Cheltenham Highlights: “Nicky Henderson’s Remarkable History in This Race” – Templegate’s Top 5-2 Selection for Day Four – The Sun
TEMPLEGATE heads into the final day of Cheltenham with optimism, looking to conclude the week on a positive note, despite a tough time for bettors.
The highlight of the day is the Gold Cup, scheduled to kick off at 4pm.
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CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 2025 LIVE: LATEST TIPS AND RESULTS FROM THE GREATEST SHOW ON TURF
Willie Mullins’ exceptional runner, Galopin Des Champs, is aiming for a glorious hat-trick in the featured race.
To place your bets on any Templegate tip below, simply click on their respective odds.
LULAMBA (1.20 Cheltenham, nap)
He dominated a large field in his debut in France, attracting the attention of top connections who transferred him to Nicky Henderson, known for his successful track record in this event. His initial UK appearance at Ascot was remarkable, showing tremendous speed to easily defeat a promising challenger. Though East India Dock poses a serious threat, he has significant room for growth and looks set for Triumph level competition.
BRIDES HILL (2.40 Cheltenham, nb)
She finished her previous season with a stunning 21-length victory in this category at Punchestown. Gavin Cromwell has gradually brought her along this season, with only two outings thus far. She wasn’t pushed hard during her last run at Huntingdon, where she finished second. Her best performances have come over this distance with some give in the ground, and today she can finally showcase her true potential.
ANGELS DAWN (4.40 Cheltenham, treble)
She seeks redemption after last year’s disappointment in this event, where she was in contention for at least a podium finish before falling at the second-last. Recently, she has excelled in Irish point-to-points leading up to this race, and her 7lb mares’ weight allowance might prove pivotal.
Templegate’s Race-by-Race Guide to Day Four at Cheltenham
1.20 JCB Triumph Hurdle
LULAMBA is set to earn Nicky Henderson his record eighth Triumph Hurdle title.
He showcased an outstanding performance at Ascot, with more left to give. East India Dock recorded a quick time and is the main rival along with Hello Neighbour, likely to finish third.
Here’s my evaluation of the entries and ratings for each horse out of five stars:
BLUE LEMONS 3 stars
SHARP Lemons. A competent handicapper on the Flat and transitioned well to hurdling with a remarkable debut win at Gowran. He showed great speed and is a viable each-way option.
CHARLUS 2
CHAR is burnt. Has shown some ability on the flat in France, including a second in a Listed event. Cost nearly £300,000 and looked promising when winning on hurdles debut at Naas but needs significant improvement.
EAST INDIA DOCK 4
EAST is a beast. Previously won here and recorded an impressive time in the Trial for this in January. He jumps well and possesses substantial speed. His previous 11 Flat runs could be a concern, but he seems to meet the necessary standards for this race and has proven he can handle Cheltenham.
GIBBS ISLAND 3
ISLAND is no fantasy. Good on the Flat, winning both his hurdles easily, particularly last time out at Haydock. He enjoys this distance and trainer Tom Lacey is in good form. Needs significant improvement to win but represents a solid outsider.
HELLO NEIGHBOUR 3
SAY Hello. Already a Grade 1 and 2 winner and had a comfortable ride at Leopardstown last month. Loves this distance and thrives on decent ground. He may be short of the leading two but stands out as the best option behind them at an each-way price.
LARZAC 2
ZAC attack. Transferred to Willie Mullins after being acquired by JP McManus following a promising debut at Auteuil in October. This might seem slightly ambitious for his second outing unless market support suggests otherwise.
LULAMBA 5
LAMB will chop ’em. He dominated a large field in his debut in France and was quickly brought by notable connections to Nicky Henderson, renowned for his success in this race. His British debut at Ascot was eye-catching; he showcased impressive speed to win comfortably over a strong contender. East India Dock presents a more challenging test, but he has ample room for improvement and certainly appears ready for the Triumph level.
