Joe Whitaker's guide to Friday's Cheltenham Festival highlights

The final day of the Festival is always one to behold, and at first glance, this looks a good day’s racing, though a tricky one for punters all the same.
By Joe Whitaker
Published 17th Mar 2022, 12:11 BST
Updated 17th Mar 2022, 12:42 BST
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The JCB Triumph Hurdle (13:30) is a great race to the start the day, with the best of the season’s 4-year-olds going head-to-head over 2miles 1furlongs.

The current favourite Vauban won well last month in Ireland where he had Gordon Elliot’s FIL DOR beaten convincingly enough in second.

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He deserves to be favourite judged on this, though 7/4 is a little short and at the prices it might just be worth backing Gordon Elliot’s to improve again and get some revenge at 5/1.

A general view of the parade ring during day three of the Cheltenham FestivalA general view of the parade ring during day three of the Cheltenham Festival
A general view of the parade ring during day three of the Cheltenham Festival

The second race, the County Hurdle looks wide open and with such a large field, its definitely one to bet each way on.

Nigel Twiston-Davies has had a quiet week though I think he has got a good chance here with I LIKE TO MOVE IT.

The 5-year-old has won twice here this season and ran a cracker to finish second in the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury last month.

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He has been aimed at this and has gone under the radar slightly at 12/1.

The Gold Cup (15:30) is the flagship race of the week and whilst its possibly lacking a big name compared to years gone by, it should be a competitive contest all the same and I just slightly favour Gordon Elliot’s GALVIN at around 7/2.

He has had a great season, and the course seems to suit him, having won the National Hunt Chase at the festival last year – should take some beating this week.

Related topics:Ireland