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Day 4 Cheltenham Festival Friday March 16th 2012

The Cheltenham festival comes to an end today and what a day in prospect! Yet again we have a selection of high quality races in which I believe today I have found some value in the betting and horses with huge chances.

1.30pm JCB Triumph Hurdle 2m 1f

My selection here is trained by Donald McCain who has been on the scoresheet a couple of times this week and his horses seem to be in terrific form. This horse likes it around Cheltenham and indeed came third in the trial of this race a few weeks ago, that day he was outstayed by Grumeti and Pearl Swan who square up again. The reason here is simple, this horse loves this ground, is still progressing in the right direction and always, always gives everything. HOLLOW TREE will be handy throughout and will be upfront giving it his all. At 18/1 he is absolute solid proposition.

2.05pm Vicent O Brien County Hurdle 2m 1f

I'm having two in this race, Alan King has had RAYA STAR in great form this season. This horse has finished in front of quite a few in this race and finishing third behind Zarkandar last time was a very solid performance indeed, this horse will enjoy the ground and is currently six year old so lots of improvement still to be made. Alan King has hit the crossbar a few times this week so don't be surprised if he's in the winners enclosure again! RAYA STAR is nothing but consistent and is a speedy individual who will be staying on at the death. My second selection is that of the Tizzard connections, HELLS BAY is enigmatic, he travels well, jumps well but has found nothing in his last few stars over timber. This is where my gamble stems from though, this horse is now reverting back to hurdles over a trip which will suit. This drop in trip and jumping smaller obstacles could be the making of this horse. If you go back through the form this horse has always had ability and I'm hoping the trainer has him primed and ready to go. The odds are big but don't let that put you off!

2.40pm Albert Bartlett Hurdle 3m

Always look forward to this race each year which stemmed from Witchita Linesman's performance back in 2007. This year I'm finding it very difficult to oppose the favourite BOSTON BOB trained by Willie Mullins who has commented on 'this being his best in the festival'.

3.20pm Gold Cup 2012

Running out of time and battery. KAUTO STAR and BURTON PORT.

4.00pm

CHAPOTURGEN

4.40pm

MOLOTOF

5.15pm

TANKS FOR THAT.

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