Cheltenham Festival 2024 ones to watch: our top 3 picks for Friday
It is fair to say that sport plays a huge role in UK society and is something lots of people get involved with in their spare time. Horse racing is a good example of this and is a sport that has long been a favourite with people all over the country. It is also a sport that is popular with UK bettors and this sees plenty of wagers being placed at the biggest meets.
Nowhere is this truer than during the iconic Cheltenham Festival, which is held each year in mid-March. With the top jockeys, horses and trainers battling it out over four days of scintillating action, Cheltenham is one of the premier events in UK racing. With 2024’s edition not far away, many people are beginning to look ahead at which horses might be worth backing on each day.
When it comes to Gold Cup Day on the Friday of Cheltenham week, there are three horses that stand out as the ones to watch. But which three are our Cheltenham Festival 2024 ones to watch for Friday?
1. Gerri Colombe in the Gold Cup
Most people who plan to bet on Gold Cup Day at Cheltenham will be almost certain to get involved with the Gold Cup itself. After all, this is not only the biggest race at the festival but also one of the most legendary Grade 1 contests in horse racing. 2023’s Gold Cup result showed just what thrills this contest can deliver too.
If you are looking for Gold Cup 2024 tips, then you could do worse than get on Gerri Colombe as an each way pick. Although this horse was more than put in his place by Galopin Des Champs over Christmas, Gordon Elliott’s runner is not to be ruled out altogether. Even better, he may well be available at great value odds, as he is coming into this year’s Gold Cup well under the radar of most punters.
But what is there to make Gerri Colombe a good tip for Cheltenham betting on the Friday? To begin with, the distance should suit him to a tee, and the stiff track will also be in his favour. If there is some life in the ground too on race day, conditions should be tailor-made for him to shine.
2. The Jukebox Man for the Albert Bartlett
The Cheltenham Festival is known for many things – from live music to crowds of happy racegoers and even its cuisine. Although there may not be any Greek lamb with orzo and spicy chutney, this event always has something delicious to sample! When it comes to racing on the Friday, though, the Albert Bartlett is THE truly mouth-watering proposition.
2024’s edition looks to be a close affair and there are no standout picks for it as yet. The Jukebox Man looks promising and could be the one to go with. Ben Pauling’s six-year-old looks to have the talent to come home first and the wide-open nature of this year’s race gives him a great opportunity to do so.
A quick check of his record is also cause for optimism, with two of his three hurdles starts won with room to spare. Although he didn’t fare as well at the Grade 1 Challow Hurdle at Newbury in December 2023, this was his first shot at the top level and gave him valuable experience to bring into Cheltenham.
3. Brides Hill in the Mares’ Chase
All keen race fans in the UK will know that Gavin Cromwell is having a magnificent season and it would be no surprise to see him take another prize in the Mares’ Chase. Brides Hill looks the obvious choice to do this for him and has really clicked over fences recently. This sees her arriving at Cheltenham on a four-timer and looking to be the one to beat.
Much may depend on there being spring ground for this race but she has shown what a polished jumper she is over fences, regardless. When you remember how she dismissed her rivals with such ease at Huntingdon in her last race, it is clear what form she is in right now. This makes it easy to see her getting around the Cheltenham course without any fuss and giving favourite Dinoblue something to worry about.
Which sportsbooks are best for Cheltenham betting on the Friday?
The truth is that there is no shortage of awesome sportsbooks in the UK for Friday betting at Cheltenham. Some, though, stand out as the very best and come recommended as the sites to back our tips at. bet365 is an obvious choice and not only has some of the most competitive Cheltenham odds but a fabulous new customer bonus for the festival.
Bet Fred is another massive name in UK sports betting and is also a good choice for Cheltenham. Its ‘bet £10 on Cheltenham and get £40 in bonuses’ offer is worth grabbing and it has a vast range of markets to wager on. Sky Bet also warrants a mention and is known for being a secure place to place Cheltenham bets online.
3 top Friday picks for Cheltenham 2024
The Cheltenham Festival is not just a great spectacle but also one of the best horse racing events to bet on. This is true throughout the four days it runs but even more so on the Friday. The horses tipped here look to have what it takes to shine and are worth bearing in mind for betting on in the key races during the festival’s final day.
