The curtain comes down on the 2022 Cheltenham Festival today but before we put away our form books for another year, there is the small matter of the Gold Cup and an excellent supporting card., writes our top tipster Bob Cross.
We start proceedings with the Triumph Hurdle at 1.30. Pied Piper was bred by Her Majesty The Queen and ran on the flat for her before being sold on to an Irish based owner.
In this, her Platinum Jubilee Year, it would be great if she was to play her part in winning this event – and I believe there is every possibility.
My each way selection is Knight Salute . This is a big step up in grade for him but he is unbeaten and has kept finding more whenever asked.
A field of 26 horses will line up for the County Hurdle (2.10). Many of the horses on display have competed at a higher level, and this promises to be a great spectacle. With many bookies paying six places I will put up two selections that represent good value.
After bolting up in the Imperial Cup, Surprise Package looks as if he could be well handicapped. Cormier won the Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso last month. If either of these horses win this race they will receive a special bonus cheque on top of the prize money for this event.
The Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle is off at 2.50. I am siding with Hillcrest ; he has won every hurdle race he has completed – the one hiccup on his card was when he unseated his jockey here in January. He will take all the beating here.
Classic Getaway cost over half a million pounds and, although the form (1-121) looks half decent, he has been less than impressive.
I am hoping the better ground may bring out the best in him and he represents each way value at around 25/1.
And then we are on to the main event – The Gold Cup (3.05)
Hamilton Park Clerk of the Course – Harriet Graham – trains Aye Right , who merits his place in this illustrious event.
Unfortunately he may find this company simply a wee bit too good. Lanarkshire businessman Ronnie Bartlett had success here on Tuesday with The Stattler, and has a great chance of following this up with Gold Cup success with the super talented Galvin .
Each way selection is Al Boum Photo . Having won this event twice already he clearly knows his way around here and the odds currently available of 12/1 appears generous.
The Open Hunters' Chase is off at 4.10 and this is for amateur jockeys. With Rachael Blackmore and Lucy Turner both already on the scoreboard, this race may go to another lady rider.
Gina Andrews had a horrendous accident at Cheltenham in December 2020. The bravery she showed during her comeback was incredible and a win here onboard Dubai Quest will be well deserved.
Each way selection is Mighty Stowaway , who was an unlucky sixth in this event last year.
The penultimate race of the meeting is the Mares' Chase (4.50) and this looks a particular competitive affair. Mount Ida put it all together in January when beating Elimay at Fairyhouse. On the strength of that run, I am siding with her in this event.
Each way selection is Zambella who has won three of her four last starts. She was running a good race in this event last year when falling three out.
The Festival comes to a close with The Grand Annual (4.50), and this is my nap of the meeting!
Langer Dan was two lengths behind Galopin Des Champs in this event last year, and nine lengths ahead of the rest of the field.
We saw yesterday how talented Galopin Des Champs is and, taking a line through that form, he has a good shout.
Add to this the fact he has been dropped three pounds since his last run and that makes him difficult to oppose.
Each way selection is I A Connect . The seven-year-old gelding has not been seen outside Ireland, where he has never been out the first three.
And that is it all over for another year. Four of the best days' racing anywhere in the world complete.
Roll on next year !
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