Cheltenham 2026 horse racing betting tips - Friday, March 13th, 2026

The 2026 Cheltenham Festival draws to an epic conclusion on Friday with the feature race of the Cheltenham Gold Cup – and Races Now's Harry Fowler is here to deliver his expert insight and betting tips.

Read on for Harry's thoughts on the fourth and final day of the Festival action!

Harry Fowler's Cheltenham Best Bets - Friday, March 13th, 2026

It’s the fourth and final day of the Cheltenham Festival – an amazing four days and one of the best festivals I have seen. Runners galore, and it all looks unusually positive for National Hunt racing, with the biggest race of the week still to come today.

1:20 – JCB Triumph Hurdle (Grade 1)

An intriguing race, and I’m taken by Maestro Conti. He was a good winner here at Cheltenham last time out when given a proper Skelton ride, and the winning distance was never going to be too far. I think there is plenty more to come from him, and he looks too big a price.

Harry’s Selection – Maestro Conti – 0.5pt Each Way @ 7/1 (PricedUp)

2:00 – County Hurdle

Hello Neighbour was a horse with plenty of promise last season, a Grade 1 winner in a juvenile hurdle. He also ran a good third in Punchestown’s Champion Four-Year-Old Hurdle behind Poniros and Lulamba that day, with Murcia behind him. He has had two low-key runs this season, but I think he is on a nice mark to run well in this race.

Harry’s Selection – Hello Neighbour – 0.5pt Each Way @ 14/1 (William Hill)

2:40 – Mares’ Chase (Grade 2)

I am going to side with Spindleberry. She was pitched in at the deep end last time in the Irish Gold Cup and was pulled up, but I think it came early enough for her to bounce back from it and arrive here strong. She was unbeaten over fences prior to that flop, so I am willing to forgive the run and hope she can return to form here.

Harry’s Selection – Spindleberry – 1pt win @ 5/1 (BetVictor)

3:20 – Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1)

I have already tipped Thedeviluno over on YouTube at 10/1, so on this occasion, I will look elsewhere for this column. The Passing Wife, at an each-way price, makes plenty of appeal. He was a nine-length winner last time when stepping up in trip and looked better the further he went that day. I think there is plenty more to come from him at this distance, and he can run well.

Harry’s Selection – The Passing Wife – 0.5pt Each Way @ 9/1 (Ladbrokes)

4:00 – Gold Cup (Grade 1)

This is as good a Gold Cup as I have seen in terms of competitiveness. However, I think the winner will be going back–to–back. That is Inothewayurthinkin. He has shown essentially nothing all season, but he has won twice at the Festival from two runs, both in impressive fashion. Along with a win at Aintree, he is three from three in the UK.

We have seen numerous reports suggesting he is now in the best form of the season at home – whether you believe that or not. Cheekpieces go on, and I think he will show his real ability and win this.

Harry’s Selection – Inothewayurthinkin– 1pt win @ 17/2 (AK Bets)

4:40 – Princess Royal Challenge Cup Open Hunters' Chase

I am no hunter chase expert, but Con’s Roc is one that appealed to me. He was behind Willitgoahead and Its On The Line that day, but to me, he just looked like he wanted further, and he was the favourite for that race. Cheekpieces go on for the first time, and I think he can win this.

Harry’s Selection – Con’s Roc – 1pt win @ 13/2 (Betfred)

5:20 – Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle

Act Of Authority jumped off the page for me in this race. He was second in this very race last season behind yesterday’s Grade 1 winner Wodhooh. He is only a pound higher this year and has run a few races, encouraging enough to suggest he still retains his ability. The addition of cheekpieces could help, and I think he can go close here.

Harry’s Selection – Act Of Authority – 0.5pt Each Way @ 12/1 (Bet365)

Harry's Cheltenham Festival tips for Friday, March 13th, 2026

1:20 – Maestro Conti - 0.5pt EW @ 7/1 (PricedUp)

2:00 - Hello Neighbour - 0.5pt EW @ 14/1 (William Hill)

2:40 - Spindleberry - 1pt win @ 5/1 (BetVictor)

3:20 – The Passing Wife - 0.5pt EW @ 9/1 (Ladbrokes)

4:00 - Inothewayurthinkin - 1pt win @ 17/2 (AK Bets)

4:40 – Con's Roc - 1pt win @ 13/2 (Betfred)

5:20 – Act Of Authority - 0.5pt EW @ 12/1 (Bet365)

Total staked - 7pts

Prices correct as of 9am GMT on Friday, March 13th 2026.