It’s the final day of the 2026 Festival and we have perfect jumping ground for this year’s renewal of the Gold Cup after rain overnight changed the going description to good to soft (soft in places) on the chase course and soft (good to soft) in places on the hurdles track.
Don't forget to check out today's Cheltenham free bets and odds boosts.
TRIUMPH HURDLE
As is traditionally the case, the juveniles get us underway in the Triumph Hurdle at 1.20pm.
Willie Mullins saddled a host of unknown horses in last year’s race, when Poniros sprang a shock on his first start over hurdles. Mullins has an array of similarly lightly raced runners today and it is anybody’s guess as to which one (if any) will come out on top.
Proactif is the favourite, but SELMA DE VARY made a striking impression at the DRF last time out when reportedly in need of the run and she is the number one pick.
Of the less exposed Mullins runners, we are going to plump for MON CREUST, who was unlucky behind Kai Lung last time out. He and Forty Fifty are both nice long term prospects.
Away from the Mullins runners, we think Gavin Cromwell is set for a big day and his NORTH SHORE can also make his presence felt here. He has run two promising races over hurdles so far and was a 90 plus rated horse on the flat in France.
Lord Bryon and Wolf Rayet are ones for the notebook as they should both be winning races in the near future.
Unibet are offering cash-back on the Triumph, if your horse finishes 2nd or 3rd, while William Hill offer an 'Epic Boost' of Evens (from 2/5) that Willie Mullins trains the winner.
Also, Virgin Bet are offering money back as a free bet on this race if your horse loses.
COUNTY HANDICAP HURDLE
There’s an equally challenging puzzle for punters to solve at 2.00pm in the form of the County Hurdle.
We like another Cromwell runner here – HELLO NEIGHBOUR – who was a strong fancy for last season’s Triumph. He was back in a handicap on his last run, which saw him finish a credible 7th in a big field behind Bowensonfire.
The biggest danger may prove to be stablemate SIXANDAHALF who runs in her first handicap.
She was second in last season’s Dawn Run Novices’ Hurdle at the Festival and has slowly been coming to hand for a yard that is finally coming into form.
Of the British runners, we like JUBILEE ALPHA now that she is dropped back in trip.
She has travelled noticeably powerfully in recent races over further before her stamina has seemed to give way in the closing stages. Hopefully, a fast run 2 miles on this stiff track should be perfect.
Murcia would have been a tip, but the ground may have gone against her, so Karbau looks the chief danger, whilst Tripoli Flyer and Balko d’Ange are two to consider at bigger prices.
MARES’ CHASE
It’s the Mares' Chase next and with his horses in flying form we are going to side with PANIC ATTACK for Dan Skelton.
She has won two massive prizes already this season including the Paddy Power Gold Cup here in November. She is in the form of her life and will take some pegging back if given an easy lead.
Diva Luna is a horse we love, but it asking a lot for a novice to win this race, so the biggest threat may come from another Cromwell runner ONLY BY NIGHT, who could improve for the step up in trip – she was an excellent runner up in last season’s Arkle.
The race's sponsor Paddy Power are offering a 'Turbo Price' boost to Evens (from 1/3) for the favourite Dinoblue to finish in the top three.
ALBERT BARTLETT NOVICES’ HURDLE
A massive field goes to post for the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle and whatever happens today, this is always a race that produces plenty of future winners.
Spinningayarn would have been one of the selections, but doubts remain about the Gordon Elliott runners.
Unsurprisingly, Willie Mullins has a strong hand and it is one of the yard’s runners that Paul Townend hasn’t chosen to ride – EXPRESSO MILAN – that take our eye. He seems to get better and better every time he steps up in trip and this nicely bred six year will make a fine chaser in time.
Hipop De Loire and Doctor Mesnil are other Mullins runners to consider.
We tipped up Thedeviluno last weekend and are still keen on his chances, but his current price is fairly unappealing.
There are plenty of local contenders to consider including MONDOUI’BOY and Moneygarrow. The former has yet to tackle this sort of trip and may be open to the greater improvement.
If the race turns into a real slog, one who could be staying on when others have cried enough is UBATUBA, who could give Ollie Murphy his first Festival winner.
CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP
It’s the big one next and we can’t desert JANGO BAIE who we’ve been keen on for this race since he stayed on so well to win last season’s Arkle.
The King George at Kempton looks the key form line and whichever of Jango Baie, The Jukebox Man and Gaelic Warrior comes out on top here looks set to take jump racing’s biggest prize and there was plenty in that contest to suggest that our selection can reverse the placings today.
If the King George form doesn’t hold up then Haiti Couleurs appeals most. He will make sure that this Gold Cup is a real test of stamina.
There are various 'Super Boosts' available on the big race from top betting sites:
Bet365: Evens (from 3/10) Gaelic Warrior - Top 5 Finish
Boylesports: 2/1 (from Evens) Jango Baie - Top 3 Finish
BetVictor: 6/4 (from 8/11) The Jukebox Man - Top 3 Finish
Betano: 6/4 (from 5/6) Gaelic Warrior - Top 3 Finish
HUNTERS’ CHASE
Our selections for the Festival Hunters' Chase are BARTON SNOW, MUSIC DRIVE and KINGS JET.
MARTIN PIPE HANDICAP HURDLE
And our picks for the Martin Pipe Hurdle are JUMP ALLEN, ROC DINO and HOT FUSS.
FESTIVAL PLACEPOT
We'll have one more try at landing the Tote Placepot, with its estimated £1 million prize pool. Here are our picks:
1.20 - 12, 13, 19
2.00 - 4, 5, 8
2.40 - 7
3.20 - 3, 18
4.00 - 3, 8
4.40 - 2, 12
