Handicap picks for day four of the Cheltenham Festival

There are only 2 handicaps on the final day of the Cheltenham Festival, but they provide a good opportunity to find some winners.

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First up is the William Hill County Handicap Hurdle, while to finish off the meeting is the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle.

We have value selections and analysis for both of the handicap races on Friday including a one who has run well in the race previously.

2.00 Cheltenham - 2m1f (New) William Hill County Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (Class 1) (5yo+)

The William Hill County Handicap Hurdle is the first handicap on the final day of the Festival, a field of 16 are due to go to post and on paper this is one of the most competitive races of the week.

Having combined to win the race four times in the past decade, including 12 months ago, it is no surprise to see Kargese head the market for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend. And whilst she has obvious claims, it can pay to go against her.

Valgrand was impressive when winning at the course in October but hasn’t looked the same since.

Instead a chance is to be taken on Hansard. He has been in good form all season, including last time, when although finishing third, wasn’t beaten far by the first and second home in the Champion Hurdle earlier in the week.

He has only been raised 2lb by the handicapper, and if the addition of first time cheekpieces have the desired effect he should have a strong chance of winning this competitive contest.

Selection: Hansard

2.40 Cheltenham - 2m. 4f. 127yds. (New) Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle (Class 1) (5yo+)

One of the most hotly contested races of the week, with 24 going to post for the closing race after four days of adrenaline filled action.

Plenty have form claims here, but it can pay to go with a proven performer in the race. No Ordinary Joe was impressive when second in the race in 2023 and ran with credit in the race to finish seventh 12 months ago. Having run in the race for the past two years there is little doubt this has been the plan for some time now.

He comes here with a rating 1lb lower than when beaten to first by Iroko in 2023 and the stable have picked up the talented Freddie Gingell to take the ride.

Perhaps not everything has been smooth sailing, as can be seen with the application of the first-time tongue tie. Following a good second at Warwick in February, if this can eke out further improvement, he has every chance of finally winning the contest.

Of the others, the Nicky Henderson stable also saddle East India Express, winner on both starts this season, but who has only gone up 6lb for the two wins which came just seven days apart.

He should be able to finish in the frame under Freddie Gordon.

Selection: No Ordinary Joe

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