Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle Distance: 2m 87y Last year’s winner: Altior Charli Parcs (Anabaa Blue – Ella Parcs) Trainer: Nicky Henderson Owner: John P McManus
Very talented Juvenile hurdler, Charli Parcs holds a noticeable entry in this contest. He was seriously impressive on his British debut when dismantling a decent field at Kempton. Connections ran Binocular in this contest as a 4 year-old to finish a game second and this horse could go one better. He has the class to play a key role in this contest but whether he will take up this engagement up instead of the Triumph Hurdle is yet to be seen.
Finian’s Oscar (Oscar – Trinity Alley) Trainer: Colin Tizzard Owner: Ann & Alan Potts
Finian’s Oscar is the Ante-Post favourite for the Neptune Novices’ Hurdle on the second day over 2m5f. He won the Grade 1 Tolworth Hurdle at Sandown over two-miles and looks to have plenty of gears but he also won a point-to-point over three-miles. I think ground conditions leading up to the Festival will dictate where this highly promising son of Oscar will run.
Jenkins (Azamour – Aladiyna) Trainer: Nicky Henderson Owner: Pump & Plant Services Ltd
Very impressive on debut at Newbury before disappointing at Kempton on Boxing Day when a long odds on favourite. He is very highly regarded and his trainer has kept the faith in him. He was a very classy bumper horse last season so there is no doubt about his talent but he does need to improve drastically to win this race on what we have seen so far over hurdles.
Melon (Medicean – Night Teeny) Trainer: W P Mullins Owner: Mrs J Donnelly
Willie Mullins has saddled three of the last four winners of this race with Champagne Fever, Vautour and Douvan before Altior broke his strangle hold on the contest last year when defeating Min. Melon has been a big talking horse for a while and he finally done that talking on track when winning the Donohue Marquees Maiden Hurdle at Leopardstown. It was very hard not to be impressed with him that day as he jumped very well, travelled strongly and showed a wonderful turn of foot to beat his nearest rival by 10 lengths. Admittedly, that was only a maiden hurdle but given his top connections.
Moon Racer (Saffron Walden – Angel’s Folly) Trainer: David Pipe Owner: Professor Caroline Tisdall & Bryan Drew
Moon Racer is a very talented horse and has already tasted Cheltenham Festival success when winning the Champion Bumper in 2015. Troubled by niggly injuries last season, Moon Racer returned to the track in late April last year when finishing a gallant second to the highly regarded Blow By Blow in the Punchestown Champion Bumper. Moon Racer is unbeaten in two starts over hurdles this season with game wins at Perth and Cheltenham. This horse definitely has the ability to go very close in this contest but I have my reservations with him.
Neon Wolf (Vinnie Roe – Missy O’Brien) Trainer: Harry Fry Owner: Masterson Holdings Limited
Neon Wolf was seriously impressive when winning a Grade 2 Novice Hurdle at Haydock. He is a similar type to the previously mentioned Finian’s Oscar and he also holds an entry in the Neptune and that seems to be the trainer’s first preference unless the ground turns soft. He looks a serious novice chaser for next year but he has already shown he’s an above average hurdler.
Top Ville Ben (Beneficial – Great Decision) Trainer: Nicky Henderson Owner: Million In Mind Partnership
Top Ville Ben is a horse I like an awful lot and he’s a monster in the making. He’s still a big baby and needs time to develop. He reminds me a lot of Sprinter Sacre in his physique and running style and I wouldn’t be surprised if he ran well if running in this contest. He looks a smashing chasing prospect for next season and that is where his future is.
Verdict: A very open renewal of the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle with a lot of horses with serious potential in the line-up. It was hard not to be impressed with MELON on his hurdling debut at Leopardstown and he gets my vote. Neon Wolf has a serious engine and if the ground came up soft he would have a serious chance if running in this contest. Top Ville Ben would be a very interesting runner if Nicky Henderson gives him the go ahead. He looks a serious horse for the future and will make a nice chaser next season.
Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Chase Distance: 1m7f 199y Last year’s winner: Douvan Altior (High Chaparral – Monte Solaro) Trainer: Nicky Henderson Owner: Mrs Patricia Pugh
Altior probably put in the performance of the Festival last season when winning the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle by 7 lengths. He hasn’t put a foot wrong in four starts over fences to date and his jumping was outstanding when winning the Game Spirit at Newbury recently where he made his decent rivals look ordinary. He is a horse with a serious engine and has already been compared with the brilliant Sprinter Sacre. It will be a huge shock if he doesn’t win this seasons contest.
Charbel (Iffraaj – Eoz) Trainer: Kim Bailey Owner: Mrs Julie Martin and David R Martin
No match for Altior in last season’s Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at the Festival last season. The form of his win on chase debut at Uttoxeter has worked out well with the second (Le Prezien) and third (Top Notch) both winning good races since. He shaped well enough behind Altior at Sandown in December where a last fence error blew any chances of winning. He also holds an entry in the JLT where he may have a more realistic chance of winning.
Cloudy Dream (Cloudings – Run Away Dream) Trainer: Malcolm Jefferson Owner: Trevor Hemmings
Cloudy Dream is a horse I like and he has acquitted himself very well since switched to the bigger obstacles this season. Malcolm Jefferson likes this horse a lot and believes he is a horse with a serious future in time. Cloudy Dream will be much better when racing on good spring ground and I can see him running into a place if taking up his entry in this contest.
Identity Thief (Kayf Tara – Miss Arteea) Trainer: Henry De Bromhead Owner: Gigginstown House Stud
Very smart hurdler last season for Henry De Bromhead notably when winning the Grade 1 Fighting Fifth hurdle at Newcastle. He made the perfect start to his chasing career when winning both his starts including a Grade 2 at Punchestown. His jumping has fallen apart in his last two races in Grade 1’s at Leopardstown and I’m sure he’ll bring his A-game to the Festival. He would be a serious contender to get a place and looks a fair price currently if his jumping improves.
Royal Caviar (Vinnie Roe – Blackwater Babe) Trainer: W P Mullins Owner: Mrs S Ricci
Last year’s winning connections were relying on Min as their main hope this season before that horse was ruled out through injury recently. Their hopes now rest on Royal Caviar who was very unlucky when falling at the last fence in the Irish Arkle last time. He jumped well that day before that error and I’m sure he’ll run a big race for Willie Mullins and Rich Ricci at the Festival
Some Plan (Winged Love – Lough Hyne) Trainer: Henry De Bromhead Owner: R S Brookhouse
Some Plan was a very fortunate winner of the Grade 1 Irish Arkle last time, as he looked held in second when the leader fell as the final fence. He’s a strong traveller who likes to jump out infront and is sure to make it a strong stamina test. He has to have a squeak of running into the place money at a decent enough price.
