It’s Cheltenham Gold Cup day on Friday 13 March with the big race set to go off at 4.00pm. Day 4 of the Cheltenham Festival is always a thrilling day’s action and there are set to be seven superb races throughout the afternoon.
Our in-house tipster Steve Chambers previews all the action and picks out his Cheltenham Festival Lucky 15 for Friday, which includes a selection in the Gold Cup.
Cheltenham Festival Racing Tips (Friday 13 March)
We kick off the afternoon with the Triumph Hurdle at 1.20pm, whilst the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle is another Grade 1 contest. However, the Cheltenham Gold Cup is the feature race of the day at 4pm, with a top notch field heading to post.
1.20 Cheltenham – Triumph Hurdle – Highland Crystal (1pt win – 11/1)
Gordon Elliott can kick off the day with a bang as Highland Crystal can land the Triumph Hurdle at 1.20pm. The four-year-old filly was last seen downing Saratoga in a Naas contest, and with that one sparkling in the Fred Winter earlier in the week then the form has been franked. This is much tougher than the Fred Winter, which is run as a handicap, but Highland Crystal is unbeaten in all three starts. A Listed winner at Newbury prior to that Naas win, she’s entitled to continue improving and in receipt of weight from her male rivals here she can land the prize for Cullentra House.
2.00 Cheltenham – County Hurdle – Hello Neighbour (1pt win – 14/1)
You have to respect Willie Mullins in the County Hurdle, but with the Closutton team’s horses sure to be short then there’s value elsewhere. One that could run a big race at double-figured odds is Hello Neighbour. Gavin Cromwell’s five-year-old was sixth in the Triumph Hurdle last season, when well fancied. A mistake at the last flight of hurdles took the stuffing out of him that day, but he’s worth another go. He’s disappointed this season, but a return to Cheltenham should see him bounce back to form and off 148 he looks capable of landing a place at the very least.
3.20 Cheltenham – Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle – Spinningayarn (1pt win – 12/1)
Doctor Steinberg was hugely impressive at the Dublin Racing Festival and deserves to be favourite for this, whilst The Deviluno is another class act. However, it’s worth taking the pair on with Spinningayarn, who has won his last two outings. Taking victories at Fairyhouse and Punchestown have earned him his place here and is an attractive contender. He will be stepping up in trip here, so will need to show he has the stamina. However, he couldn’t have been more impressive when winning last time out, and he could well be one of the class angles of the race.
4.00 Cheltenham – Cheltenham Gold Cup – Jango Baie (1pt win – 9/2)
A wide open Gold Cup at 4pm will see plenty line up with chances. Nicky Henderson’s Jango Baie won a memorable Arkle last season, when storming up the hill to land the 2m Grade 1 and the Seven Barrows inmate can reign once again. Narrowly edged out by The Jukebox Man in the King George VI Chase, that pair face off again. However, The Jukebox Man may struggle to dominate on the front end here with Haiti Couleurs in the race and he could falter in the closing stage. Jango Baie is likely to be ridden patiently alongside Gaelic Warrior and that pair could come swinging into the home straight. Both have question marks over this trip, but Jango Baie can just outbattle the Willie Mullins-trained runner and claim the win in the blue riband event of the meeting.
GG Lucky 15 Tips – Cheltenham Festival, Friday 13 March
1.20 Cheltenham – Triumph Hurdle – Highland Crystal (1pt win – 11/1)
2.00 Cheltenham – County Hurdle – Hello Neighbour (1pt win – 14/1)
3.20 Cheltenham – Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle – Spinningayarn (1pt win – 12/1)
4.00 Cheltenham – Cheltenham Gold Cup – Jango Baie (1pt win – 9/2)
SpinningayarnGG Lucky 15 – Cheltenham Festival, Friday 13 March
Today’s Meetings & Start Times
- Cheltenham – first race 13:20
FAQs: Today’s Racing Tips
What are today’s GG Lucky 15 tips?
Steve Chambers provides the GG Lucky 15 tips on Friday 13 March, which include selections at the Cheltenham Festival.
When were Friday’s Lucky 15 tips for Cheltenham published?
GG’s Lucky 15 tips for Cheltenham were published at 1.00pm on Thursday 12 March.
Who is Steve Chambers?
Who is Steve Chambers? Steve Chambers is the editor and regular tipster and writer for GG. He has over 10 years experience in the industry and has a wealth of knowledge on all things racing.
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