After a wet February, clerk of the course Jon Pullin expects the ground to be soft.
With just five days until Cheltenham Festival kicks off, punters will want to pay attention to the weather as it might have a say on whether your bet pays off or not.
Clerk of the course Jon Pullin likely won’t be busy watering the ground much this year after a wet February saw more than 101mm of rain fall and 22mm in March so far.
He has predicted it will be on the easier side come Tuesday 12th March when the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle kicks off the week.
This will be welcome news to some trainers and owners who head to home of the pinnacle of jump racing competitions this week with horses looking for a softer going.
Cheltenham Festival 2024 Going and Weather
As of today (Thursday 7th March) the Old and New course currently has an official going of soft and the Cross Country course has an official going of heavy, and soft in some places.
The weather is forecasted to be dry and bright during Tuesday and is expected to remain dry until Friday. There will be some light showers this weekend; however, Pullin doesn’t seem too concerned that it will be anything significant.
Cheltenham Festival 2024: Soft Ground Horse Tips
Ballyburn (Gallagher Novices' Hurdle)
It has finally been decided that Ballyburn will race in the Gallagher Novices' Hurdle instead of the Supreme on Day 1 of the Festival.
He was a strong favourite in both races and can currently be found at a best price of 4/6 at BetMGM to win the race. With the going expected to be on the softer side, this will only play to the strong favourites advantage.
He made light work of Slade Steel in his last race at Leapardstown on soft ground, winning by seven lengths and won the time before that by 24 lengths on soft/heavy over 2m4f so stamina won't be an issue, allowing his sheer class to take over.
Gentlemansgame (Gold Cup)
The unexposed horse thrives with a bit of cut in the ground as was demonstrated in his last outing when beating Bravesmansgame home over 3m in soft ground. The race before that saw him finish a respectable second ahead of Envoi Allen in heavy.
His eight length finish ahead of subsequent Irish Grand National winner I Am Maximus at the Leopardstown beginners chase in soft conditions only serves to favour this narrative.
He is trained by the masterful Mouse Morris who will no doubt have him ready and has already expressed his lack of concern over stamina for the horse. If he is firing on all cylinders, the ground just might make him an interesting selection.
Gentlemansgame is available at a best price of 18/1 at Betway when he races in the Cheltenham Gold Cup next Friday.
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