MARCHE D’ALIGRE 1
PROTEST Marche. Started as a Flat runner in France with limited promise. Won on UK debut for Jamie Snowden but showed little in a Chepstow Grade 2 at Christmas followed by a lackluster effort at Haydock last time. Needs to show more.
MONDO MAN 2
MAN hunt. The strongest Flat competitor here, with a fifth in the French Derby last year. He could not compete with Lulamba on hurdles debut for the Moores at Ascot and pulled too hard when finishing third in the Adonis at Kempton. A first-time hood could help, but he must improve after his prior performance.
PAPPANO 1
PAP snap. Flat handicap victor for John Gosden, who has moved to Willie Mullins for £200,000. A challenging task on hurdles debut, but monitor the market for insights.
PONIROS 2
ONE to Pon-der. Acquired by savvy Brighton owner Tony Bloom for £200,000 despite modest Flat form. Keep an eye on the betting for clues ahead of his hurdles debut.
TOO BOSSY FOR US 1
BOSSY told off. A mediocre Flat handicapper bought for £330,000, a son of Golden Horn out of a High Chaparral mare making his debut for Willie Mullins. The market will provide the best guidance.
WILLY DE HOUELLE 2
WILLY won’t. Beaten four lengths by Hello Neighbour at Leopardstown, he seemed to respond better to being held up. Competing in a handicap might have suited him better.
LADY VEGA ALLEN 3
ALLEN key. Paul Townend’s selection from the Mullins squad after a close third behind Hello Neighbour last time. She struggled with the slow pace and is likely to benefit from a more genuine pace today. Can improve and has solid each-way claims with enhanced place opportunities available from bookmakers.
LUMIERE DU LARGE 2
LARGE one. Triumphed in Flat debut in France and showed promise as a runner-up over hurdles for the first time in Pau. Has since moved to Mullins but seems to be down the pecking order based on jockey bookings.
OPEC 1
PEC wreck. Landed a Listed victory at Newbury in November but has since suffered considerable defeats.
PLACE DE LA NATION 2
IN his Place. Showed notable novice tendencies as a runner-up at Fairyhouse on debut for Willie Mullins. There’s considerable improvement needed.
SAINTE LUCIE 2
SAINTE a sinner. Showed potential winning at Punchestown in December but struggled in a Grade 1 last time, making it hard to support.
2.00 William Hill County Handicap Hurdle
For this race, I pick HANSARD. Previously competed at Grade 1 level as a juvenile for the Moores, he won a respectable handicap at Newbury last season before taking an extended break.
After a slow return to form, he achieved a superb third behind the 1-2 of the Champion Hurdle, Golden Ace and Burdett Road, in the Kingwell at Wincanton last time, placing him in an ideal position.
The distance suits him perfectly, and he should be in contention.
Last year’s winner Absurde faces an 8lb weight bump this time but delivered a strong performance in the Melbourne Cup at the same level, showcasing his quality.
However, it’s worth noting that Paul Townend has opted to ride stablemate Kargese.
She was runner-up in last year’s Triumph Hurdle and secured Grade 1 success at Punchestown.
She nearly clinched victory at Ascot on her return and hasn’t been harshly treated by the handicapper.
Emmet Mullins presents a strong contender in McLaurey, who recently won in a large field on handicap debut at Leopardstown.
Even though he’s raised harshly by 16lb today, he appears to be on an upward trajectory.
Ndaawi finished last in the Cesarewitch at Newmarket in his latest outing. Prior to that, he was runner-up in the Galway Hurdle, which should have prepared him well for this challenge.
Valgrand claimed a Grade 2 by 17l here in October and has been specifically prepared for this by the Skeltons.
2.40 Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase
BRIDES HILL wrapped up last season with an impressive 21-length victory in this grade at Punchestown.
She has been carefully prepared by Gavin Cromwell this season, having only had two starts.
