sport news PADDY POWER'S CHEAT SHEET FOR DAY FOUR: Ruby Walsh, Mick Fitzgerald, Nina ... trends now
There’s no point in pretending otherwise – it’s the final day of the Cheltenham Festival 2024 and all the amateur photoshopping in the world can’t obscure that reality.
We’ll do our best to dry those tears, refresh the bleary, bloodshot eyes to bright and sparkling, and maybe even turn that paunch into a six-pack if we have the time.
There’s still a smashing seven races before that curtain comes down and not even a royal hand can copy-and-paste over our excitement at what’s in store for Gold Cup day!
Willie Mullins has been creating his own version of reality all week as he crashed through the 100 Festival winners barrier and saddle reigning champ and big-race favourite, Galopin Des Champs. With Fastorslow and Gerri Colombe also heading the Irish raiders, the home side need big performances from L’Homme Presse and Corach Rambler to salvage some pride in the feature race of the week.
Courtesy of Paddy Power News, their pundits Mick Fitzgerald, Ruby Walsh, Paddy Mullins, Matt Chapman and Nina Carberry offer up their tips for day four below...
Galopin Des Champs bids to join a select group of horses who have won the Cheltenham Gold Cup more than once
Mick Fitzgerald
STORM HEART (9-2 with Paddy Power) is the alternative in the absence of the NJH’s ante-post favourite Sir Gino.
Matt Chapman
NURBURGRING (each-way) was a fine third last time in a Grade 2 at Leopardstown behind Kala Conti with the useful Kargese in second. I suspect he has strong each- way claims now.
Paddy Mullins
STORM HEART was slightly unlucky last time at Leopardstown and might have more room for improvement than Kargese.
Ruby Walsh
I’ll go with BUNTING (each-way) as there’s not much between all Willie Mullins’ runners and he’s a nice price.
Nina Carberry
I’m going with BUNTING who should run a big race.
2.10 BETMGM COUNTY HURDLEMick Fitzgerald
Willie Mullins saddles five in this and ZENTA (each-way) has a serious chance. PIED PIPER (12-1 with Paddy Power) was chinned for second last year and can go close again.
Matt Chapman
KING OF KINGSFIELD will be very hard to keep out of the places. The Gigginstown runner was third behind the class Ballyburn and Supreme hero Slade Steel at Leopardstown last time and a handicap mark of 140 might be very generous.
Paddy Mullins
ABSURDE ran well last time. The slow ground is a concern but he has the class to be better than his handicap mark.
Ruby Walsh
Zenta is Willie Mullins’ best chance but I’m with LEAU DU SUD. Dan Skelton told me he really fancies him, as he did with Unexpected Party who bolted up on Wednesday, so I’ll side with him!
Nina Carberry
ZENTA is a very unexposed mare who had a great run last year.
Jockey JJ Slevin feels he has major chance of Gold Cup glory with Fastorslow
Mick Fitzgerald
READIN TOMMY WRONG is a powerful stayer and will have no problems with the 3m trip. CAPTAIN TEAGUE could be best of the home brigade.
Matt Chapman
CAPTAIN TEAGUE (8-1 each-way) has been gagging for a step up in trip and this is his chance to shine.
Paddy Mullins
READIN TOMMY WRONG settles, jumps and is faster than everything else in the race. He’s my NAP.
Ruby Walsh
READIN TOMMY WRONG is the
