Gold Cup Cheltenham Festival 2014 Each-Way Tip and Free Bets

Ante-Post Preview of the Gold Cup and Cheltenham Festival 2014 Tips – The two horses at the head of the ante-post markets for the Cheltenham Gold Cup look to be a pair of strong, evenly matched rivals, who are the likeliest to claim the blue riband prize.  Beyond the first two there are a number of good quality horses at double figure prices offering excellent each-way value.  With that in mind, I’ve examined the field in the search of the best value bet.

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Beginning with some of the Irish challengers, we have First Lieutenant (12/1 BetVictor) who represents Mouse Morris and runs in the Gigginstown colours.  His career is littered with good quality efforts including a second place finish last time out in the Lexus Chase where he was just beaten by the reigning Gold Cup champion – Bobs Worth.  He finished another good second in last year’s Ryanair Chase, where he was beaten by the fantastic Cue Card.  That Spring effort was followed by another excellent run in the Betfred Bowl Chase at Aintree, where a superb ride from Bryan Cooper saw First Lieutenant pick up a deserved victory.  However, despite a good run in the Lexus, his season to date has been disappointing to say the least.  He finished behind two fellow Gigginstown runners on his seasonal debut followed by a very poor fourth in the Champion Chase at Down Royal.  His overall profile doesn’t scream confidence and at the current odds, others offer greater value. 

Another Irish runner is Rubi Ball (20/1 William Hill) who represents Willie Mullins and also ran well in the Lexus.  He was a multiple graded winner in France and looks progressive now at County Carlow.  He was set to run in the Irish Hennessy this weekend but was ruled out due to a set-back.  I still feel that this horse has plenty more to offer and is likely to progress further under the care of Willie Mullins.  It’s a real shame that he doesn’t run this weekend and his lack of experience is likely to count against him considerably when it comes to Cheltenham.  On this basis, he doesn’t appeal.

THE GIANT BOLSTER (25/1 Betfred) bounced back to form when he cruised to a seven length victory in the Argento Chase at Cheltenham.  The David Bridgewater trained horse has been extremely disappointing so far this season after below par runs in the Betfred Chase at Haydock and then when seen unseating jockey Tom Scudemore in the Betfred 'Goals Galore' Chase at Aintree.  However, equipped with a hood and visor for the first time, he easily brushed aside the smart Paul Nicholls' chaser Rocky Creek.  The Giant Bolster absolutely loves Cheltenham, having won three times now at the track.  He also has excellent Gold Cup form, having finished second and fourth in the last two renewals.

Captain Chris (40/1 Stan James), a recent winner at Ascot is a very interesting contender.  He’s run well thus far with a close third in the Peterborough giving weight followed by an outstanding win in the William Hill Chase.  Captain Chris had a crack at the Gold Cup last season and after his gritty second in the King George, I expected a lot more but he finished a disappointed sixth.  Both runs this season have been at 2m 4f, so I think that might be an indication that his trainer Phillip Hobbs may aim him at the Ryanair Chase, especially with last year’s top two Cue Card and First Lieutenant likely to contest the Gold Cup.

In terms of a good value each-way bet I can’t look beyond THE GIANT BOLSTER.  Despite the fact that he is not the most well behaved horse on the track he seems to thrive at Cheltenham and with the additions of the headgear he has become more manageable during a race.  

Gold Cup Each-Way Tip – 

THE GIANT BOLSTER (E/W) (25/1 Betfred)

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