Day 3 of the Cheltenham Festival is here, and what a day we have in store! Gold Cup day is always special, and I have been studying the form books and stats to bring you my best picks for the day. Let me share my selections with you and explain why I fancy these horses to deliver the goods.
Race 1: Turners Novices’ Chase
Win Pick: Fact To File
I am backing Fact To File to get us off to a winning start. This horse has been absolutely brilliant over fences this season, and the step up to 2m4f looks ideal. Willie Mullins knows how to win at Cheltenham, and this lad has the class to handle the pressure. His jumping has been slick and accurate, which is crucial around here.
Each Way Pick: Gaelic Warrior
For my each-way selection, I am going with Gaelic Warrior. Gordon Elliott has a great record in this race, and this horse showed real guts when winning at Leopardstown. The price looks generous, and he could easily sneak into the places if the favourites don’t fire.
Race 2: Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle
Win Pick: Crambo
Crambo gets my vote in this competitive handicap. Paul Nicholls has been targeting this race and the horse has been kept fresh for the Festival. His stamina will come into play over this marathon trip and I reckon he has been laid out for this.
Each Way Pick: Stellar Story
I fancy Stellar Story to run a big race at a price. Willie Mullins loves this race and always has a few in the mix. This horse stays well and could be overpriced in what looks a wide open contest.
Race 3: Ryanair Chase
Win Pick: Envoi Allen
Envoi Allen is my selection for the Ryanair Chase. This horse is pure class when he gets things right, and the 2m5f trip suits him perfectly. Henry de Bromhead will have him spot on for this, and I think he can show his true ability. His record at the Festival speaks for itself, and he looks primed for another big run.
Each Way Pick: Protektorat
Protektorat is my each way fancy here. Dan Skelton has done a brilliant job with this horse, and he loves Cheltenham. The ground should be ideal, and he always gives his running. At the prices I expect him to be, I think he represents cracking each way value.
Race 4: Cheltenham Gold Cup
Win Pick: Galopin Des Champs
The big one! I am going with Galopin Des Champs to win the Gold Cup. This horse is a machine, and Willie Mullins will have him absolutely ready to fire. His jumping is electric, and he has the class to dominate this field. Yes the price might be short, but champions deserve respect, and this lad is a proper champion.
Each Way Pick: Bravemansgame
For my each-way selection, I am backing Bravemansgame to run a huge race. Paul Nicholls knows what it takes to win a Gold Cup, and this horse has been progressive all season. The step up in trip could unlock even more improvement, and I think he will be right there at the finish.
Race 5: Festival Trophy Handicap Chase
Win Pick: Ginny’s Destiny
Ginny’s Destiny looks a cracking bet in this handicap. Henry Daly has his string in great form and this horse has been running well without winning. The handicapper has given him a chance and I think today could be his day at a reasonable price.
Each Way Pick: Houx Gris
I fancy Houx Gris to sneak into the frame. This French import has been running consistently, and the trip and ground should suit perfectly. At bigger odds, he looks worth an each-way punt.
Race 6: Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase
Win Pick: Impaire Et Passe
Impaire Et Passe is my selection in the mares chase. Willie Mullins dominates this division, and this mare has been brilliant all season. Her jumping is accurate, and she has the class to win this comfortably.
Each Way Pick: Dinoblue
Dinoblue is my each way fancy. She has been running well in defeat and could be ready to strike at a price. The mare’s division is competitive, but she has the ability to be right in the mix.
Race 7: Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle
Win Pick: Jade De Grugy
To finish the day, I am backing Jade De Grugy in the Martin Pipe. This horse has been progressive and the step up in trip looks ideal. The conditional jockey claim helps with the weight, and I think he can run a big race.
Each Way Pick: Perculator
Perculator completes my selections for the day. This horse stays well and has been running consistently. At a higher price, he looks worth an each-way interest to round off what I hope will be a profitable Gold Cup day!
Remember: Only gamble what you can afford to lose, and please bet responsibly. These are my personal selections based on my analysis of the form, and I am confident they can deliver the goods. Let’s find a football tipster for today or the most successful horse racing tipsters, and improve your betting!
Good luck, punters, and enjoy Gold Cup day! I hope you liked my Cheltenham Festival Day 3 Picks.