The final day of the Cheltenham Festival is here. Kevin Blake has been sharing his tips, with selections online for Friday.
Blake’s Day Four Pick
Kevin Blake tipped winners Johnnywho (12-1) and Il Etait Temps (5-1) plus Zeus Power (80-1 placed) so far.
Blake has highlighted the Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase (2.40). Dinoblue will be attempting to win it for the second time. Blake believes Dinoblue might not be as good as last year.
Blake suggests Gavin Cromwell has timed his team’s form well for the Cheltenham Festival. He believes Only By Night is a very live contender.
Only By Night’s Chances
Only By Night has proven herself over fences. She was unlucky in the Arkle Challenge Trophy at Cheltenham last year. She has since run some good races, including beating Champ Kiely in a Grade 3 chase at Naas in November.
The main question is Only By Night’s stamina for the longer trip. Blake believes the trip will actually suit her. He thinks she has been shaping as though ready for this distance. He expects Keith Donoghue to find her a lovely ride over it, ridden with patience and striking late. He believes she has a better chance than her current price suggests.
Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle
The Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle (3.20) has attracted a large field. Doctor Steinberg sets a high standard of form. Blake worries that Doctor Steinberg might not be the right type for this race.
Blake selected Thedeviluno for this race a couple of weeks ago. The Gavin Cromwell-trained The Passing Wife was supplemented into this race last week.
The Passing Wife’s Unexpected Move
It was thought The Passing Wife had been campaigned with a view to the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle. His fifth run over hurdles had landed him on a rating of 143. It was believed he was set to go off favourite for it.
However, his connections have made the decision to skip the Martin Pipe.
Hopefully you have had an enjoyable and profitable Festival so far, but whatever your current position is, there’s still business to be done.