Verdict: ALTIOR looks a class above anything that’s likely to run in this contest and as his very short price suggests he should be winning this. He wouldn’t be a bet for me at his forecast odds so I’m happy just to sit this one out and enjoy a very good horse do his thing. IDENTITY THIEF is a very smart horse himself and if his jumping improves I think he looks value at 14/1 to run into a place. Cloudy Dream is another horse who has serious potential in this sphere and will enjoy some spring ground.
Ultima Handicap Steeple Chase Distance: 3m1f Last year’s winner: Un Temps Pour Tout Champers On Ice (Robin Des Champs – Miss Nova) Trainer: David Pipe Owner: Professor Caroline Tisdall & Bryan Drew
Connections won this last season with an un-exposed novice chaser in the shape of Un Temps Pour Tout. Champers On Ice ran a cracker in the Albert Bartlett at the Festival last season behind Uknowhatimeanharry. He was very good on chase debut at Uttoxeter before running a good race behind the very talented American at Warwick. Champers On Ice looks very well treated off a mark of 143 and could be hard to beat if showing up in this.
Holywell (Gold Well – Hillcrest) Trainer: Jonjo O’Neill Owner: Mrs Gay Smith
Very good horse over the year’s and he showed that when winning this contest back in 2014. He ran another cracking effort in this contest last season and looks one of them horses that come alive at the Cheltenham Festival. He hasn’t done much in a handful of runs this season for Jonjo O’Neil but like I said he loves Cheltenham and is bound to go well. Holywell looks laid out for this contest and looks seriously well-treated off 148.
Mall Dini (Milan – Winsome Breeze) Trainer: Patrick G Kelly Owner: Philip J Reynolds
Mall Dini won the Pertemps at the Festival last year and he has plenty of options at this season to make it back to back wins at Cheltenham. This contest is often won by a progressing staying novice chaser and Mall Dini fits that bill perfectly. He won the Pertemps hurdle off a similar rating last year and I’ve seen nothing that’s made me think he’s not as good over fences this season.
Noble Endeavor (Flemensfirth – Old Moon) Trainer: Gordon Elliott Owner: C Jones
Noble Endeavor was a very good winner of the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown in December when backing up some of his earlier potential. He travelled and jumped strongly that day under a brilliant Davy Russell ride. Raised 10lb to a new rating of 153 he will need to improve further to be competitive here but his excellent Cheltenham form and ground versatility makes me believe he’ll run a huge race.
O O Seven (Flemensfirth – Kestral Heights) Trainer: Nicky Henderson Owner: Triermore Stud
O O Seven was excellent when winning a Novices’ Chase by 10 lengths at Cheltenham in November. He beat a very smart and highly rated field that day when jumping his rivals into the ground. He wasn’t so good in a Grade 2 at Doncaster next time in a very tactical affair. O O Seven bounced back to form recently when winning a handicap chase at Huntingdon in tenacious fashion. Only up 4lb for that win you’d have to think the return back to Cheltenham will improve him further and he looks a serious player.
Our Kaempfer (Oscar – Gra-Bri) Trainer: Charlie Longsdon Owner: Swanee River Partnership
Won a very competitive handicap at Kempton recently in the style of horse going places. He won by 7 lengths despite making a mistake at the final fence. Up 10lb for that win, he needs to improve further to be completive here but the way he won his last race you’d be a fool to rule out further improvement.
Saphir Du Rheu (Al Namix – Dona Du Rheu) Trainer: Paul Nicholls Owner: The Stewart Family
Saphir Du Rheu is only and 8 year-old but it seems a long time ago that he was winning a Grade 1 at Aintree. He hasn’t come near that form since that day but his form this season is encouraging going forward. Whether or not he’s the force of old is yet to be seen but he is a horse with a lot of ability and he’s undoubtedly well handicapped on his best form.
Singlefarmpayment (Milan – Crevamoy) Trainer: Tom George Owner: N T Griffith & H M Haddock
Singlefarmpayment is another horse who has plenty of options at this seasons Cheltenham Festival. He ran a very good race in defeat behind the talented Beware The Bear before winning a competive Novice’s Chase at Cheltenham in December. Tom George’s charge was still travelling well when brought down in a competitive handicap last time. If this horse goes for this contest he would have a serious shout as a mark of 142 looks well within his grasp.
The Druids Nephew (King’s Theatre – Gifted) Trainer: Neil Mulholland Owner: The Stonehenge Druids
The Druids Nephew was a very good winner of this race in 2015 under a brilliant Barry Geraghty ride. He has found life tough since off a higher handicap mark since on ground softer than ideal. The Druids Nephew is back to a mark of 146, which is the rating he won this race off two-years ago. His jumping let him down on his first start for eight months at Ascot but he’s usally a solid jumper who stays very well. He needs serious consideration off this mark at a venue he excels at.
Verdict: Saphir Du Rheu is a good horse and looks reasonably treated based on his good effort at Cheltenham in January. He will appreciate some better ground here and the step back up in trip. Our Kaempfer was awesome last time at Kempton and looks a horse going places. He might find it tough here off his revised rating but you can’t rule him out. MALL DINI was a good winner of the Pertemps last season and he comes here in good form. He won the off a similar mark last season and looks to have an excellent shout. Holywell always run his race at the Cheltenham Festival and comes alive during the spring. He is on a dangerous mark and he should be a solid place contender. O O Seven wouldn’t be a confirmed runner but he still looks well treated on his current mark. He was brilliant at Cheltenham at the start of the season and I think the return to the track and step up to 3m will see him go well. SINGLEFARMPAYMENT won over course and distance earlier in the season and looks well handicapped based on that effort. He enjoys good ground and I can see him running a big race for Tom George.
Stan James Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy Distance: 2m 87y Last year’s winner: Annie Power Brain Power (Kalanisi – Blonde Ambition) Trainer: Nicky Henderson Owner: Michael Buckley
Nicky Henderson also has the improving Brain Power entered in this year’s race. He has been brilliant in handicaps this season and looks to have improved massively since last season. He’s a strong traveller who will relish the better ground on offer at Cheltenham. He is a talented horse and looks to have a solid chance in an open race.
Buveur D’Air (Crillon – History) Trainer: Nicky Henderson Owner: John P McManus
Buveur D’Air started this season over the bigger obstacles and won both his starts comfortably in the end. It looks a very bold move by Nicky Henderson and JP McManus to revert back to hurdles halfway through the season. He is a highly strung horse with plenty of class and has all the credentials you want in Champion Hurdle horse. He seems to appreciate soft ground and it will be very interesting to see how he runs as he was well beaten by Arkle favourite Altior in last season’s Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.
