Gold Cup Day at Cheltenham We have been treated to some fantastic entertainment so far this week at Cheltenham and today promises to top it off in style with Al Boum Photo going for a record equalling third straight victory in the Gold Cup. Willie Mullins charge has had his usual unorthodox preparation with a single run this season at Tramore, but it seems to work and there can be little doubt that the master trainer will have the nine-year-old primed for today’s historic assignment. 11/4 Al Boum Photo with Betway looks a decent price all things considered and those availing of those odds are sure to get a decent run for their money. The Rachael Blackmore factor will have many edging towards the young pretender A Plus Tard 4/1. Blackmore stole the show on the opening day of the Festival when becoming the first lady rider to win the Champion Hurdle and this ice-cool jockey is bound to fancy her chances of completing a memorable double. The day begins with the Triumph Hurdle at 1.20pm. This was traditionally one of the most competitive non-handicaps at the Festival but with only eight declared runners this year it should represent a relatively straightforward assignment for the favourite Zanahiyr 5/4 Betway. This Cullentra inmate is unbeaten in three hurdle starts on home soil and looks as good a juvenile hurdler as we have seen in recent years. Quilixios is similarly unbeaten over hurdles and is the most likely one to chase the favourite home. The second contest of the day is the ultra-competitive County Hurdle where 26 are due to go to post including 16 Irish-trained horses. The weights are headed by the veteran Petit Mouchoir. This classy individual has been given a chance by the handicapper with a mark of 153 and should run well for seven pound claiming rider Jordan Gainford and might represent a bit of each-way value at 20/1 with Betway. In the Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle Jack Kennedy has chosen Torygraph in preference to Fakiera and the talented 21-year-old should go close on the Gigginstown Stud owned gelding. Torygraph wears cheekpieces for the first time as he goes in search of a hat-trick of wins and looks solid each-way material at 5/1 with Betway. After the Gold Cup at 3.05pm the quality of the fare takes a noticeable dip but the Willie Mullins trained Billaway can give favourite backers another winner in the Hunters’ Chase. With no amateur riders allowed this year Paul Townend replaces regular partner Patrick Mullins on the 9-year-old. Billaway 11/4 was second in this race twelve months ago and following two recent victories in Ireland should be spot-on to go one place better this time. Willie Mullins also has a very strong hand in the Mares Chase at 4.15pm. The Champion trainer saddles four of the twelve runners including the two favourites Elimay and Colreevy. It will be no surprise to see one of the quartet prevail. Langer Dan, 9/2 Betway, could give the British-trained contingent a welcome winner in the concluding event of the 2021 Festival. The Dan Skelton trained five-year-old is 5lbs well-in on official ratings and arrives here off the back of an easy victory in last weekend’s Imperial Cup at Sandown. The first six races today will be broadcast live on ITV and Betway have a special offer for all customers that place bets on ITV races. If your horse finishes second you can get up to €10 as a free bet refund. This offer applies to races of 6 runners or more and your bet must be placed on a horse at odds of 1.5 or higher to qualify. Register a new account with Betway here.