She wasn’t overly tested when finishing second at Huntingdon last time.
Her finest performances have occurred over this distance with some give in the ground, and today she can finally unveil her true ability.
Dinoblue should have clinched this race last year, narrowly falling short by three-quarters of a length after leaving her challenge too late.
She has opted to remain at two miles and recently won a Listed contest at Naas despite making a mistake last time. She’s expected to be a top contender once again.
Allegorie De Vassy was her runner-up last time and is also in contention.
She suffered a six-length defeat in this race last year and may replicate a similar outcome this time.
Last year’s champion Limerick Lace has faced difficulties in her three runs since and finished 25 lengths behind Allegorie De Vassy on New Year’s day.
She didn’t appear mentally prepared, and we hope the break has benefited her.
There’s a significant gap in form to the other competitors, with Shecouldbeanything yet to establish a mark at this level.
She possesses ability at this distance but must elevate her performance to compete for the places.
Fontaine Collonges seems to have lost her form and requires considerably more cut in the ground.
Royale Margaux returned well to hurdles with a solid win at Warwick but generally performs less effectively in chasing.
Mayhem Mya and Je T’Ai Porte appear outclassed, particularly the latter, who fell in a modest handicap at Listowel when last seen in September.
3.20 Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle
JASMIN DE VAUX captured the Champion Bumper title here last year and is set to dazzle again in his return.
He commenced his hurdling journey with a noteworthy victory against 24 rivals at Navan in December.
Since then, he has faced tougher opposition at Grade 1 level but seems likely to excel at this extended three-mile distance.
It’s significant that Paul Townend has opted for him from the Willie Mullins stable.
Wingmen outperformed the selection at Leopardstown last month, maintaining pace well over 2m6f.
He should also handle the extra distance with ease.
The Big Westerner has only raced twice but started with a modest win at Punchestown in November.
She greatly improved that form when taking a Grade 2 at Limerick on Boxing Day, covering close to this distance.
Her 7lb mares’ allowance will be advantageous and could be pivotal.
Wendingo‘s solid second-place finish behind The New Lion in the Challow was confirmed this week, and he won easily at Wetherby last time.
He’ll be a formidable presence if he can manage the additional half-mile.
The French contender Jet Blue performed commendably in a Grade 2 here in December despite a couple of errors, showcasing the resilience to finish strong.
That event was over this trip, and he’s among the few contenders without stamina doubts.
Fishery Lane made significant strides forward with a nine-length win at Fairyhouse recently.
Having finished fifth in the Champion Bumper, he fits well with Cheltenham and offers an each-way option.
Nativehill showed a 16-length advantage when scoring his maiden over hurdles at Huntingdon last time out.
He still seems somewhat inexperienced but wasn’t slowing down over 2m4f and should appreciate the longer distance.
Ballow Boy only had two competitors to overcome when winning a Grade 3 at Clonmel last time, but he demonstrated good staying ability and should progress on his fifth run over hurdles.
Flicker Of Hope has been active lately, finishing third in a competitive handicap at Leopardstown following impressive victories at Galway and Navan. Though this is a tougher challenge, he may elevate his performance.
4.00 Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase
GALOPIN DES CHAMPS is set to join the ranks of Best Mate and Arkle with three Gold Cup victories.
Willie Mullins’ champion is unparalleled and has already beaten most of today’s competitors.
Banbridge will need to deliver the performance of his life to contest against the champion and should secure a second-place finish, ahead of the consistent Monty’s Star.
Here’s my analysis of the field and ratings out of five stars:
AHOY SENOR 1 star
AHOY there. Fell in this race two years ago and has struggled this season. While he’s a Grade 1 winner, he makes too many errors, making him hard to support despite his trainer’s good current form.
BANBRIDGE 4
BAN-tastic. Finished strongly to prevail over Il Est Francais in the King George after a solid three-mile run. Though I’m slightly dubious about his stamina, he possesses great class and is an exceptional jumper. Good to soft ground is a must for him to win over any distance.