Limini (Peintre Celebre – Her Grace) Trainer: W P Mullins Owner: Mrs S Ricci
Looked potentially another Mullins and Ricci superstar when bolting up in the inaugural running of the Mares’ Novices Hurdle at the Festival last season. She didn’t quite build on that when disappointing at Aintree behind Buveur D’air and Petit Mouchoir. I don’t think she was right that day and I think she’s a lot better than that run. She made a perfect return to action recently when easily defeating dual Grade 1 winner Apple’s Jade with the minimum of fuss. She is undoubtedly a very talented mare and if she runs here I can see her running a huge race.
Petit Mouchoir (Al Namix – Arnette) Trainer: Henry De Bromhead Owner: Gigginstown House Stud
Henry De Bromhead is having a brilliant season considering Ann & Alan Potts removed all their horses from his care earlier in the season. That hasn’t stopped him winning 4 Grade 1’s this season already and I’m sure he will be thirsty for more big race success at the Cheltenham Festival. He is set to run the very progressive Petit Mouchoir in this year’s Champion Hurdle. Winner of 2 Grade 1’s already this season he looks a horse going places. He poses a very high cruising speed and he set a very good speed figure when winning the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown in January. He looked to have a very hard race that day and I think that might have left a mark on him.
Yanworth (Norse Dancer – Yota) Trainer: Alan King Owner: John P McManus
Yanworth is a very smart but I believe he should be in the Stayers’ Hurdle instead of this contest. He won the Christmas Hurdle in fine style on Boxing Day and beat a solid yard-stick in the shape of The New One. Yanworth definitely has the class to play a key role in a Champion Hurdle but whether he has the pace at a key stage another question.
Yorkhill (Presenting – Lightning Breeze) Trainer: W P Mullins Owner: Andrea & Graham Wylie
orkhill has been doing well over fences this season and is a strong favourite for the JLT on day four. He was brilliant over hurdles last season notably when taking the Neptune Novices’ Hurdle at the Festival last year. Willie Mullins main Champion Hurdle hopes Faugheen and Annie Power have recently been ruled out of the Festival through injury so I’m sure he’ll want to have a runner with a serious chance in the contest and with the race looking wide open right now Yorkhill looks more than capable of winning it. His combination of speed and stamina makes him a perfect type for the race. He is generally 3/1 NRNB with most bookmakers and to me that looks very appealing.
Verdict: Petit Mouchoir sets a clear form standard of those that have run this season already but I’m sure his win at Leopardstown will left its mark on him. YORKHILL isn’t currently entered in this race but I’m sure connections will have a serious thought of supplementing him after Faugheen and Annie Power were both ruled out through injury. He is a horse with a serious engine and would take all the beating if turns up here. BUVEUR D’AIR is an extremely talented horse and it was a brave call from connections to put his chasing career on hold to attempt to win a Champion Hurdle. He will get my vote if Yorkhill isn’t supplemented for this contest. Limini is a very talented mare and I think she will run a huge race if running here. The combination of a stiff 2m and a fast pace could be the making of her. She could be the one to be on if running here.
OLBG Mares’ Hurdle Distance: 2m3f 200y Last year’s winner: Vroum Vroum Mag Apple’s Jade (Saddler Maker – Apple’s For Everyone) Trainer: Gordon Elliott Owner: Gigginstown House Stud
Apple’s Jade was a fantastic winner of the Bar One Racing Hatton’s Grace Hurdle at Leopardstown in December. She showed an outstanding attitude and will to win that day to effectively out battle her rival. She is a very talented mare and her win at Aintree last season is very hard to forget and a repeat of that effort would see her be very hard to beat here. The Gigginstown House owned mare was no match for Limini recently after a short lay-off, which makes me think that her Grade 1 win this season might have taken a lot out of her.
Colin’s Sister (Central Park – Dd’s Glenalla) Trainer: Fergal O’Brien Owner: Mrs Caroline Beresford-Wylie
Very smart mare who has created a big impression over hurdles this season for Fergal O’Brien. She was very good when winning a listed contest at Haydock in additional conditions. Paddy Brennan likes this mare a lot and he knows a good one when he rides one. She is a lovely mare who could run a huge race is running in this contest as the trip will suit a lot better than the Mares’ Novice contest.
Limini (Peintre Celebre – Her Grace) Trainer: W P Mullins Owner: Mrs S Ricci
Looked potentially another Mullins and Ricci superstar when bolting up in the inaugural running of the Mares’ Novices Hurdle at the Festival last season. She didn’t quite build on that when disappointing at Aintree behind Buveur D’air and Petit Mouchoir. I don’t think she was right that day and I think she’s a lot better than that run. She made a perfect return to action recently when easily defeating dual Grade 1 winner Apple’s Jade with the minimum of fuss. She is undoubtedly a very talented mare and if she runs here I can see her running a huge race.
Vroum Vroum Mag (Voix Du Nord – Naiade Mag) Trainer: Willie Mullins Owner: Mrs S Ricci
Vroum Vroum Mag was a very good winner of last year’s contest in what wasn’t the strongest of races. She tasted her first defeat since being in the care of Willie Mullins this season to the race fit Apple’s Jade, who will hear more about shortly. Vroum Vroum Mag will need to improve an awful lot based on this seasons form if she is going to make a successful defend of her title.
Verdict: Very good contest where to superstar mares will go head to head once again this season. Apple’s Jade out battled her rival to win at Leopardstown in December and showed her liking for the 2m4f distance but she needs to prove that wasn’t a fluke. It’s hard to get away from last season’s winner VROUM VROUM MAG who lost nothing in defeat when beaten by Apple’s Jade in the Hatton’s Grace. She was conceding race fitness and 4lb to that rival that day and I’m confident she can reverse form on these better terms. LIMINI definitely has talent and if she turns up in the same form as her win at the festival last season and her recent win over Apple’s Jade she would be the one to beat. This wouldn’t be a contest I would have a bet in Ante-Post as the picture isn’t very clear as I type this. Limini and Vroum Vroum Mag are very unlikely to take each other on so my vote goes to which ever one turns up on the day.
JT McNamara National Hunt Amateur Riders’ Novices’ Chase Distance: 3m7f 170y Last year’s winner: Minella Rocco A Genie In Abottle (Beneficial – Erkindale Miss) Trainer: Noel Meade Owner: Gigginstown House Stud
A Genie In Abottle is a very talented horse that shapes as if this distance will suit him very well. He is well regarded by his trainer who also trains Disko that looks more likely to run in the RSA chase. A Genie In ABottle has ran well on all four of his chase starts to date and is still pretty un-exposed horse who can only keep improving.
