Cheltenham Festival Wednesday Tips |
Jake Price

Wednesday’s Cheltenham Festival tips begin with Galvin who looks to have outstanding claims in the Cross Country Chase, with drying ground suiting him perfectly. Trained by Gordon Elliott, he was a superb second in the 2023 renewal of this race despite unfavourable soft ground. Last season his campaign was geared towards this race once again, but its abandonment led to a switch to the Grand National, where he finished an impressive fourth off a mark of 155.

His only run this season was a narrow second in America’s Far Hills Grand National Hurdle, but he also went to Cheltenham fresh when winning the National Hunt Chase all those years ago. Now rated 154, conditions are ideal, and with Elliott’s expertise in this discipline he should be primed for a big performance.

The Turners Novices’ Hurdle could be the highlight of the week featuring The New Lion, Final Demand, and The Yellow Clay. The latter, despite being the biggest price, is an exciting contender to my eye. Unbeaten in four Hurdle starts this season, he secured victories in Grade 3 and Grade 2 races before an impressive Grade 1 win at Naas, beating Supersundae by eight lengths.

His form is comparable to Final Demand’s on a line through stablemate Wingmen, and trainer Gordon Elliott’s decision to run him here instead of the easier option of the Albert Bartlett is telling. With Jack Kennedy back in the saddle and proven Cheltenham form curtesy of his Champion Bumper third, he has strong claims.

Joseph O’Brien and JP McManus have a strong contender in the Coral Cup with Comfort Zone, who thrives on quicker ground. A Grade 2 winner at Cheltenham as a Juvenile, he suffered a setback following a win on Trials Day but has been steadily rebuilt since. His close third behind The Wallpark at the Galway Festival over 2m6½f highlighted his untapped potential, and he later won a 2m Premier Handicap at Naas on the Flat to reach a rating of 94 in that sphere.

An eye-catching third at Leopardstown over Christmas saw his mark rise to 137 in Britain, but he remains unexposed over intermediate trips. He’s been given a planned break for this race, and Mark Walsh now takes over the reins.

*Information correct at time of writing. 18+ only. GambleAware.