The Cardiffian's top tips for today's Cheltenham Races

1.30 JCB Triumph Hurdle
Three horses stand out for us in this race, Hargam, Kalkir and Baraka De Thaix. The latter seems the most interesting and at 33/1 has been backed for a substantial sum by its owner. Backing it each-way seems to be a gamble worth taking but a slightly safer bet would be Hargam to win outright at 15/2.

Winners enclosure at Cheltenham racecourse (Source: Wikimedia Commons)
Winners enclosure at Cheltenham racecourse (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

 
2.05 Vincent O’Brien County Handicap Hurdle
Quick Jack and The Game Changer will be the two front-runners in this race and at 7/1 and 10/1 respectively they are both long enough odds to reward a nice payday. However Rich Coast at 22/1 represents good value E/W and might be worth a dabble.
 
2.40 Albert Bartlett
The favourite Black Hercules will be there at the end but we fancy either Martelo Tower or No More Heroes to edge him out. Both represent good each-way value at 11/2 and 10/1 respectively.
 
3.20 Betfred Gold Cup
Silvio Conti will be hoping its third time lucky as he tries to win the Gold Cup. He is a fantastic horse and probably warrants his favourite tag. But his course record is a big concern and we advise you to steer clear. Ruby Walsh has been picking his horses fantastically all festival and Djakadam at 15/2 will be a big player. Don’t rule out Lord Windermere or Boston Bob as each way possibilities.
 
Jockey Ruby Walsh (Source: Wikimedia Commons)
Jockey Ruby Walsh (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

4.40 Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap
Noble Endeavour at 16/1 represents fantastic value. Although we are not particularly keen on calling this race, the Irish horse might be too good a price to not take a chance with.
 
5.15 Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase
It seems foolish to predict anyone but AP McCoy’s horse Ned Buntline in the final race of Cheltenham. It is AP’s last ever race at Cheltenham and he’s picked the best horse in the field. It seems to be written in the stars.