The Scout provides the best tips for day four of action at Cheltenham (Image: Getty)
4.00 Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup
GALOPIN DES CHAMPS (4.00) is fancied to hit a historic hat-trick and join the all-time greats in Cheltenham’s Boodles Gold Cup.
Only Golden Miller, Cottage Rake, Arkle and Best Mate have achieved the feat which is beyond most high class thoroughbreds.
But Willie Mullins-trained Galopin Des Champs has been on another level to the rest in two editions of a race with a first prize of £646,880.
For three miles at the Festival, Gerri Colombe (2024) and Bravemansgame (2023) kept tabs on the stamina-laden galloper.
Yet both were leg-weary late on as the turbo kicked in throughout the final two-and-a-half furlongs for Galopin Des Champs.
Not only does he have extra end-of-race power others cannot match, the nine-year-old has the heart to keep winning.
King George VI Chase conqueror Banbridge has the task of sticking with the favourite and bridging a 9lb ratings gap.
Joseph O’Brien’s tough jumper is expected to be second best, while third for Inothewayurthinkin would be a worthy reward on top of his £25,000 supplementary fee.
Corbetts Cross has a chance of knocking his JP McManus ownermate off the podium if revitalised by a return to Prestbury Park.
Ahoy Senor
More miss than hit in recent times, taking little interest in the Betfair and Fleur De Lys chases. Ground was probably too soft, however the excuses are mounting for a horse who has reserved his best for Aintree. Remaining fans are counting on a wind op inspiring a form revival for a horse who led the 2023 field before a tumble at fence 17.
Banbridge
Seems to have been around forever but has only had 20 races under rules, setting out winless with Joseph O’Brien. Banbridge’s tally now numbers 20, meeting the requirements for three miles when cutting back Il Est Francais in the King George VI Chase. Will travel within himself, aiming to conserve enough energy for the concluding climb.
Corbetts Cross
Should hold an unbeaten Festival record, running out when rushing to the front in the 2023 Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle. Demolished his National Hunt Chase field by 17 lengths on heavy ground before running third in the Aintree Bowl. Horses for courses are always respected and he is expected to leave this season’s from well behind.
Galopin Des Champs
Added two to his collection of Grade One wonders in his usual remorseless style at Leopardstown. Given a hero’s welcome by the crowd and is on the cusp of matching the Best Mate treble (2002-4) for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend. Does not appear to have any weaknesses which the odds reflect.
Gentlemansgame
Benefited from a smart bit of placing by Mouse Morris to thwart similarly-named Bravemansgame in Wetherby’s 2023 Charlie Hall Chase. Back to that sort of form when third to Galopin Des Champs in the Savills at Leopardstown Chase but not so good around today’s course next time – and failed to complete in this 12 months ago.
Inothewayurthinkin
A dual top flight winner at the 2024 festivals, surging into an eight-length Kim Muir supremacy. Made eye-catching headway to pick up fourth behind Galopin Des Champs 41 days ago – and is the only other course and distance scorer taking part. Backed into Grand National favouritism, subsequently rerouted here and must be pleasing trainer Gavin Cromwell.
Monty’s Star
Carries colours sported by Gold Cup hero Minella Indo at the behind-closed-doors Festival of 2021. A high class novice, finished closest to smart pair Fact To File and Spillane’s Tower last spring. Has to take a big jump up on this year’s finishing positions for Rachael Blackmore, the first woman to hit number one in an event which dates back to 1819.
Royale Pagaille
Has a soft spot for Haydock – and muddy terrain – with two Betfair Chases on his equine CV. Raced to a personal best Gold Cup fifth in 2022 and a place further back either side of it. Unlikely to get closer on ground too lively.
The Real Whacker
Easy to pick out with his red bridle, adopting a position at the head of affairs. Pipped Gerri Colombe in a 2023 Brown Advisory thriller
and a spell in the doldrums was ended by his heart-warming Charlie Hall success last November. Limitations since exposed at the highest level.
The Scout’s Verdict
1 Galopin Des Champs
2 Banbridge
3 Corbetts Cross
The rest of the Cheltenham card
LULAMBA (1.20) is fancied to be an ante-post asset to punters in the JCB Triumph Hurdle which opens the show on Gold Cup day.
Backed at big prices for this prior to his Ascot introduction for Nicky Henderson, the juvenile jumper filled his supporters with hope.
In the hands of Nico de Boinville, Lulamba crept closer at the penultimate flight and injected pace to sprint three-and-a-half lengths ahead.
A win here would be another feather in the cap for Cheltenham Festival-winning rider turned bloodstock agent Jerry McGrath, who discovered star Sir Gino for owner Joe Donnelly.
LARK IN THE MORNIN (2.00) romped away with last year’s Boodles Juvenile Handicap and is back for more in the William Hill-sponsored County Hurdle.
Rated 122 then, the assessor has applied extra pressure with 10lb more to carry, but it’s hard to argue he would not have managed it 12 months ago.
Behind my selection, well-weighted Kargese, a coming to the boil Valgrand and Hansard all earned a place on the shortlist.
BRIDES HILL (2.40) is the pick of Gavin Cromwell’s trio heading towards the nine-runner Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase.
Keith Donoghue plumped for the prolific winner over his reigning titleholder Limerick Lace, a horse performing well below her best recently.
That mare gained travelling experience by competing in the UK and Cromwell has repeated the trick with his top contender, with a Huntingdon second to in-form Telepathique fine-tuning her preparation.
Longshots have a healthy record of outrunning their odds in the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle, which has drawn a competitive field of 20 runners.
And a case can be made for INN AT THE PARK (3.20), an old-fashioned staying type who hit the line strongly in a three-mile Fairyhouse maiden contest.
The Nice Guy sported the Malcolm Denmark silks for an 18-1 strike three years ago and the latest representative is a long price after a fourth at Thurles.
However the son of Walk In The Park was understandably outpaced when it turned into a sprint off the bend, with Paul Townend looking after him once his chance had gone.
The same age as The Nice Guy, Inn At The Park reunites with Danny Mullins and this relation of three-and-a-half miler Royal Vacation can be scrapping away when it matters.
With a smart course record and the weights giving her a great chance, ANGELS DAWN (4.40) should be hard to beat in the St. James’s Place Festival Challenge Cup.
Despite being down the pecking order in JP McManus’ squad, NO ORDINARY JOE (5.20) is tipped to make it third time lucky in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle.
Cheltenham selections
1.20 Lulamba
2.00 Lark In The Mornin
2.40 Brides Hill
3.20 Inn At The Park (Nap)
4.00 Galopin Des Champs
4.40 Angels Dawn
5.20 No Ordinary Joe