Cheltenham Tips: Paddy’s pundits epic Friday Cheat Sheet for Gold Cup day

Storm Heart is the alternative in the absence of the NJH’s ante-post favourite Sir Gino.

NURBURGRING (each-way) was a fine third last time in a Grade 2 at Leopardstown behind Kala Conti with the useful Kargese in second. I suspect he has strong each- way claims now.

Storm Heart was slightly unlucky last time at Leopardstown and might have more room for improvement than Kargese.

I’ll go with Bunting (each-way) as there’s not much between all  Willie Mullins’ runners and he’s a nice price.

I’m going with Bunting who should run a big race.

Willie Mullins saddles five in this and Zenta (each-way) has a serious chance. Pied Piper was chinned for second last year and can go close again.

King Of Kingsfield will be very hard to keep out of the places. The Gigginstown runner was third behind the class Ballyburn and Supreme hero Slade Steel at Leopardstown last time and a handicap mark of 140 might be very generous.

Absurde ran well last time. The slow ground is a concern but he has the class to be better than his handicap mark.

Zenta is Willie Mullins’ best chance but I’m with Leau Du Sud. Dan Skelton told me he really fancies him, as he did with Unexpected Party who bolted up on Wednesday, so I’ll side with him!

Zenta is a very unexposed mare who had a great run last year.

Readin Tommy Wrong is a powerful stayer and will have no problems with the 3m trip. Captain Teague could be best of the home brigade.

CAPTAIN TEAGUE (each-way) has been gagging for a step up in trip and this is his chance to shine.

Readin Tommy Wrong settles, jumps and is faster than everything else in the race. He’s my NAP.

Readin Tommy Wrong is the classiest horse in this race but keep an eye on Dancing City, who finished second behind Ballyburn and ahead of Slade Steel at Punchestown last year.

Dancing City was brilliant in previous runs and there’s more to come from him.

At the prices, I’m going with last year’s Grand National winner Corach Rambler as an each-way alternative to the likely winner and reigning champ Galopin Des Champs.

There’s no doubt Galopin Des Champs, the defending champion, is the most talented horse in the race and he comes into this in great form.

Galopin Des Champs is the best horse in the race and is in great form at home. The reigning champ is an easier ride this season too for Paul Townend.

I’ve been with Galopin Des Champs for a long time and I like everything about him. Fastorslow will most likely chase him home. Corach Rambler or Gerri Colombe will likely be third.

I have to go with the reigning champ Galopin Des Champs. You just can’t get away from him.

The seven-year-old Its On The Line can follow up connections earlier win with Corbetts Cross this week in the Hunters’ Chase for amateur riders.

Its On The Line was runner-up in this last year and while he’s a character who can do some odd things on the way round, I expect him to go one place better this time.

Billaway always turns up and runs his race. He sets the standard on form but hold on tight!

I’d be lying if I said I had a really strong fancy in this but I’ll side with Its On The Line for Emmet Mullins. He’s won his last three and he’ll relish the stamina test.

I was very impressed with Its On The Line at Naas and he can go very close. He was recently bought by JP McManus.

This could be a very good day for owner JP McManus as he has Dinoblue and Limerick Lace racing in his silks in the Mares’ Chase. The former can win it.

Many believe Dinoblue is a good thing in this but I like her stable companion Allegorie De Vassy. Paul Townend is on top and she only has 3lb on ratings to find with the favourite.

Allegorie De Vassy is working fantastically and can right last year’s wrong.

Allegorie De Vassy has improved considerably but Dinoblue is the standout. She’s got rock solid form and she’ll be hard to beat.

Allegorie De Vassy can go one better this year after finishing runner-up last season.

Waterford Whispers was second in a Novice Handicap Hurdle over this trip at the Dublin Racing Festival and is still very lightly raced, so there’s plenty room for improvement still. Quai De Bourbon ‘could be anything’ for the Mullins’ stable.

TEDDY BLUE is a massive price for Niall Houlihan and Gary Moore but I think he might defy the odds. This season he hasn’t been disgraced in the Lanzarote at Kempton or when fourth behind Mothill at Ascot last time.

Quai De Bourbon only does what he has to. He’s a handicapper’s nightmare and a jockey’s dream for the final race of Festival 2024.

Quai De Bourbon could be ahead of the handicapper. His Mullins’ stablemate Ocastle Des Mottes makes each-way appeal as he will show improvement from stepping up in trip to 2m 4f.

I’m going with Waterford Whispers. His form has been good all season.