Big-race tips: why this horse can win on Gold Cup day at the Cheltenham Festival

We are a week away from the feature race of the Cheltenham Festival, the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup (3.30), in which Galopin Des Champs is a huge favourite to win for the second year in succession. Are our tipsters taking him on or are they looking elsewhere for winners next Friday?

Storm Heart

Race: Triumph Hurdle (1.30)

Odds: 12-1

By Gary Savage

The Spring Hurdle at Leopardstown has been the key race for the Triumph in recent years, and defeat in that contest doesn't preclude victory at Cheltenham.

 A decent pace and a test of stamina here will help Storm Heart reverse placings with Kargese. Drying ground won't do him any harm either, and at least a place looks there for the taking.

Storm Heart13:30 Cheltenham

View Racecard

Jky: Tnr: W P Mullins

Shanagh Bob

Race: Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle (2.50)

Odds: 11-1

By Scott Burton

There was a lot to like about Shanagh Bob's performance back in December over the same course and distance as the Albert Bartlett, with Nico de Boinville getting a good trip through the race before having to get serious turning into the straight.

The form may not be anything special for the grade but this big frame of a horse looks the right type for what is always a test of stoutness as much as pure class. A sound jumper and a thorough stayer, Shanagh Bob was a £200,000 purchase out of the pointing field, and we may be some way from knowing his limits.

Shanagh Bob14:50 Cheltenham

View Racecard

Jky: Tnr: Nicky Henderson

Cheltenham Festival free bets: Sky Bet offer

Fastorslow

Race: Cheltenham Gold Cup (3.30)

Odds: 9-2

By Johnny Dineen

All eyes will be on Galopin Des Champs who attmepts to go back-to-back in the Gold Cup, but that is never an easy thing to do and plenty have failed. My guess is that he will join that long list.

Fastorslow, Shishkin and possibly even Gerri Colombe can put it up to the favourite, who has had a few hard races already this season, and that may well prove his downfall. Shishkin is a huge danger if on a going day, but a chance is taken on Fastorslow, who is likely to peak at the right time.

Fastorslow15:30 Cheltenham

View Racecard

Jky: Tnr: Martin Brassil

Shishkin

Race: Cheltenham Gold Cup (3.30)

Odds: 13-2

By Sam Hardy

Connections of Shishkin would have been thrilled with his win in the Denman Chase and will fancy their chances again in the Gold Cup if he's in the same mood.

The ten-year-old would likely have won the King George had it not been for a slip after jumping the second-last and is the best chance of a British winner this year.

Shishkin15:30 Cheltenham

View Racecard

Jky: Tnr: Nicky Henderson

L'Homme Presse

Race: Cheltenham Gold Cup (3.30)

Odds: 14-1

By Matt Rennie

At the prices Galopin Des Champs must be taken on and I'm happy to side against him with L'Homme Presse.

He's made satisfactory returns from a long injury layoff over inadequate trips and bookmakers overreacted with his defeat in the Ascot Chase last time. That came over 2m5f and I think he needs much further now – he should relish the 3m2½f Gold Cup trip.

Crucially, he's also unbeaten at Cheltenham with impressive victories in the Dipper and Brown Advisory in 2022. The 14-1 about him is incredibly tempting.

L'Homme Presse15:30 Cheltenham

View Racecard

Jky: Tnr: Venetia Williams

Thanksforthehelp

Race: Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle (5.30)

Odds: 25-1

By Rob Sutton

Ran well for a long way in last year's Pertemps Final when sent off favourite. Only reappeared at the end of last month at Chepstow and while he was well down the field, the very heavy ground is a valid excuse.

He remains well handicapped for this event and a reproduction of some of his best form from last season would give David Pipe a chance of landing his father's race.

Thanksforthehelp17:30 Cheltenham

View Racecard

Jky: Tnr: David Pipe

Read these next:

'I wouldn't play at 6-4 never mind 4-6' - assessing the chances of these red-hot Cheltenham Festival favourites 

Big-race tips: why this horse can win the Stayers' Hurdle or Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival 

Big-race tips: why this horse can win on Champion Chase day at the Cheltenham Festival next Wednesday 

Do you want £1,000+ in free bets for the 2024 Cheltenham Festival? Racing Post have got the best offers, all in one place. Visit racingpost.com/freebets to find out more.

Commercial notice: This article contains affiliate links. Offers are handpicked and come from operators that our experts have first-hand experience of. Opening an account via one of these links will earn revenue for the Racing Post, which will be used to continue producing our award-winning coverage of horseracing.