Galopin Des Champs could make history by being the first 3 time back to back Cheltenham Gold Cup winner. Gold Miller won the race 5 times in a row from 1932 to 1936, Cottage Rake won 3 in a row from 1948 to 1950, Arkle from 1964 to 1966 and finally Best Mate from 2002 to 2004. Could Galopin Des Champs join the legends of the staying chasing division.
13:20 JCB Triumph Hurdle (Grade 1)
Hurdle Turf, Grade 1 Class 1
Runners 18
Distance 2 miles 1 furlongs
Going Good to soft
1st place £84,405
Our selections for the race
To win East India Dock (2/1)
Was useful on the flat for James Fanshawe when rated 89. Switched to hurdles and has been a top prospect and has won all 3 starts including Grade 2 success clear by 18 lengths at this track in November then back it up again at this track in another Grade 2 10 lengths clear of Stencil who did run poor on Wednesday but lost a shoe. He sets the standard and should go well.
Each-way Lady Vega Allen (20/1)
Dam Half-sister to high-class hurdler Quevega. Won on debut in September on her only start in France, Finished behind Hello Neighbour at Leopardstown. only went down a short head in Grade 2 company then was also unlucky when her Grade 1 start was ran slow and she wants a faster run race which she should get here.
14:00 William Hill County Handicap Hurdle
Hurdle Turf, Grade 3 Handicap Class 1
Runners 16
Distance 2 miles 1 furlong
Going Good to soft
1st place £61,897
Our selections for the race
To win Absurde (9/2)
Won this last year albeit on heavy going and that was his last hurdle outing. 8 pound higher now and Paul Townend rides Kargese. Strong travelling sort and is very low mileage. Ran a blinder in the Melbourne Cup when 5th, goes well on any ground and can defo make his mark here.
Each-way Daddy Long Legs (20/1)
Willie saddles 4 in this, mixed form since he bolted up to win a big-field at Punchestown last April. Has a chance if he's back to his top form and 20/1 looks very overpriced.
14:40 Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Chase (Grade 2)
Chase Turf, Grade 1 Class 1
Runners 9
Distance 2 miles 4 1/2 furlongs
Going Good to soft
1st place £73,151
Our Selections for the race
To win Dinoblue (10/11)
Ran at the last 3 festivals and was in the ruck in the Mares' Novice hurdle then was runner-up in the County Hurdle. Seen todays trip out really well last March but has been back down to 2 miles since, ran close with Allegorie De Vassy last month. Should be fought between them.
Each-way Limerick Lace (11/2)
Has many form lines with Dinoblue including beating her 12 months ago but comes here with lots to prove since then. 2nd to Allegorie De Vassy at Fairyhouse in January. Cheekpieces fitted and has something to prove.
15:20 Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1)
Hurdle Turf, Grade 1 Novice Class 1
Runners 20
Distance 3 miles
Going Good to soft
1st place £84,405
Our selections for the race
To win The Big Westerner (5/1)
Very well bred and is half-sister to 2023 winner of this Stay Away Fay, purchased for £120,000 after winning her point-to-point and is still unbeaten after she's 2 for 2 over hurdles. Won a 2m7f Grade 2 at Limerick on this ground. Scopey mare who could be very talented.
Each-way Derryhassen Paddy (10/1)
Point-to-point winner who extended his unbeaten record to 3 out of 3 when won digging very deep in a Listed event at Windsor over 3m in January. Big horse with plenty of scope so will have a good future in staying chases but has plenty of ability to feature here. Yard won this in 2012 and also saddled a festival winner on Tuesday.
16:00 Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase (Grade 1)
Chase Turf, Grade 1 Class 1
Runners 9
Distance 3 miles 2 1/2 furlongs
Going Good to soft
1st place £363,999
Our selections for the race
To win Galopin Des Champs (4/7)
The greatest staying chaser of our generation. Unbeaten 4 wins from 4 runners at the festival including back to back Gold Cups in 2023 and 2024 under Paul Townend. Beat on first start this year but that was the John Durkan over 2m5f but has won his 2 preparation races over 3m beating Fact To File in both who bolted up to win the Ryanair Chase yesterday. Jumping has looked even better this year and we think he will join the history books.
Each-way Monty's Star (10/1)
Improved a lot when a fence was put in front of him was a good 2nd in the Brown Advisory last March on soft ground, only had 2 runs this winter including being beaten 8 lengths by Galopin Des Champs at Leopardstown in February. Stamina is taken on trust here, expect him to be played late to pick of a few rivals.
16:40 St. James's Place Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters' Chase
Hunter Chase Turf, Class 2
Runners 24
Distance 3 miles 2 1/2 furlongs
Going Good to soft
1st place £24,445
Our selections for the race
To win Its On The Line (11/2)
Only defeat under rules in last season productive year came when he was picked off late in this race and has also finished 2nd in this in 2023 as a 6-year-old. Won the big Hunter Chase at Aintree. Need to right the wrongs of 2 disappointing runs in the Irish Hunter Chases in Winter when odds on for both. Way too talented to be ruled out here, effective on any ground. Big chance.
Each-way Shearer (10/1)
Unbeaten over regulation fences, having won 2 3m handicaps in 2023. Come back of a long absence to win in a canter at Ffos Las and was in a battle at Taunton but won on today's forecasted ground of Good to soft. This demands more and hopefully cheekpieces bring out more performance. Paul Nicholls has won this 4 times.
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