Alpha Des Obeaux (Saddler Maker – Omega Des Obeaux) Trainer: M F Morris Owner: Gigginstown House Stud
Talented hurdler who has made a decent start over fences this season. He was very good when beating the very good Westerner Lady in a Grade 3 at Cork in November before finding 2m4f on good ground to quick for him on his next start. He was travelling well and looked a serious player before fading badly and breaking a blood vessel at Leopardstown on his next outing. Alpha Des Obeaux has been given time to get over that he looks a key player in this contest with the step up to 4m likely to suit.
Arpege D’Alene (Dom Alco – Joliette D’Alene) Trainer: Paul Nicholls Owner: Mr & Mrs P K Barber, G Mason, Sir A Ferguson
Arpege D’Alene looks a very strong stayer and I think this race has been the plan for a very long time. He’s a horse that travels strongly in his races and I’ve always thought he’s got a big run in him somewhere. He goes very well at Cheltenham and is versatile when it comes to ground. He will need serious respect at the Festival for champion trainer Paul Nicholls.
Beware The Bear (Shantou – Native Bid) Trainer: Nicky Henderson Owner: G B Barlow
Beware The Bear has acquitted himself very well in both his chase wins and seems to be improving from race to race. He looks a strong stayer and could be an ideal type for this contest. Nicky Henderson seems to like this horse a lot and you can see why as he has the talent and gives his best every race. Beware The Bear is very lightly raced horse and there is no knowing where is improvement will end.
Champers On Ice (Robin Des Champs – Miss Nova) Trainer: David Pipe Owner: Professor Caroline Tisdall & Bryan Drew
Champers On Ice was a very good third in last season’s Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle. He made the perfect start to his chasing career when beating a solid yardstick easily. He then ran a very good second to American at Warwick; the winner outpaced him before staying on strongly. He disappointed last time in a competitive handicap at Cheltenham but that can easily be forgiven. He also has entries in the RSA and JLT but I think this 4m distance could be made for him.
Martello Tower (Milan – Johnsalice) Trainer: Ms Margaret Mullins Owner: Barry Connell
When you think of Martello Tower the first words that come into your head is either ‘stayer’ or ‘galloper’ and that’s exactly when you need to win this contest. He was brilliant when winning the Albert Bartlett in 2015 where he proved his stamina in very testing conditions. He was very good in his first two chase starts over distances shorter than ideal. Disappointing the last twice when quietly fancied. I’m sure he will be fit and ready for action at the Festival in a race that looks made for him.
Missed Approach (Golan – Polly’s Dream) Trainer: Warren Greatrex Owner: Alan & Andrew Turner
Very talented horse that was awesome on his second start over fences when defeating the very smart Label Des Obeaux at Lingfield before running badly last time at Wetherby on very testing ground. Connections might fancy their chances in a handicap with him but I have a feeling he’d run well in this contest if given the go ahead.
Verdict: Martello Tower has already tasted success at the Cheltenham Festival and is a very strong stayer. He will relish this test and has to go well. Champers On Ice has several options at this year’s meeting. He’s a talented horse that will be strongly suited to this stamina. BEWARE THE BEAR is a horse I like a lot and I think he will be well suited to this extreme stamina test. He has been brilliant already this season and I think he will go well here. Arpege D’Alene looks a very strong stayer and brings solid course from to the table. Paul Nicholls believes the step up in trip will be the making of him and I like his chances. A GENIE IN ABOTTLE could be tough to beat and this race has been the plan with him for some time. He looks a strong stayer and needs serious repesct.
Close Brothers Novices’ Handicap Chase Distance: 2m4f 78y Last year’s winner: Ballyalton Blazer (Network – Juppelongue) Trainer: W P Mullins Owner: John P McManus
Hasn’t really set the world on fire since being switched to fences. His first run at Fairyhouse looks decent form behind the very useful, A Genie In Abottle. This horse looks very well-handicapped based on his Coral Cup form at the Festival last season. This horse represents top connections and I think he will be a short-priced favourite on the day. His rating, connections and course form makes me think he’s the one to beat.
Brother Tedd (Kayf Tara – Neltina) Trainer: Philip Hobbs Owner: Scrase Farms
Very useful hurdler in recent seasons that has made a pleasing start to his chaser career this season. He looks very well treated here based on his winning hurdling form and he seems to go well here at Cheltenham. He will appreciate the forecast better ground and I’am very hopeful he will go close.
Hell’s Kitchen (Robin Des Champs – Mille Et Une) Trainer: Harry Fry Owner: John P McManus
Hell’s Kitchen is near the top of the Ante-Post betting for this race despite only being seen once so far this season when pulling hard and jumping awkwardly at Ascot. Very highly regarded by his trainer he looks cabpable of much better and has plenty of scope to make his mark as a chaser.
Its’afreebee (Danroad – Aphra Benn) Trainer: Dan Skelton Owner: Rebel Jumping
This horse jumped and travelled beautifully in a Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham in Novemeber before fading badly turning for home. He then defeated the talented Cole Harden over the larger obstacles at Wetherby where his jumping was his main asset again. He finished a decent third in a Grade 2 at Haydock behind two very good horses. It’afreebee was very disappointing last time when hating the very soft ground at Southwell. That defeat means he comes here off a very appealing handicap mark and if he jumps like he did at this course at the start of the season I can see him running a big race.
Poker School (Gold Well – Broken Pockets) Trainer: Ian Williams Owner: Aniol Chandler Medcroft Turner Westwood
Trainer Ian Williams won this contest last season with Ballyalton. This year he relies on the improving Poker School who has made an impressive start to life over the bigger obstacles. He bolted up in a valuable handicap at Ascot off a lightweight before winning another valuable prize at Kempton on Boxing Day. He is a horse going places and further improvement is expected
Potters Legend (Midnight Legend – Loose Morals) Trainer: Lucy Wadham Owner: Mrs J May
Very fortunate winner of a Novice’s Chase at Kempton in November before winning again under a penalty at Bangor in fine style. He then ran a cracker in a Grade 2 at Doncaster despite pulling hard and probably failing to stay 3m. Potters Legend was very disappoint on his next outing at Newbury when jumping poorly before getting badly hampered and finishing fourth. He was back to form with a promising second to a well-handicapped horse next time in a hot handicap. I think this horse is well handicapped himself and expect him to run a huge race here with his course experience a bonus.
Romain De Senam (Saint Des Saints – Salvatrixe) Trainer: Paul Nicholls Owner: Dan Macdonald & Chris Giles
Made a very pleasing start to life as a chaser this season. He ran a decent enough race behind the very smart and leading JLT fancy, Top Notch at Plumpton. He comes to the festival on a rating of 137 which is almost identical to the rating he finished an excellent second in the Fred Winter off last season. He is undoubtedly very well handicapped and could take some beating.
