SO we enter the final day of the 2022 Cheltenham Festival, hopefully we can end on a high in today's final seven races.

1.30: JCB Triumph Hurdle

PIED PIPER beat Vauban on hurdling debut, and that form can be franked here.

Gordon Elliott's charge was equally as impressive next time, although Vauban, trained by Willie Mullins, won a Grade 1 at the Dublin Festival which is arguable the best form on offer.

There could be little between the two again.

Knight Salute is the pick of the English, but Teddy Blue would have run him close last time and can fill the minor honours here.

SELECTIONS

  • 1 Pied Piper
  • 2 Vauban
  • 3 Teddy Blue

2.10: McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle

Many of the top yards saddle multiple entries here, but we take a chance on COLONEL MUSTARD, not trained in a big stable.

Lorna Fowler's charge has been placed in graded races the last twice and wouldn't have looked out of place in bigger races at Cheltenham.

Although it's a first run in a handicap, he shouldn't be far away.

Suprise Package is cleary in good heart following victory at Sandown on Saturday, while State Man is unexposed and could be anything.

Gua Du Large can go well at bigger odds.

SELECTIONS

  • 1 Colonel Mustard
  • 2 State Man
  • 3 Suprise Package
  • 4 Gua Du Large

2.50: Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle

This looks a match between GINTO and Hillcrest, with slight preference for the Irish runner.

He is three from three over hurdles, including a Grade 1 success and connections opted to target this race rather than other options.

Henry Daly's Hillcrest has done nothing wrong and should go close, but may fall just short.

The Nice Guy is also unbeaten and can bag a place, while at bigger odds Ramillies can show improvement.

SELECTIONS

  • 1 Ginto
  • 2 Hillcrest
  • 3 The Nice Guy
  • 4 Ramillies

3.30: Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase

The big one.

GALVIN keeps on getting better and better and has all the attributes to win here.

The manner of his win over A Plus Tard last time suggests he is still on the upgrade and is the one they have to beat here.

A Plus Tard is proven and will run our selection close, while Minello Indo won this race last year and ran an encouraging race last time.

Venetia Williams has her horses in fine form and Royale Pagaille, aided by Wednesday's rain, can claim fourth.

SELECTIONS

  • 1 Galvin
  • 2 A Plus Tard
  • 3 Minello Indo
  • 4 Royale Pagaille

4.10: St James's Place Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters Chas

Bob And Co was going well in this race 12 months ago when coming down, and can go close.

But PONT AVEN proved a decent horse under Willie Mullins's care and has continued to improve for current connections.

Billaway is twice a runner-up in this race and may have to settle for a place once again, while Winged Leader comes here in fine form.

SELECTIONS

  • 1 Pont Aven
  • 2 Bob And Co
  • 3 Billaway
  • 4 Winged Leader

4.50: Mrs Paddy Power Mares Chase

Mount Ida could be the best horse here, but her tendancy to jump right handed may prove vital.

CONCERTISTA has only run twice over fences but oozes quality and can get her head in front.

Elimay can fill the places.

SELECTIONS

  • 1 Concertista
  • 2 Mount Ida
  • 3 Elimay

5.30: Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys Handicap Hurdle

COBBLERS DREAM would probably be a shorter price if trained by Elliott or Mullins, but seemingly ticks all the right boxes here.

A winner of his last two starts, Ben Case's charge can complete a hat-trick.

Hollow Games drops into a handicap having contested Grade 1 races on his last two runs, while The Goffer is improving with every run.

Freedom To Dream can defy his big odds to bag a place.

SELECTIONS

  • 1 Cobblers Dream
  • 2 Hollow Games
  • 3 The Goffer
  • 4 Freedom To Dream

COMPILED BY MARK EDWARDS