We are now fully into the swing of things at the 2023 Cheltenham Festival, so it’s time to look ahead to Day Four. We’ll look at each race and give you our Cheltenham day 4 tips. It’s the final day of the festival, and it’s the big one, it’s Cheltenham Gold Cup day. Which of the Gold Cup horses will earn the biggest roar from the crowd?
The fourth and final day of the festival is certainly not all about the Gold Cup, though. There are six other excellent races to look forward to, including the always exciting JCB Triumph Hurdle, which kicks things off.
Cheltenham Day 4 Tips
Below you can read our race thoughts, plus see our Day 4 Cheltenham tips:
JCB Triumph Hurdle
This race is usually contested by some hugely exciting prospects and this year is no different. At the head of the market, you have both Lossiemouth and Blood Destiny for the ever-present Willie Mullins. The former disappointed slightly last time out, but she looked a very promising sort prior to that and cannot be written off. Blood Destiny won very well at Fairyhouse in January and is another who simply cannot be ignored.
In fact, the first four in the betting come from the Willie Mullins stable. Of those four, it could pay to chance Zenta, who is from two over hurdles. The filly looked a smart sort when winning a Listed contest in France last term, while she got the job done in good style after a lay-off on debut for Willie Mullins. Another step forward and she could be bang there. Worthy of each-way support at decent odds.
Tip: Zenta each-way at 16/1
County Handicap Hurdle
Take your pick here, it really is an open contest. 28 runners are expected to go to post. Once again a handful of Willie Mullins’ horses will be popular, especially Sharjah, who drops into handicap company, and Hunters Yarn, who has been in fine form.
However, at the prices, Aucunrisque really appeals. This gelding took his form to a new level when winning unchallenged at Newbury last time out, suggesting as though he has more to offer. The form of his third at Cheltenham in a National Hunt Flat race back in late 2021 suggests that he’ll have little problem with the track.
Tip: Aucunrisque each-way at 14/1
Albert Bartlett Novice’s Hurdle
Corbett’s Cross is probably the one to beat for Emmett Mullins, but he made hard work of winning at Naas last time out, and although the step back up in trip should help, he might just be there for the taking.
Another Irish trained horse that stands out as a more than viable each-way option is Dawn Rising for Joseph O’Brien. Back in January, on Grade 1 debut at Naas, the six-year-old wasn’t beaten all that far by Champ Kiely, who has since gone on to finish third in the Ballymore here on Wednesday. He’s among the more unexposed types, while this step up in trip should be beneficial. Can easily run a decent race at a big price.
Tip: Dawn Rising each-way at 20/1
Cheltenham Gold Cup
In the big race on Friday afternoon, all eyes will be on Galopin Des Champs. He is expected to go off as a red-hot favourite for Willie Mullins. He’s a top, top chaser, who has done everything right this season and he may well prove to be the best in the race.
That said, there are some cracking options at bigger odds. One of which is Conflated for Gordon Elliott and Davey Russell. He fell when making an effort two out in the Ryanair last season, but he’s improved for the step up in trip this season. Looked in fine form when trouncing the likes of Kemboy and Fury Road in the Savills Chase at Leopardstown in late December. He’s been kept for this and if he’s right could run a big race at appealling odds of 14/1.
Tip: Conflated each-way at 14/1
Challenge Cup
There’s likely to be a favourite trained by someone other than Willie Mullins here, and that favourite is Vaucelet, who looks to have big chance. His win at Down Royal last time out was good, and he’s been lightly raced with this race in mind, so don’t be surprised if he gets up to win.
Famous Clermont catches the eye after producing a career-best effort to win comfortably at Haydock last time out. He also won with plenty in hand at Wincanton prior to that and will certainly appreciate the step back up in trip here. With each-way odds available, he gets the nod.
Tip: Famous Clermont each-way at 8/1
Mares’ Chase
In the mares chase, Impervious will no doubt be popular, though he didn’t look to have too much in hand when winning last time out. In contrast. Allegorie De Vassy looked like a superstar with plenty left in the tank at Thurles. She has some excellent form in the book and for a trainer who doesn’t often miss with well-fancied types at the festival, she can come home in front.
Tip: Allegorie De Vassy to Win at 6/4
Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle
The lucky last at the Cheltenham Festival is the Martin Pipe and as ever this race looks very competitive. Several have chances, but one who stands out immediately is Might I.
Harry Fry’s runner remains very lightly raced, and he still has some solid form in the book, including a second to Constitution Hill. He returned from 224 days off the track to not run much of a race at Haydock in November, but he could be forgiven for that given his absence, while he certainly stepped forward at this venue in late January, finishing a staying on second. That form looks strong in relation to this race, while the step up in trip looks a real positive. He’s a big player.
Tip: Might I each-way at 12/1
