We have another quality two-day fixture to look forward to at Cheltenham this week and Friday’s card provides seven thoroughly competitive races. Five of those races will be shown live on ITV so we’re back with our usual feast of outsiders. Adrian Wall has landed 33/1 and 16/1 winners in his last two pieces so this time Liam Bramall takes aim with 40/1, 18/1 and 14/1 picks on Friday. Take a look at our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.
Brentford Hope (14/1, bet365) is a very smart handicap hurdler on his day and he has also finished second in a couple of Grade 2s. Only three lengths behind Constitution Hill at Cheltenham last season, he should be more than capable of winning a handicap at this level off 136. Harry Derham’s gelding was last victorious off a mark of 140 in March 2024 and he’s entitled to go close off 4lb lower.
Cruz Control (18/1, bet365) perhaps isn’t the most consistent but it was a huge performance when winning at Aintree in the spring. It shaped like a competitive race beforehand but Tom Lacey’s gelding made it look anything but. He has now won Aintree’s three-mile handicap chase twice and is currently rated just 3lb higher than his most recent success. Don’t rule him out here.
The Big Breakaway (40/1, bet365) can be a little frustrating but one thing he doesn’t lack is stamina. Cheltenham’s Cross Country course can revitalise horses so it’s interesting that connections are giving it a go. His sole success over fences came in a novice chase here back in 2020 and although he’s not the quickest, the 10-year-old could be staying on to nab a place on the run-in.
If you back any of our selections you can watch them live on the free Racing Post app or racingpost.com. Simply log in to one of your bookmaker accounts and click ‘Watch live’ on the racecards.