Verdict:
Its’afreebee is a very sound jumper that has been frustrating this season. He might just recapture some of his earlier promise of this rating. Romain De Senam ran a cracker at the Cheltenham Festival last season in the Fred Winter. He returns to the festival this season off an identical handicap mark and has a very strong chance. BLAZER looks seriously well handicapped on his current rating of 135 based on his good third in the Coral Cup last season off 141 last year. He will appreciate some better ground and I can see him running a huge race. BROTHER TEDD is very well treated on his hurdling form and he has performed with credit over fences this season. He will appreciated the better ground on offer and I think he will go well at 20/1. Potters Legend is another horse in the field that looks well handicapped. He ran a cracker last time behind a very well handicapped rival on ground softer than ideal and I expect him to go well here.
Neptune Investment Management Baring Novices’ Hurdle Distance: 2m5f 26y Last year’s winner: Yorkhill Bacardys (Coastal Path – Oasice) Trainer: W P Mullins Owner: Shanakiel Racing Syndicate
Very good bumper horse last season notably when landing a Grade 2 at Aintree. He has built on that promise this season when winning the Garde 1 Deloitte Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown recently. He showed a very willing attitude that day to outstay his rivals on the testing ground. Bacardys has entries in all the Novice Hurdles at the Festival but I believe this contest will be his target. He seems to be improving all the time and the step up to 2m5f could be the making of him.
Ballyandy (Kayf Tara – Megalex) Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies Owner: Options O Syndicate
Ballyandy was a very good winner of the Grade 1 Champion Bumper at the Festival last season. He was starting to become frustrating over hurdles before an excellent win in the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury last time. Ballyandy is a very strong traveller who always finishes off his races very well. His second to Messire Des Obeaux at Sandown looked disappointing at the time but with that horse landing a Grade 1 on his next outing it looks very strong form. He can only keep improving and should appreciate the step up in trip.
Baltazar D’Allier (Malinas – Kinoise D’Allier) Trainer: Gordon Elliott Owner: John P McManus
Baltazar D’Allier was a good second in the Challow Hurdle at Newbury behind Messire Des Obeaux. He’s a big strong chasing type who will be a lot better when tackling fences. He should go well in this if he takes up his entry.
Finian’s Oscar (Oscar – Trinity Alley) Trainer: Colin Tizzard Owner: Ann & Alan Potts
Finian’s Oscar bids to replicate what Yorkhill achieved last year by winning the Tolworth Hurdle and the Neptune Novices’ Hurdle. He was an excellent winner at Sandown and beat a very promising field with real authority. He looks to have plenty of gears but also won a point to point over three-miles so this 2m5f trip looks perfect for him. Finian’s Oscar looks to have a lot of class and he should go well in this.
Messire Des Obeaux (Saddler Maker – Madame Lys) Trainer: Alan King Owner: Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
Messire Des Obeaux was a very smart winner of the Challow Hurdle at Newbury. He was very green that day but still beat the very smart Baltazar D’Allier with real authority. He’s a big strapping horse who will be suited by soft ground and looks a threemile chaser for the future. He ran a reasonably good second last time at Huntingdon when conceding 8lb to the very smart Keeper’s Hill. That was a good effort and should put him spot on for a tilt at this contest.
Mount Mews (Presenting – Kneeland Lass) Trainer: Malcolm Jefferson Owner: Trevor Hemmings
Mount Mews would be a doubtful runner here but he deserves a mention nonetheless. He’s a very smart horse who was outstanding when winning a Novice Hurdle at Doncaster recently. He is another who will make a smashing chaser next season but will need plenty of respect if turning up in this contest.
Neon Wolf (Vinnie Roe – Missy O’Brien) Trainer: Harry Fry Owner: Masterson Holdings Limited
Harry Fry has his talented youngster Neon Wolf entered in both the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and this contest. He looked a very smart horse with plenty of ability when winning at Haydock. His trainer has said that ground conditions will dictate where he runs. Wherever this promising horse runs he will take a lot of beating.
Verdict: NEON WOLF is the joker in the pack as if her runs here he would need serious consideration if running here as he looks a horse with serious potential, especially at this longer trip of 2m5f. FINIAN’S OSCAR is a similar type who dismissed a fairly decent field at Sandown in the Tolworth Hurdle and will also appreciate the step up in distance. He is a horse with a serious future and I can’t wait to see him jump a fence in time. Bacardys was brilliant last time and bring solid Grade 1 winning form to the table. I think he’ll run a huge race for Willie Mullins.
RSA Novices’ Chase Distance: 3m 80y Last year’s winner: Blaklion American (Malinas – Grande Sultane) Trainer: Harry Fry Owner: The Jago Family Partnership
The Harry Fry trained American has been very impressive in two starts over fences. His win at Warwick in January was very taking and was in the style of a horse going places. It’s hard to know how strong that Warwick win is as the second and third have disappointed since but the fourth won a Beginners’ Chase by 30 lengths recently. American will need a lot of respect if running here especially if the ground is soft.
Bellshill (King’s Theatre – Fairy Native) Trainer: W P Mullins Owner: Andrea & Graham Wylie
Bellshill was very good in his first two starts over fences for Willie Mullins and Andrea & Graham Wylie before fading badly at Leopardstown recently and taking a tired fall. He’s a horse who will appreciate some better spring ground and will definitely show more improvement when tackling three-miles over the larger obstacles. He can’t be ruled out based on that one bad effort.
Coney Island (Flemensfirth – Millys Gesture) Trainer: Edward P Harty Owner: John P McManus
Already a Grade 1 winner over fences and is very closely matched on form with Bellshill. The form of his Grade 1 Drinmore Novice Chase win hasn’t exactly lived up to expectations but he is a strong traveller who should be there at the finish if his stamina holds out over this stiff 3m.
Disko (Martaline – Nikos Royale) Trainer: Noel Meade Owner: Gigginstown House Stud
Very highly regarded by his trainer Noel Meade and he shown why when taking the Grade 1 Flogas Novice Chase at Leopardstown recently. He ran his rivals into the ground that day and used his brilliant jumping to good effect. He seems to be improving all the time and has to go to the Festival with a major chance.
Might Bite (Scorpion – Knotted Midge) Trainer: Nicky Henderson Owner: The Knot Again Partnership
Nicky Henderson last won this contest back in 2012 with Bobs Worth. This year he saddles Might Bite who has created a pretty big impression since tackling fences. We all know he should have bolted up in the Grade 1 Kauto Star Novices’ Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day before falling at the last when 18 lengths clear. I don’t like criticising jockey’s but I thought Daryl Jacob went to fast into that fence that day and left the horse with no chance. That Kempton form looks very strong with the eventual winner (Royal Vacation) and the horse that looked set for third (Frodon) before falling both hacking up since. It was great to see this horse record a facile and confident boosting win at Doncaster recently and that should have put him spot on for a crack at this contest.
