicap Hurdle Tip: MOHAAYED E/W 25/1
2:50 Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle (Grade One) 3m
NEXT DESTINATION (7/2) is the market favourite, but he has never run over three miles and could fall off the pace. POETIC RHYTHM (12/1) has the stamina to go three miles though and has form in Grade One races, while CHEF DES OBEAUX (5/1) has improved recently.
However, it’s Nicky Henderson’s SANTINI (4/1) who will look to beat Chef Des Obeaux again and pick up a first victory in a Grade One race.
He’s won on the New course in the Ballymore Classic, showing excellent strength in the finishing straight and has also proven the ability to handle tricky ground conditions.
Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle Tip: SANTINI 4/1
3:30 Cheltenham Gold Cup (Grade One) 3m 2½f
NATIVE RIVER (9/2) will look to build on last year’s third-place finish and as the ground gets softer, he’s likely to become the favourite. OUR DUKE (13/2) will be making his Gold Cup debut and comes in with a victory over Presenting Percy already this season.
MIGHT BITE (3/1) has won on two previous visits to Cheltenham, but he might struggle towards the end as he’s not used to the distance, but he’ll run hard. ROAD TO RESPECT (17/2) brings the strongest form into the Gold Cup this year and is at good each-way odds.
He’s won the Brown Advisory Plate at Cheltenham and has also shown Grade One form with victory at Fairyhouse. He also triumphed at the Christmas Chase, despite starting off at long-odds. He’s continued to impress and shows no sign of stopping.
Cheltenham Gold Cup Tip: ROAD TO RESPECT E/W 17/2
4:10 Foxhunter Challenge Cup (Class Two) 3m 2½f
Everyone’s talking about BURNING AMBITION (3/1) heading into this year’s Foxhunters and he’s been the favourite since finishing second to Gilgamboa. PACHA DU POLDER (14/1) is a former winner in this race and returns, while WONDERFUL CHARM (5/1) and VIRAK (12/1) also all stand a chance.
BAREL OF LAUGHS (16/1) also returns and placed last year, despite having odds of 100/1 before the race. He’s expected to better his performance from last year and is at an excellent price to do so.
He’s won three of his four starts, including a victory at Bangor in February. He’s a lot older than the rest of the field, but is in excellent form heading into the Festival this year.
Foxhunter Challenge Cup Tip: BAREL OF LAUGHS 16/1
4:50 Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (Class Two) 2m 4½f
Gordon Elliott won this last year with Champagne Classic and many think that FLAWLESS ESCAPE (8/1) is his best hope ahead of this year’s Festival. Stablemate DORTMUND PARK (12/1) is just as impressive and is expected to run him close.
However, it’s MELROSE BOY (20/1) who’s expected to take this one home. He won at Cheltenham in November and is once again expected to be ridden by Kieron Edgar, who’ll be hoping to continue an excellent partnership between horse and jockey.
He’s a consistent handicapper and managed to overtake 14 rivals to claim a place finish at Sandown.
Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle Tip: MELROSE BOY E/W 20/1
5:30 Grand Annual Handicap Chase (Grade Three) 2m½f
Looking back on previous Grand Annuals tells you a lot about this race. Five of the first seven runners all featured in the 2016 race and only fourth-placed Dandridge failed to improve on their position from the previous year.
THEINVAL (10/1) came third last year, before finishing second in a Grade Three at Aintree and a further two runner-up finishes at Ayr. He hasn’t raced since New Years’ Day, but his odds have plummeted in recent weeks as people have started picking up on his potential.
PATRICK’S PARK (12/1) is dangerous and his odds will drop as the race nears, while there’s also appeal in DIEGO DU CHARMIL (18/1).
Grand Annual Handicap Chase Tip: THEINVAL E/W 10/1
*Please note all odds subject to change