Cheltenham Festival tips: Friday's best bets from Racing Post experts

The 2022 Cheltenham Festival draws to an end on Friday and four of our experts have shared their best bet to try and finish the week on a high.

Protektorat

By Paul Kealy

Race: Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup (3.30)

Odds: 9-1

Let's not beat around the bush, there's no such thing as a banker on bad ground on the final day of the Cheltenham Festival, but I do think Protektorat is going to run a massive race in the Gold Cup.

He does have a bit to prove, but he romped home when stepped up to 3m1f on bad ground last time, is the youngest horse in the race and gives the impression he has plenty more to come.

Expert picks: why this horse can win the 2022 Cheltenham Gold Cup

Suprise Package

By Tom Segal

Race: McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle (2.10)

Odds: 11-1

The McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle looks impossible, although if the vibes are correct the Willie Mullins-trained State Man is a future Grade 1 horse and has lots in hand. However the same was being said about Gaelic Warrior in the Boodles on Tuesday and he got beaten.

Colonel Mustard ran well against the Ballymore 1-2 Sir Gerhard and Three Stripe Life last time and will be staying on well but for me Saturday's Imperial Cup winner Suprise Package is worth backing again.

He couldn't have won any easier and on that form his 5lb penalty won't be enough to stop him.

Tax For Max

By Robbie Wilders

Race: McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle (2.10)

Odds: 20-1

Willie Mullins landed the County Hurdle with a five-year-old a couple of years ago and I could see the same happening this year with Tax For Max, who is worth backing each-way with seven places available with several firms. Tax For Max was close to top class on the Flat, finishing fifth in the Group 1 Grosser Preis Von Bayern, but has failed to score over hurdles in four starts for Mullins despite running some promising races.

Teahupoo swept him aside by seven lengths in a Grade 3 on his hurdling debut and he struggled in the Triumph next time, but keenness has plagued his career over hurdles and contributed to his defeats. A gelding operation can help him settle better and the strong pace in the County is key to his chance. Mullins landed the County with one from a long layoff before.

2022 Cheltenham Gold Cup: the runners, the odds, the verdict

Ginto

By Brian Sheerin

Race: Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle (2.50)

Odds: 11-4

Mullins would have been happy to avoid Constitution Hill with Sir Gerhard and Elliott will have been happy with his decision not to lock horns with his former inmate in the Ballymore with Ginto.

The decision to reroute Ginto to this race could pay dividends as he appears the class act in the Albert Bartlett field. Hillcrest has been good in winning four of his five starts over hurdles but there appears to be a bit more substance to what Ginto has achieved.

Elliott may not have a better looking horse in his yard. Already a Grade 1 scorer when winning at Naas in January, when Ballymore third Whatdeawant was well beaten in fifth, Ginto can harden his reputation as a Gold Cup prospect with victory.

Friday's Cheltenham Festival previews:

1.30 Cheltenham: who will come out on top between star juveniles Pied Piper and Vauban?

2.10 Cheltenham: 'He's got a big chance' - who fancies their chances in a red-hot County Hurdle?

2.50 Cheltenham: 'He's got the class and the form' - leading Albert Bartlett quotes and insight

4.10 Cheltenham: which trainer is taking the best horse he's ever brought to Cheltenham?

4.50 Cheltenham: Willie Mullins once again has good reason to be hopeful about the mares' chase

5.30 Cheltenham: 'He'll run a huge race' - is there a dark horse lurking in the Martin Pipe?

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