Royal Vacation (King’s Theatre – Summer Break) Trainer: Colin Tizzard Owner: Mrs Jean R Bishop
Royal Vacation was 18 lengths behind Might Bite at Kempton on Boxing Day before that rival came to grief and Colin Tizzard’s charge was left to pick up the pieces. This horse made a mockery of a handicap mark of 143 at Cheltenham last time and that form makes him a solid player again here.
Verdict: Bellshill is obviously a very talented horse but he will need to improve further to win this contest on what we’ve seen so far from him. Coney Island and Disko look the best of the Irish for me and both look set to run a huge race. My selection though has to be the Nicky Henderson trained MIGHT BITE was should have won a Grade 1 on the bridle on Boxing Day and that form has been boosted since. Royal Vacation has a lot to find on form with Might Bite but he looked brilliant last time at Cheltenham. He should go well and will enjoy better ground here.
Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle Distance: 2m5f 26y Last year’s winner: Diamond King Born Survivor (King’s Theatre – Bob’s Flame) Trainer: Dan Skelton Owner: Mrs G Widdowson & Mrs R Kevin-Hughes
Born Survivor has always promised more than he has delivered and I’ve always thought he’s potentially a very well-handicapped horse. He was travelling well recently at Kelso when falling when in front. He’s a strong traveller who needs a fast pace in his races which he hasn’t had so far this season but it guaranteed to get that in this contest. He’s a very smart horse who definitely has a big race in him in the near future.
Consul De Thaix (Loxias – Mange De Thaix) Trainer: Nicky Henderson Owner: John P McManus
Consitent performer who has run two very good efforts in defeat behind the classy and Champion Hurdle bound, Brain Power. Consul De Thaix always seems to finish off his races very well over 2m so the step up in trip shouldn’t be an issue. He’s another horse who will appreciate a stronger gallop and I think he will go well in this.
Le Rocher (Saints Des Saints – Belle Du Roi) Trainer: Nick Williams Owner: John White & Anne Underhill
Very smart Grade 1 winning Juvenile hurdler a few seasons back before injury ruled him out for almost two-years. He ran two promising races this season before finally getting his head back in front last time at Uttoxeter. He could potentially be well-treated off his current rating of 143 and based on his old form he would need serious consideration.
Long House Hall (Saddlers’ Hall – Brackenvale) Trainer: Dan Skelton Owner: Carl Hinchy
Long House Hall is a very interesting name in the Ante-Post betting for this race. He ran a cracker in this contest last season when second to Diamond King. Dan Skelton’s charge has been running over fences since and landed a very valuable price at Market Rasen in the summer. He hasn’t been seen since which has to be a worry but that said he’s a very well-handicapped horse that goes well fresh.
Modus (Motivator – Alessandra) Trainer: Paul Nicholls Owner: John P McMcManus
Modus has to be one of the most consistent horse in training this season and has improved 16lb since the start of the season. He was a brilliant at Kempton recently when winning the Lanzarote Hurdle very well. The form of that race has worked out very well with few in behind winning since. Life is going to be tough to win this off a mark of 155 but it would be foolish to rule him out.
Supasundae (Galileo – Distinctive Look) Trainer: Mrs John Harrington Owner: Ann & Alan Potts
Supasundae was a very easy winner at Punchestown in December when beating the useful Monksland easily by 7 lengths. He wasn’t suited to the drop back to 2m last time and found things happening too quickly. He seemingly likes Cheltenham and should enjoy the better ground on offer in this contest. Supasundae looks seriously well-handicapped off his current rating and looks the one they all have to beat.
Taquin Du Seuil (Voix Du Nord – Sweet Laly) Trainer: Jonjo O’Neil Owner: Martin Broughton & Friends
Very smart Grade 1 winning chaser at the Festival a few seasons ago who has seemingly found a new lease of life this season. He was a brilliant winner of the BetVictor Gold Cup in Novemeber under a terrific ride by Aidan Coleman. Taquin Du Seuil is far from a certain runner in this contest but his handicap mark over hurdles looks very appealing. He will have a major chance in this contest if given the go ahead and will take a lot of beating.
Zubayr (Authorized – Zaziyra) Trainer: Paul Nicholls Owner: P J Vogt
Very highly regarded horse who hasn’t kicked on since his impressive win in the Grade 2 Adonis Juvenile Hurdle at Kempton last year. He did though run an excellent third to the classy Footpad in France who later went on to land a Grade 1. Zubayr wasn’t suited by the testing ground last time in the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury and will be much more at home on a better surface. He has a lot of scope for improvement off his current rating of 140 and should appreciate the step up in trip.
Verdict: Le Rocher has been improving all season and could be on a lenient mark but he would need soft ground to be at his best. Consul De Thaix ran some excellent race in defeat this season behind stablemate and Champion Hurdle bound, Brain Power. His current rating has a lot of scope for improvement and I can see him running well over this longer trip. TAQUIN DU SEUIL could be very interesting in this contest. He isn’t a confirmed runner but his hurdling rating has a lot of room for improvement and he loves Cheltenham. He will be hard to beat if turning up. SUPASUNDAE has this race as his target and I think he will go very well. He already has some Cheltenham form to his name and I think he will go well here in forecast better ground conditions.
Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase Distance: 1m7f 199y Last year’s winner: Sprinter Sacre Douvan (Walk In The Park – Star Face) Trainer: W P Mullins Owner: Mrs S Ricci
This year’s Champion Chase is all about the exceptional, Douvan. I’m not going to pretend that there’s a dark horse lurking in the race that can beat him because there isn’t. The only horse that can beat this Willie Mullins trained superstar is himself. I will say something though, his form at Cheltenham isn’t as good as it is in Ireland and he does have the tendency to get in tight to some of his obstacles.
Fox Norton (Lando – Natt Musik) Trainer: Colin Tizzard Owner: Ann & Alan Potts
Fox Norton is a very smart horse himself and he has already notched up two wins over the Champion Chase course and distance this season. His win in the Grade 2 Shloer Chase was very impressive but he was no match for Douvan is last season’s Arkle Chase at the Festival. Fox Norton was outclassed by the brilliant Altior in the Game Spirit Chase at Newbury recently and will need to step up on that form dramatically to give Douvan anything to worry about.
God’s Own (Oscar – Dantes Term) Trainer: Tom George Owner: Crossed Fingers Partnership
God’s Own always seems to run his best races during the spring and always seems to run well at the Cheltenham Festival. He is currently a 20/1 shot for this race and it’s easy to forget that he was a dual Grade 1 winner last season. He has to be a place player based on everything we know about him.
