13.30 – Triumph Hurdle

The insurance provided by our money-back offer on the first race means I’m going to take on Apple’s Shakira with REDICEAN .

The four-year-old has been fantastic since switching from the flat to hurdles, winning three from three in commanding style.

The first two of those victories were both by 10 lengths, while the other saw him brilliantly claim a Grade 2 at Kempton last month despite carrying top weight of 11-1.

I’m intrigued as to just how good he can be, and think he’s worth backing to spring a surprise.

14.10 – County Handicap Hurdle

There’s two each-way chances I like in the first big handicap of the day, the first of which is Joseph O’Brien’s IVANOVICH GORBATOV .

The six-year-old is a course-and-distance winner after beating Apple’s Jade and Footpad in the 2016 Triumph Hurdle.

He’s struggled to hit the heights since then but did put in a respectable performance in this race last year and has plenty of experience in big handicap fields.

I think he’s got an each-way chance.

The other that catches my eye is one from Willie Mullins’ yard in LAGOSTOVEGAS .

She’s a versatile mare who has replicated relative success on the flat in her hurdling career.

Two wins and seven placed finishes from 14 runs is a credible record, not to mention a big win in the Ireland Handicap Hurdle at Listowel in September.

14.50 – Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle

This is another potential minefield, but I’m going for the each-way value once again with CALETT MAD .

The six-year-old comes into the race in decent form having won three of his last five, including a victory here in the Junior Novices’ Hurdle in October where he finished 4½ lengths ahead of Robbin’hannon.

The novices have done well in this race over the last few years and, with Daryl Jacob yet to have a winner, this could be his big chance.

15.30 – Gold Cup

In the biggest race of the day, I’m going for NATIVE RIVER to give Betway ambassador Richard Johnson a second Gold Cup victory.

He finished third last year after a very successful season that included the Welsh Grand National at top weight and the Denman Chase.

His only appearance this season saw him decimate the field when retaining the prize at Newbury, and I’ve been confident on him ever since.

I think he’s a magnificent jumper and, if he travels anything like he did last year, then he’s got a huge chance.

16.10 – Foxhunters’ Chase

The Foxhunters’ is up next and I’ve gone for a big each-way punt in veteran BAREL OF LAUGHS .

The 12-year-old is a course-and-distance winner and absolutely loves Cheltenham with two thirds, a second and a win in his last outing here in the Hunters’ Chase, albeit ten months ago.

That long absence is the main concern but, if Alex Edwards – who has a great record on board (2131) – can get him into a nice rhythm, then he could be a huge price.

16.50 – Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle

Another shot at some each-way money here and the first one I like is David Pipe’s MR BIG SHOT .

The seven-year-old is unbeaten with a perfect three from three and has a combined winning distance of 33 lengths.

He’s won on both soft and good-to-soft ground so conditions should suit him nicely, and I think he’s a great price here.

The other one I like is BRILLARE MOMENTO .

Despite a disappointing run last time out, this mare has really excelled at Cheltenham with comfortable course-and-distance victories in October and last April.

She got back to winning ways with victory at Towcester last month, beating odds-on favourite Red Indian, and should go well here.

17.30 – Grand Annual Challenge Cup Chase

I’m going for another two each-way fancies in the final race of the Festival to finish off a remarkable week.

The first is Kerry Lee’s GINO TRAIL .

He’s been in brilliant form over the last few months, winning three from a possible four, with his only runner-up spot to Speredek on heavy ground at Sandown.

A course-and-distance win here in the Junior Handicap Chase in December suggests that Jamie Moore can extend his excellent record on board.

The other tip I like is Paul Nicholls’ DOLOS .

Gone are the days when Nicholls dominated this Festival, but I still think he could have a decent chance of landing the last winner with this French gelding.

He ran here in the Fred Winter last year and has been impressive ever since with two wins and four seconds from eight trips.

With experience in these fields and the trusty Harry Cobden riding, he’s another who could be a decent each-way punt to help us end on a high.