Cheltenham Festival 2025 Day 4 Preview & Best Bets

13:20 – Triumph Hurdle 

We could be in for a real race if Lulamba and East India Dock live up to their expectations and the market cannot split them with both available at 2/1. 

Although Lulamba has the potential superstar touch, he has to show that he can get to the same level as EAST INDIA DOCK, who has proven to have the best form in the book. The times of his victories have been very good and his level so far would be enough to win a standard renewal of a Triumph Hurdle. He has Cheltenham form, jumps incredibly well, has a high cruising speed and a deadly turn of foot. What’s not to like? 

The fact Mullins is throwing 11 at the races shows a lack of confidence in any of his horses to me and I think James Owen will get his first festival winner. 

EAST INDIA DOCK 2/1 2PT WIN 

14:00 – County Handicap Hurdle 

Considering there is only 16 runners here out of a maximum of 26, there is no doubt that this is a poor renewal of the race. 

The horse I am most interested in is HANSARD who is available at 12/1 – well backed from 20s into 16s (price I took) and again into 12s. I backed him at Windsor two starts ago following a promising return at Kempton after a year off the course but he was a big drifter and again was heavily restrained. He then ran a brilliant race to finish 4 ¾ lengths to Golden Ace and Burdett Road at Wincanton and the handicapper has only raised him 2lb to a mark of 142 for that. He was giving 8lb to Golden Ace that day and was off levels with Burdett Road – we can all see how that form has worked out. I had him as well handicapped prior to that and I certainly still think he is so I think at any double-digit odds he rates a strong each way selection.  

Last year’s winner Absurde could still be well handicapped off 146 but Townend has chose KARGESE who I want to have a saver on as her mark of 141 could be very lenient – the juvenile form from last season is very strong and she should come on for her return at Haydock. She would love to sit off a strong pace (I can’t say that’s guaranteed) and pounce late but she is versatile enough and I don’t want to lose on the race if she wins.  

KARGESE 10/3 1PT WIN 

HANSARD 12/1 1PT EW 

14:40 – Mares’ Chase  

I was against her last year, but I think the conditions are perfect for DINOBLUE to get revenge in this race and she is the shortest priced horse I will officially tip this year at 6/4. 

I think she is the only horse in this race that would be able to run the races she has in open company against the boys and although there is not a lot to separate her from Allegorie De Vassy and Brides Hill on ratings, I think she has more class and is the one to beat. 

DINOBLUE 6/4 2PT WIN 

15:20 – Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle 

It’s hard to be confident about a 20-runner novice hurdle but I think that THE BIG WESTERNER and JET BLUE hold excellent claims. 

The Big Westerner is a horse I have got a pretty slip on at 25/1 but I still wouldn’t be opposed to backing her at 5/1. She is actually the only mare in the race meaning she gets an important 7lb from all of her rivals. I really liked her winning debut at Punchestown to beat Argento Boy and then she was an easy winner at Limerick when proving her stamina. The 5/1 is fair but I would go no shorter. 

Jet Blue was an impressive winner over C&D back in December when tackling three miles for the first time. I really liked the way he surged up the hill and that experience should hold him in good stead. I also like the fact he has had so many runs in France and his 2nd at Auteuil to Ain’t Got Wings looks a solid run as that horse has been running in listed/graded races over there. I have missed the bigger prices but think 13/2 is still fair enough. 

THE BIG WESTERNER 5/1 1PT WIN 

JET BLUE 13/2 1PT WIN 

16:00 – Cheltenham Gold Cup 

I fully expect Galopin Des Champs to win his third Gold Cup and I hope he does as the bookmakers tempted me in after his John Durkin defeat, touching as big as 5/1! 

He is clearly a class above everything else and it will probably take a really bad mistake to cost him here for all there are some new challengers. If I had to take something against him, it would be Banbridge as the ground has come good for him but he still has to step up. 

Let’s hope Galopin Des Champs can maintain his title. 

16:40 – Hunters’ Chase 

I’m not even going to pretend like I know about the form here – for old time’s sake I’m probably going to hoy a fiver at Allmankind at 33/1! 

17:20 – Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle 

We all wondered where Kopeck De Mee would end up and connections have gone down the trusted route of the Martin Pipe. He has been given a mark of 136 and it would be no surprise if he has a stone in hand but at 9/4, it’s a pass from me. 

The one that has been talked about for this for a while is WODHOOH and I think she is as solid as it comes for an each way bet here at 5/1 with five or six places available generally.  Firstly, she is unbeaten over hurdles so it is hard to know where her ceiling is and that counts for a lot in a handicap. Secondly, her most recent win off over a years absence was very impressive. She notably beat Joyeuse into 2nd and Take No Chances into 3rd. Joyeuse was off 119 that day and is now 138 and ran respectably in the Mares’ Hurdle. Take No Chances went and beat Kargese and then ran a stormer to finish 3rd in the Mares’ Hurdle.  

The form is clearly strong, she is a slick jumper and Danny Gilligan maintains the ride – I really think she is a strong alternative to the favourite. 

WODHOOH 5/1 2PT EW