Sir Valentino (Early March – Valentine) Trainer: Tom George Owner: Doone Hulse Susie Saunders & Lady Cobham
Tom George also runs the progressive Sir Valentino who ran a cracker behind Special Tiara last time conceding 6lb. He has a lot to find on ratings with some of these but he is improving all the time.
Verdict: DOUVAN will be the banker of the Festival (as his short price may suggest) for many and it will be a huge upset if he doesn’t win. At his forecast price of 1/3 I couldn’t be a backer. Douvan is one of those horses I like to sit back and enjoy, which is exactly what I’ll be doing. Fox Norton is obviously a talented horse but he was made to look ordinary last time at Newbury and looks potential vulnerable here. GOD’S OWN looks a serious each/way player at his current price of 20/1 and could be the value in the betting without Douvan market.
Glenfarclas Cross Country Steeple Chase Distance: 3m6f 37y Last year’s winner: Josies Orders Any Currency (Moscow Society – Native Bavard) Trainer: Martin Keighley Owner: Cash Is King
Any Currency has been a legend for connections and he always seems to bring his best form to the table at the Cheltenham Festival. He was a game winner of this race last season before a positive test to a banned substance took that brilliant win away from him. Any Currency is 14 years-old now and hasn’t shown anything in three races this season. He’s been a fantastic horse over the years but it would take a miracle to win this.
Auvergnat (Della Francesca – Hesmeralda) Trainer: E Bolger Owner: John P McManus
Auvergnat was still travelling well enough when stumbling and unseating Rachael Blackmore over this course last time. He made amends for that error last time when outstaying his rivals over these obstacles at Punchestown. He’s a typical Edna Bolger trained horse who has thrived since running in Cross Country races this season and will continuing to improve but he has a lot to do with his stablemate Cantlow to reverse form off level weights.
Bless The Wings (Winged Love – Silva Venture) Trainer: Gordon Elliott Owner: Adrian Butler/S P O’Connor
Bless The Wings is yet another horse who has thrived since running over these unique obstacles for Gordon Elliott. He ran a decent enough race over this course and distance in December behind Cantlow when giving that rival 10lbs. He has the form in the book to reverse form with that rival off level weights. Bless The Wings ran a cracker in this contest last season behind Any Currency and Josies Order. He has a major chance again this season and I’d be shocked if he doesn’t get a place.
Cantlow (Kayf Tara – Winnowing) Trainer: E Bolger Owner: John P McManus
Cantlow has been awesome since competitng in this spehere. He was a brilliant winner over this course and distance in December when receiving 10lb from Bless The Wings. I’d be pretty confident he can confirm that form off level weights. He ran an excellent second behind Urgent De Gregaine last time when giving that rival 14lb on testing ground. He should have no bother reversing that form and I expect him to go very well.
Urgent De Gregaine (Truth Or Dare I – Hispanie) Trainer: Emmanuel Clayeux Owner: Arnaud Rasquier
Urgent De Gregaine was a shock 50/1 winner over this course and distance last time when beating Cantlow easily by 3 lengths. Cantlow was conceding over 14lb to him that day and he mind find things a lot tougher off level weights at the Festival on less testing ground. He is undoubtedly a horse improving all time and looks a solid place contender at best.
Verdict: Edna Bolger record in this contest speaks for itself as he has won 5 of the 12 running’s of the race. His main contender this year is CANTLOW who has found a new lease of life since being switched to cross country races. He was a superb winner of a course and distance race back in December when beating Bless The Wings by 9 lengths. Cantlow was no match for the French trained, Urgent De Gregaine last time but he was conceding over a stone to that rival that day on ground softer than ideal. BLESS THE WINGS ran well in this contest last season and this race has always been the plan. He looks a serious each-way player at 14/1.
Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle Distance: Last year’s winner: Diego Du Charmil Divin Bere (Della Francesca – Mofa Bere) Trainer: Nicky Henderson Owner: Chris Giles
Very promising horse who made the perfect start to his career for Nicky Henderson when beating a very smart horse trained by Alan King at Huntingdon. His rating of 137 looks pretty fair based on his form in France and his Huntingdon victory. He is very quick over his hurdles and looks a horse with serious potential for the future.
Coeur De Lion (Pour Moi – Hora) Trainer: Alan King Owner: The Barbury Lions
Coeur De Lion ran a very good race over course and distance in December behind Triumph Hurdle favourite, Defi Du Seuil. He failed to concede a penalty to the very talented Don Bersy at Sandown in Januaury on very soft ground. That horse has won since so there was no disgrace in that effort. Coeur De Lion made most of a good opportunity last time at Sandown when receiving 9lb from the very smart Rather Be. Alan King’s charge will be a lot better when racing on better ground and I think he has a serious chance in this.
Domperignon Du Lys (Great Pretender – Millie) Trainer: Nicky Henderson Owner: Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
Domperignon Du Lys was a brilliant winner on British debut at Newcastle when beating Nietzsche who has won three times since. He disappointed on his next start at Cheltenham in December behind Triumph Hurdle favourite, Defi Du Seuil. His win at Market Rasen recently was very good and emphasised his earlier promise. He looks fairly treated off his current rating of 133 and looks a key player.
Duca De Thaix (Voix Du Nord – Nouca De Thaix) Trainer: Gordon Elliott Owner: Gigginstown House Stud
Duca De Thaix is currenty the Ante-Post favourite for this seasons contest and has a similar profile to last season’s winner, Diego Du Charmil. Recently purchased by Gigginstown House Stud he looks a very good addition to their very strong team. Duca De Thaix shaped well in three APQS races before winning by a neck on hurdling debut. He looks a very promising horse for the future and is a very intriguing name in the betting.
Master Blueyes (Mastercraftsman – Miss Blueyes) Trainer: Alan King Owner: The Barbury Lions
Master Blueyes shares to same ownership as previously mentioned Coeur De Lion and it’s hard to know if connections will run both horses in this race or run one in the Triumph. Master Blueyes was no match for the brilliant Charli Parcs at Kempton in December. He ran a nice race at Huntingdon behind Divin Bere when badly hampered at the last and losing by a neck on the line. He looks very closely matched with that rival and might just reverse the form at the Festival on better ground.
Most Celebrated (New Approach – Pietra Santa) Trainer: Neil Mulholland Owner: Stephen & Gloria Seymour
Ex-Godolphin horse who made a brilliant start to life for Neil Mulholland when winning a juvenile hurdle by 28l at Wetherby. He looks a horse with serious potential and will be even better when tackling better ground. Most Celebrated has yet to be allocated a rating so it’s very hard to say if he’s well treated. Either way, he’s a horse with a lot of quality and could be the unknown quanity in the contest.