CORBETTS CROSS 2
CROSS off. Victorious in the National Hunt Chase last year, he’s expected to have the stamina for the track. He finished strongly second in the Ascot Chase over a shorter distance last time and would appreciate softer ground.
GALOPIN DES CHAMPS 5
GALOPIN into the history books. Among the finest chasers of the 21st century, he has easily won his two Gold Cups. He looks better than ever this season and can operate on any surface. It would be astonishing if he were to lose after a week full of surprises.
GENTLEMANSGAME 1
GAME over. Pulled up in this race last year and shows little sign of improved performance this time around.
INOTHEWAYURTHINKKIN 3
WAY to go. Strongly tipped for the Grand National due to his endurance; he was just starting to pick up speed at the end of the Irish Gold Cup last time. Not quick enough to win, but could salvage place money and cover the cost of the £25,000 supplementary fee for connections.
MONTY’S STAR 3
STAR quality. Nearly rated at four stars since he thrives at this distance and has kept pace behind Galopin multiple times this season. Another who could secure a spot in the top finishers.
ROYALE PAGAILLE 2
PAG not my bag. Finished fifth and sixth in this race and won a Grade 1 in heavy conditions at Haydock earlier this season. He enjoys the course and stays well, albeit at his own pace.
THE REAL WHACKER 2
UN-Real. Winner of the 2023 Brown Advisory and typically performs well here. Finished a distant fourth in the King George last time; he should be capable of managing this trip but is unlikely to match the highest level.
4.40 St. James’s Place Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters’ Chase
ANGELS DAWN seeks to reclaim glory after a letdown in last year’s event.
That was her final run under Rules, where she was on track for at least a podium finish before faltering at the second-last.
She has since performed well in Irish point-to-points leading up to this race, and her 7lb allowance could be crucial.
Shearer holds a winning course record, and trainer Paul Nicholls has secured this title four times in the last 20 years.
He exhibited strong staying power while winning at Taunton and performs well with the trainer’s daughter, Olive.
Its On The Line retains Derek O’Connor, who rode him last year when he finished just under a length short in this event.
He went on to secure victories at the Foxhunter at Aintree and Punchestown.
It’s slightly concerning that he has been a runner-up in the last two editions, but at eight years old, he should be competitive again.
Willitgoahead consistently wins in pointing and moved to Gordon Elliott after his January win at Thurles.
He’s exceptionally durable with a solid shot for a placing.
Fairly Famous has clinched two smaller scale hunter chases on this track, and that familiarity will benefit him.
He’s fit from pointing and could post a strong showing at decent odds.
Ryehill faced a notable blunder but managed an impressive victory at Naas last month.
He was fourth in the Championship at Punchestown last season, and a repeat performance would give him a reasonable shot again.
Allmankind has competed at higher levels in hurdling but has won both of his point-to-points, indicating he could be a factor in this race.
5.20 Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle
MINELLA SIXO was performing well at Haydock last time until a clumsy fall three out.
He returns with the same mark here and was already delivering strong performances in Graded races earlier in the season.
He fits this distance well, and trainer Gordon Elliott thrives in this race.
Kopeck De Mee is an unknown entity for Willie Mullins and JP McManus.
It’s unclear how much extra weight he should be carrying based on his French career, but it’s substantial!
He was a comfortable Listed winner at Auteuil last time out in May. The potential issue is that all his form has been on holding ground, so quicker conditions are a question mark.
Wodhooh won impressively in a competitive handicap here in December, and that form has held strong. Despite an 11lb rise, she could be a threat.
Act Of Authority has enjoyed multiple victories this season and poses a challenge for this distance, as does Park Of Kings, who impressed at Leopardstown last time and should manage the distance.
No Ordinary Joe is one to keep an eye on following his strong fourth at Warwick.
Templegate’s Tips
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