Cheltenham: Smad Place the prime pick for final Lucky 15

Right, the final day of this year’s Cheltenham Festival is upon us and like you we’re determined to go out on a high.

Whatever has happened in the last few days needs to be forgotten about and we’ve only got time for positive vibes.

There are still seven more races to enjoy with the Gold Cup the obvious highlight. And that’s exactly where we’ve been looking for the cornerstone of this last multiple.

Our headline selection is classy, striking to look at and most importantly, available at a mega price.

So, step forward Smad Place and help us deliver what would be a fitting Longshot Lucky 15 to bow out with.

Here are our selections…

13:30 – Triumph Hurdle – Apple’s Jade

The likes of Ivanovich Gorbatov, Zubayr and Sceau Royal have dominated the betting for this contest but there’s better value to be had further down the list.

Willie Mullins’ first-string Footpad saw off the former of those aforementioned charges last time out, albeit on bottomless ground, and is rightly considered another one to look at.

But it’s the trainer’s French import Apple’s Jade who has caught our eye following victory on her only start in France and subsequent Grade 2 score at Leopardstown.

She beat her stablemate by 12 lengths that day and could repeat the dose on the biggest stage.

14:10 – County Hurdle – Starchitect

Strarchitect made a promising comeback in February’s Betfair Hurdle, eventually finishing as runner-up in a competitive contest.

And last year’s Fred Winter-fourth looks primed to make another bold bid here with better ground likely to suit.

Both of his previous wins over hurdles have come on good ground and at the prices the David Pipe-trained charge is an attractive option.

15:30 – Cheltenham Gold Cup – Smad Place

Such is the depth of this year’s Gold Cup renewal you can make a decent case for each of the top-six in the betting.

Smad Place falls into that category and the gorgeous grey is sure to attract plenty of each-way attention.

We know he stays following resounding victories in last November’s Hennessy Gold Cup and then the Cotswold Chase last time out.

And if he can keep in touch with the pacesetters then an improvement on last year’s eighth-placing is surely on the cards.

17:30 – Grand Annual Chase – Pearls Legend

Well, we had to go for one in the ‘lucky last’, didn’t we?

To find the winner of the final race you’ll probably have to go look pretty far down the handicap with 22 of the last 23 victors all rated lower than 145.

That rules out the in-form Arthur’s Oak although last year’s winner Next Sensation just sneaks in by that reckoning.

However, neither of those makes our list with the tough previous course winner Pearls Legend the preference instead.

Don’t forget to check out the huge range of juicy offers that’ll be running throughout the Festival.

Join us between March 15 – March 18 and make the most of the action with the help of our fantastic promotions, including First Race Money Back. Click here for more details.

And for the latest Cheltenham odds head to Ladbrokes.com online, on mobile or on tablet.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.