Gold Cup Day At The Cheltenham Festival 2022

The Friday of Cheltenham is here. What a day of racing it always is. The Gold Cup is the biggest race of the whole week, and it is always an absolutely brilliant contest.

I am obviously really looking forward to riding Impervious in the Mares' Chase. Let's hope we can go well!

Blood Destiny - 1:30 Triumph Hurdle

I have been a huge fan of Lossiemouth all season as I said in my column back in October, but I think Blood Destiny’s freshness might just be important here in the Triumph Hurdle.

Lossiemouth has taken part in every dance this season, while Blood Destiny comes in with only two starts. He couldn’t have been more impressive in either of those efforts, and he should go well for Patrick (Mullins).

Hunters Yarn - 2:10 County Hurdle

The County Hurdle is always a really competitive and entertaining race, but I like the look of Hunters Yarn.

He looks good here off a mark of 147, and it could be a case of a Grade 1 horse in a handicap. State Man won this in 2022 for Willie Mullins, and this lad could well be a similar type in that he might just be running below his true level so could be worth a look on horse racing betting sites.

Shanbally Kid (EW) and Corbetts Cross - 2:50 Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle

This is one of the deepest and most competitive Albert Bartlett’s in a lot of years, and I think Corbetts Cross and Shanbally Kid are both good contenders in this.

From a win point of view on, Corbetts Cross has a big, big chance as he just looks a very talented horse, and he showed a massive level of adaptability to win over two miles last time. Going back up in trip shouldn’t be an issue, and he might take a lot of stopping for Emmet Mullins and Mark Walsh.

I’ve been a fan of Shanbally Kid all season, and I really like his work at home. He would be my each-way option in this race as he is definitely good enough and looks a big price on horse racing betting apps.

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Galopin Des Champs - 3:30 Gold Cup

I love Galopin Des Champs for the 2023 Cheltenham Gold Cup.

I was very impressed with how he jumped and travelled last time when taking the Irish Gold Cup. He has learned to settle, and that will help him no end. I definitely think he stays the trip and shouldn’t have an issue with it. He is my clear idea of the winner.

I tipped up Noble Yeats at the start of the season on my Bookies.com column at 66/1 on some betting sites, so naturally I would like to see him go well here also.

Vaucelet - 4:10 Open Hunters' Chase

Last year at Punchestown, Vaucelet’s trainer and jockey combination, David Christie and Barry O’Neill, were agonisingly caught at the line by Billaway. I think they go one better this year with Vaucelet.

This horse has been very impressive in what he has been doing so far this season, and it speaks volumes that David Christie has left his other horses at home and has only sent this lad. Rocky's Howya is a newcomer to this division but has been running very well, and he could be the each-way play in this market.

Impervious - 4:50 Mares' Chase

Obviously, I am really looking forward to riding Impervious in the Mares’ Chase on Friday.

She travelled over to Cheltenham on Wednesday afternoon and talking to her trainer, Colm Murphy, she has taken it all in her stride, has settled great and all is good with Impervious. 

There seems to be plenty of pace in the race with Magic Daze and Zambella set to go quick, and this will be to Impervious’ liking. Allegorie De Vassey is a big threat, but I think we can go very well here.

Spanish Harlem - 5:30 Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle

I can see the last race of the festival – the Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle - going the way of Spanish Harlem.

While this horse has definitely been disappointing since landing on these shores from France, he could well take a big step forward now in handicap company. Willie Mullins has a great record in the race and has booked the very exciting Michael O’Sullivan for the ride. That’s enough for me!