Barry Hills Day 4 Cheltenham Festival Racing Tips
5 minutes Barry gives his overview on every race from Day 4 at the Cheltenham Festival.
Here we are, the last day at the Cheltenham Festival. It's been definitely a week for the bookies thus far. Yesterday was a decent day with Barry Hill tipping up Caldwell Potter at 9/1 and Fact To File at 7/4. With three second places too, Barry has definitely hit his stride. Here are his tips for the finally day.
1:20 Cheltenham
JCB Triumph Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race)
Lulumba - 2/1
The thrilling final day of Cheltenham 2025 kicks off with the prestigious Grade 1 JCB Triumph Hurdle over 2m1f. Among the contenders, East India Dock boasts valuable Flat experience, but LULAMBA could be the standout star for Nicky Henderson. This exciting French recruit dazzled on his British debut at Ascot, hinting at even greater potential to come. While Ascot runner-up Mondo Man was later defeated at Kempton, his performance still reinforces the strength of the form. Expect fireworks in this eagerly anticipated showdown!
2:00 Cheltenham
William Hill County Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)
2:40 Cheltenham
Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Chase (Registered As The Liberthine Mares' Chase) (Grade 2) (GBB Race)
Brides Hill - 5/1
In the Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Chase , Dinoblue is the rightful favourite, having finished second at the last two Cheltenham Festivals. She also holds the edge over Allegorie De Vassy, whom she narrowly defeated at Naas last month.
While she has strong credentials, BRIDES HILL looks like the value pick. Despite suffering odds-on defeats under penalties in her last two outings, she still produced solid performances. Crucially, she thrives on good ground, which might not be ideal for the market leaders. At the prices, she could be the one to spring a surprise.
3:20 Cheltenham
Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) (Registered As The Spa Novices' Hurdle) (GBB Race)
Big Westerner - 5/1
The impressive BIG WESTERNER secured a comfortable victory in a Grade 2 at Limerick on Boxing Day, a race that has previously served as a valuable stepping stone for past winners of this event, including Weapon's Amnesty, Martello Tower, Penhill, Vanillier, and last year’s champion, Stellar Story. While Henry De Bromhead’s talented six-year-old aims to become the first mare to triumph in this race since its inception in 2005, she possesses many of the key attributes for success and appears destined for the top.
4:00 Cheltenham
Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race)
Galopin Des Champs - 8/15
GALOPIN DES CHAMPS is on the brink of greatness, and I’m confident he’ll secure his third consecutive Gold Cup, cementing his place alongside Best Mate, Arkle, and Cottage Rake in racing history. He’s had a superb season, looking as strong and sharp as ever, and everything seems to be falling into place for another big victory.
The talented Banbridge, winner of the King George VI, poses the biggest challenge, especially with conditions in his favour. But getting past Galopin Des Champs on the famous Cleeve Hill is a monumental task—one that few have managed. Expect a thrilling race, but history looks ready to be made!
4:40 Cheltenham
St. James's Place Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters' Chase
Angels Dawn - 3/1
ANGELS DAWN brings serious credentials to the table, having won the Kim Muir in 2023 before an unlucky fall last year when challenging Inothewayurthinkin, now a Gold Cup contender. A comfortable winner of a point-to-point in December, she may favour softer ground, but her class could still shine through for a second Festival triumph.
Last year’s runner-up, Its On The Line, will be looking for redemption after finishing second as a short-priced favourite. He has ground to make up on Ryehill from their Naas clash last month, but with Derek O’Connor in the saddle, that’s a significant advantage on this course.
Willitgoahead has been heavily backed in the lead-up and looks primed for a big run since switching to Gordon Elliott, following an impressive 3m1f win at Thurles in January.
Among the British challengers, Music Drive is unbeaten in point-to-points since joining Kelly Morgan and is worth serious consideration. Meanwhile, Shearer, already on a five-timer, knows how to win at Cheltenham and could well extend his streak.
5:20 Cheltenham
Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)
Taponthego - 9/1
The Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle has been dominated by talk of Kopeck De Mee and Wodhooh, who lead the betting. Kopeck De Mee is highly regarded by the Mullins camp and could prove a fair price at 5-2, but with no previous runs in Britain or Ireland, he still has it all to prove on the track.
Wodhooh arrives unbeaten, having been aimed at this race ever since her impressive victory here earlier in the season. However, she’s now carrying 11lb more, and with Danny Gilligan unable to claim his 3lb allowance this time, she faces a tougher challenge.
That opens the door for a potential upset, and TAPONTHEGO could be the one to capitalise. Trained by Henry de Bromhead, he looks to have been prepared specifically for this race. The step up to 2m4f and the better ground should play to his strengths, and while his last run behind William Munny wasn’t ideal, it served its purpose for qualification. Expect a much-improved effort today!
Have a great final day and we will see you next year where we do it all again!
