Cheltenham Festival betting: Tom Scudamore’s day four picks

Gold Cup

I’m a huge fan of Galopin Des Champs, and although he’s very short in the betting, I don’t think I can oppose him here. He has the speed to win over two and a half miles, but he’s also proven he can stay this gold cup trip, and that combination of stamina and speed is what will make him very difficult to beat. His jumping can be a little bit of a cause for concern at times, but providing he gets into a good rhythm and jumps round once again, then I think he should win a second Gold Cup here.

Corach Rambler has had a good prep, and he usually comes into his own this time of year, so it would be no surprise to me if he ran a big race, but he’ll need to take a big step forward if he’s going to beat Willie Mullins’ horse.

St James’ Palace Hunter Chase

I know David Christie has made no secret of the regard he holds Ferns Lock in, so he’ll do for me in this. I think Its On The Line and Billaway had a really tough race only 34 days ago at Naas on very testing ground, and I’d be very keen on Ferns Lock coming here as the fresher horse.

Mares’ Chase

I expect Dinoblue to take all the beating here. I wouldn’t be worried about the trip as she’s bred to stay this far, and visually she hasn’t looked like she’d have any issues with it. She wouldn’t have looked out of place in the Champion Chase the other day, and she’s been mixing it up with the boys all year, so I think back against her own sex, she’s very difficult to oppose.

Allegorie De Vassy does have some good form, but she has a tendency to jump quite violently right at times, so I expect Dinoblue to get the better of her.

Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle

Two of my handicap fancies of the week lock horns here in the shape of Waterford Whispers and Quai De Bourbon, but I think I’d have slight preference for the latter in this. He’s one of those horses that will be very difficult to assess for the handicapper based on what he’s achieved, but these are the type of horses Willie Mullins does very well with, and I expect him to have plenty in hand for a yard who have a very good record in the race.

Day 1 (Champion Day) live commentary

Day 2 (Style Wednesday) live commentary

Day 3 (St Patrick’s Thursday) betting tips

Day 4 (Gold Cup Day) betting tips

How to watch Cheltenham Festival

ITV will broadcast the first five races of each day at Cheltenham Festival this year, with coverage kicking off at 1pm and finishing at 4:30pm. The final two races of each can then be watched on Racing TV.

View the latest Cheltenham Festival odds

All odds and markets are correct as of the date of publication.