After a brief hiatus, ‘The Eagles Punt‘ returns with a foray into the world of horse racing which is more to this writer’s specialty than football.
The Cheltenham Festival is the biggest meeting of the National Hunt calendar, the centre piece of the gambling year. The first five races are televised and are shown on Channel 4.
As a prelude, I tend to avoid the short priced obvious favourites instead going for the value options who may be less likely to win, but will provide more of an option at a price.
A look back at my Day 3 tips, and admittedly, the first five races did not go too well. These included the NAP, NB and e/w shout, but with racing, things can look up at the end. If you backed the seven selections with a level stake, you would have retained a profit thanks to the final two horses tipped finishing one-two in the final race of the day.
The selections for the final day are as follows:
- 1.30 Triumph Hurdle – Karezak (20-1) each way, Pain au Chocolat (18/1) each way
- 2.05 V O’Brien County Hurdle – Quick Jack (13/2)
- 2.40 Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle – No More Heroes to win (9/2), Blaklion (14/1) each way
- 3.20 Gold Cup – Holywell (11/1) each way, Djakadam (7/1) each way
- 4.00 Foxhunters Chase – On The Fringe (8/1) each way
- 4.40 M.Pipe Conditional Jockeys Handicap – Le Mercurey (8/1) each way
- 5.15 AP McCoy Grand Annual Chase – Ned Buntline (5/1)
*Prices courtesy of Paddy Power at time of article published
NAP: No More Heroes – Another NAP ridden by Bryan Cooper for the Gigginstown stud. The horse had an awful run last time out, but scoped badly afterwards and was suffering problems. No More Heroes destroyed Supreme Novices second place Shaneshill earlier in the season, and that form looks excellent now. Highly rated and has been said to be 100% fit and preview nights.
NB: Ned Buntline – If you know a lot or nothing about racing, you have heard of Tony McCoy. This last race of the festival is now named in AP’s honour and he rides the overwhelming favourite, Ned Buntline. He came second in this last year and did not look a comfortable ride for his jockey that time
Best Each-Way Shout: Holywell or Djakadam – A horse that performs well at Cheltenham and has improved his jumping as the season has gone on, since his step up in class. This is a tough Gold Cup, but Holywell has the course form here and improves for the Spring. Djakadam won the Thyestes Chase Irish trial back in January comfortably and is a young horse who seems to be improving as the season goes on. The Mullins/Ricci horses are in impeccable form this week, and may well take the big one. However, both horses have their risks, especially if the expected deluge of rain arrives.
Usual Disclaimer: Gambling is for over 18’s (says the 24 year old who has been gambling for about 16-17 years), and only bet money that you can afford to lose.
