Cheltenham Day 4 – The Jewel in the Crown

Well, well. Day 3 of the festival taught me a thing or two! The horse racing God’s gave me the metaphorical middle finger and I could only find the 3rd and 4th on e/w bets in the cross country. It comes in swings and roundabouts! Before I get into it I would like to say that my thoughts and prayers are with JT McNamara who, after a bad fall today, is in an induced coma. We all love to back winners, but this puts the whole thing in perspective. Get well JT and I hope to see you back in the saddle very soon.

The bookies absolutely cleaned up today, but thats part and parcel of the game, so well done if you managed to find a winner for yourself. They were few and far between for most punters! Let’s look to tomorrow with a bit of confidence and try to come out of the festival with a few extra quid!!

Triumph Hurdle 13:30 – Our Conor, the 3/1 favourite, has done very little wrong of late. His owner’s, The Man About Town Syndicate, have been bigging him up to be a banker. Interesting to see how he finds the ground tomorrow, as it will be the best he has met all year. Rolling Star has a chance of throwing it up to him, but I’ll still back Our Conor I think. Each way chance lies with Stockton’s Wing, trained by Charles O’Brien. His form suggest’s he is great value at 16’s generally, with a close run second behind Our Conor in Fairyhouse in December.

Vincent O’Brien Handicap Hurdle 14:05 – Another wide open handicap, where anything could happen. A horse I like is Tennis Cap at 10’s generally. He is a progressive  hurdler with smart wins at Naas and Leopardstown this term. I’d like his each way chance. Important to note that Abbey Lane is set to run again, after a disappointing run in the Coral cup. Didn’t over exert himself surely deserves consideration at 25/1.

Albert Bartlett 14:40 – A very hot renewal, with plenty of different contenders worth mention. At Fisher’s Cross is the 5/2 favourite and deservedly so coming off 4 wins on the trot. I’m split between African Gold and Utopies des Bordes to roll him though. Both have a right chance. I’d probably side the Twiston-Davies charge! Inish Island has a nice each way shout at 11’s currently.

Gold Cup 15:20 – This is the pinnacle of the week. The one everyone wants to win. It’s an open race and the form book makes for an interesting read. Bobs Worth is the 11/4 and will take a lot of beating. A course winner and a win at this trip, he looks like the one they have to get past. Sir des Champs is his best challenger, in my opinion. This is the best ground he will get all year and he will appreciate it. My choice. Interesting to note Long Run has never been out of the frame in his Gold Cup appearances, and obviously as a past winner, has to be shown some each way respect. Silviniaco Conti has done nothing wrong this year and is also in with a shout. Also The Giant Bolster who ran in second behind Synchronised last year is deserving of a look e/w @ 14’s. Poor form this year but can’t be completely disregarded. Long Run is the value for me, even though he mightn’t be given the best ride ever. I’ve backed SDC.

Foxhunter’s 16:00 – My nap of the week is Salsify. Irish foxhunter’s are in a class of their own and this lad is the valedictorian. 11/4 all day long. Huge fan of the jock Colman Sweeney who is a great man and stone mad about this horse. Owned by the Mother, trained by the Father, ridden by the Son, there will be scenes of jubilation if this fella can repeat last years efforts and do the business.

Martin Pipe 16:40 – Gevrey Chambertin, half brother to Grand Crus, is the fav in this one but I think is beatable. Edeymi ran into each way money at the festival last year and has a chance of doing the same this time. Tony Martin’s are in form and is in with a nice chance at 8’s generally! Salubrious also has a slight chance of making the frame @ 12’s.

Johnny Henderson 17:15 – A lot of horses with chances here. However, I fancy the favourite Alderwood to run his race. He should show up for punters at 6/1. Go e/w. An outsider with a squeak is Kumbeshwar. Alan King’s are red hot this week and I consider him a value e/w bet @ 20’s.

Thats it for day 4 folks. I hope we can resurrect ourselves from today! If I’m on the radio tomorrow morning I’ll confirm on Twitter so follow @turftalktom.

Best of luck with your selections tomorrow. Skin them!

Slán tamaillín,

T