So here we are, the final day of the 2014 Cheltenham Festival and another day has gone by where we say goodbye to another one of our heroes. The mighty Big Buck's has had time called on his racing career after he could do no better than fifth today and failed to show his old sparkle. His career began back on the 2nd February in 2007 and 25 races later as an eleven year old he will now take on a different career after touching so many hearts along the years.
But after a below standard day yesterday we shall move onto the final day of the Cheltenham Festival and hope for a few winners to go out on.
JCB Triumph Hurdle - Calipto
This year's Triumph Hurdle is a little light on numbers but after the absence of Le Rocher was confirmed earlier this week, it's Calipto's race to lose. Paul Nicholls has had a few disappointments this week and is yet to have a winner, however not all his runners have ran below par. Calipto has been favourite for the race for some time now after two convincing displays at Newbury when travelling strongly before beating strong fields each time. The only argument against him is that he doesn't do a great deal in front which is true but with 15 rivals to pass he shouldn't hit the front too early. He has proved himself on faster ground which is no problem today and already looks a chaser but also looks all class which will help him today. Calipto to land today's opener and provide Paul Nicholls with his first winner of the week. (4/1)
Vincent O'Brien County Handicap Hurdle - Alaivan
Since joining the yard of Jonjo O'Neill Alaivan has failed to sparkle but has shown that ability is still there on softer ground under a declining mark. He was an eye catching sixth last time in the Betfair Hurdle when staying on from an unpromising position and the good ground could help his cause. The most interesting thing about him is that he will run in cheek pieces for the first time today and is eight pounds below his last winning mark. Maurice Linehan was out of luck today in two rides but takes a valuable five pounds off the bottom weight and he can claim his first festival success. (14/1)
Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle - Blakemount
Briar Hill looks the most likely winner of this race but is a shocking price now so a chance is taken with the improving and consistent Blakemount. There have been good reports of his work at home circulating and he lost nothing in defeat to Urban Hymn when defeated by a short head on soft ground. Before then he had pushed Ballyalton, who was runner up in Wednesday's opener, to three and three quarter lengths on good ground. That currently looks the strongest of his form and has since successfully stepped up in trip proving his stamina and showing he is no slouch in a battle. Blakemount to outrun his odds and provide Sue Smith with a deserving festival winner. (25/1)
Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup - Bobs Worth
Now one that you may know a bit more about with last year's Gold Cup winner Bobs Worth, as he looks to go back to back in the race. He started off his season in the Betfair Chase with his only disappointing run in his career when beaten a long way back in sixth by Cue Card. Since that below par seasonal debut he has since corrected the record when winning in a brilliant fashion at Leopardstown when landing the Lexus. First Lieutenant was behind him that day as he has been on many occasions but the Champion showed he has lost none of his ability and should land back to back Gold Cup's today. (2/1)
CGA Foxhunter Chase Challenge Cup - On The Fringe
It's the turn of the Hunter Chasers now and with the defection of dual winner Salsify, On The Fringe is installed as a worthy favourite. He was fourth in this event back in 2011 before being a non runner when fancied just a year later on, but he can set that record straight today. Nina Carberry partnered him at Down Royal when victorious on his return from a break before finding Tammys Hill too good last time. The return to better ground should see him reverse that form and at this level he is the one to beat. (4/1)
Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys Handicap Hurdle - Leo Luna
Connections were hoping to get Leo Luna into the Coral Cup but he just failed to make the cut after a much better performance at Ascot last time out. He was just three lengths behind Ptit Zig on handicap debut over two miles which has since proved to be too short as his last visit here showed. That run is easily forgiven, especially as a step up in trip resulted in a good third at Ascot on ground that was probably against him. It will be interesting to see him in the market beforehand, but back on good ground Leo Luna can give Gary Moore another festival winner but with Josh in the saddle this time. (16/1)
Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase Challenge Cup - Next Sensation
The final race of the Festival is usually a madly run two miles which is exactly what Next Sensation will relish and he will be up there setting the pace. I put him up as one of the handicappers to follow at Cheltenham a while back and has since been backed into favouritism with Ted Veale running in the Arkle. He was simply awesome last time out at Doncaster when making all and leaving a blemish on his CV when unseating Tom Scudamore at Newbury. In truth he was unlucky that day as he couldn't have jumped better before clipping the top of one and losing his rider, but he was foot perfect last time out. If he were to taste victory today he will need to defy a nine pound rise which should be no problem whatsoever and Next Sensation is taken to land the finale. (ante post 10/1)
NAP - Next Sensation
Nb - Alaivan
Good Luck today guys and as always, Happy Punting!
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