Verdict: Most Celebrated hasn’t yet been allocated a handicap mark and could be the dark horse in the field if the handicapper gives him a help in hand. Master Blueyes is very talented and will appreciate some spring ground. Duca De Thaix is a very interesting horse and was unexposed over hurdles in France. He is by far the unknown quantity in the field and will need plenty of respect. DOMPERIGNON DU LYS looks a very classy horse. He was brilliant on his British debut at Doncaster and looks very well treated off his current rating. His one poor effort came at Cheltenham but I’m hoping that was just inexperience. COEUR DE LION is a very smart horse and ran a cracker behind Defi Du Seuil at Cheltenham in March. He has an entry in the Triumph but I think this will be the more realistic option and I think he’ll go very well back on a sound surface.
Weatherbys Champion Bumper (A Standard Open NH Flat Race) Distance: 2m 87y Last year’s winner: Ballyandy Ballyward (Flemensfirth – Ifyoucouldseemenow) Trainer: W P Mullins Owner: Andrea & Graham Wylie
Very promising young horse who made the perfect start to his career when bolting up at Leopardstown by 16 lengths. It’s very difficult to know what he beat that day but he couldn’t have been anymore impressive. He looks a horse with a lot of ability but whether he has the pace to be competitive in a race of this nature is yet to be seen. Willie Mullind and Andrea & Graham Wylie have had the first or second in this race in 3 of the last 4 seasons so Ballyward needs a lot of respect.
Carter McKay (Martaline – Saxona) Trainer: W P Mullins Owner: Pearl Bloodstock Ltd
Carter McKay is a horse I like a lot and I think he could be the real deal. He was brilliant on debut at Leopardstown in December when defeating recent winner Bakmaj convincingly. He was even better recently when beating highly regarded West Coast Time very easily at Naas. That performance was very special and makes him very hard to beat in this. Carter McKay looks a very exciting horse for the future for Willie Mullins and Pearl Bloodstock Ltd.
Cause Toujours (Khalkevi – Viana) Trainer: Dan Skelton Owner: Carl Hinchy
Cause Toujours was a very impressive winner on debut for Dan Skelton at Warwick in December when landing his bumper by 7 lengths. He travelled beautifully that day before striding away from his rivals on the bridle. He seemingly enjoyed the soft ground that day and his trainer thinks the ground at the festival will suit him well. Cause Toujours is a serious talent for the future and has everything you’d want in a smart bumper horse.
Daphne Du Clos (Spanish Moon – Katarina Du Clos) Trainer: Nicky Henderson Owner: Sullivan Bloodstock Limited
Daphne Du Clos made amends for an unlucky debut second at Cheltenham when making the most of a lightweight at Newbury recently. She travelled strongly that day before showing a nice turn of foot to pull away from her rivals in fine style. Daphne Du Clos was receiving 21lbs from the talented Western Ryder that day and will need to improve a lot to confirm the form with rival at the festival off level weights. She is a classy filly who should keep improving and will be even better on better ground.
Mr One More (Asian Heights – Norah’s Quay) Trainer: Harry Fry Owner: Richard A Fry
Mr One More hasn’t been seen since landing a competitive bumper at Bangor in October. The form of that contest has worked out very well with many of those in behind winning bumpers or novice hurdles on their next start. Harry Fry’s charge is a huge price in the betting for this race and could be a very doubtful runner but based on that win he looks a horse with a serious engine. He would have a serious each-way chance in this contest if this is on the radar.
Red Jack (Mahler – Hollygrove Bonnie) Trainer: Noel Meade Owner: Mrs Derville Meade
Red Jack was a very good winner of a bumper at Naas in January for Noel Meade. The second that day has already boosted the form dramatically when bolting up by 7 lengths on his next outing. Red Jack looks to have a pretty bright future and based on his debut success would have a serious shout if running here.
Western Ryder (Westerner – Seesea) Trainer: Warren Greatrex Owner: The Albatross Club
Very smart bumper performer who landed a valuable listed contest at Ascot in December. He failed to concede 21lbs to the very talented and previously mentioned Daphne Du Clos at Newbury last time. That was a very good run under the circumstances on ground softer than ideal. Western Ryder should comfortably reverse the form with Daphne Du Clos if they both meet at Cheltenham. He looks a typical Warren Greatrex improver and I’m sure he will be bang there at the finish at the festival.
Verdict: Western Ryder is a horse I like and I think the forecast better ground should suit him better than Newbury last time. CARTER MCKAY looks horse with a serious engine and he deserves to be at the head of the betting. He was brilliant at Naas recently and that effort makes him very hard to beat. CAUSE TOUJOURS was very impressive on his debut for Dan Skelton. He looks a horse with serious potential and will make a smart hurdler next season. He gets the each-way vote at his current price of 16/1. Mr One More would be interesting addition to the race. His bumper win has worked very well and he looks a horse with a bright future.
JLT Novices’ Chase Distance: 2m3f 198y Last year’s winner: Black Hercules Charbel (Iffraaj – Eoz) Trainer: Kim Bailey Owner: Mrs Julie Martin and David R Martin
Charbel made the perfect start to his chasing career when winning a hotly contested Beginners’ Chase at Uttoxeter. He had Le Prezien and Top Notch behind him that day that have both boosted the form since. He had no answer to the brilliant Altior last time at Sandown but he should appreciate this longer distance and better ground here.
Le Prezien (Blue Bresil – Abu Dhabi) Trainer: Paul Nicholls Owner: John P McManus
Le Prezien was a very good winner at Cheltenham in November on testing ground. He done very well to finish so close to Top Notch last time at Sandown as he put in a shocking round of jumping but was still in the mix jumping with two fences left to jump. He definitely has the class to go close if his jumping holds out and isn’t inconvenienced by better ground.
Politologue (Poliglote – Scarlet Row) Trainer: Paul Nicholls Owner: J Hales
Very highly regarded horse trained by Paul Nicholls and he showed why with two very taking performances at Haydock and Ascot. He ran a cracker at Haydock last time when failing to concede 3lb to the talented, Waiting Patiently. Politologue is an exciting prospect and he should go very close in this contest.
Top Notch (Poliglote – Topira) Trainer: Nicky Henderson Owner: Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
Top Notch has been a star for Nicky Henderson and Simon Munir & Isaac Souede already in his career and has shown us that size doesn’t matter. He has been a revelation since switched to fences winning four of his five starts. He was very impressive when winning the Grade 1 Scilly Isles at Sandown last time when always travelling like the winner. What this horse lacks in size he makes up for in heart and I’m sure his fans will be cheering him home.
Waiting Patiently (Flemensfirth – Rossavon) Trainer: Malcolm Jefferson Owner: Richard Collins
Waiting Patiently is a horse I like a lot and I thought he was brilliant at Haydock last time under an awesome Brian Hughes ride. Malcolm Jefferson has said that this horse wants soft ground to show his best form and if he gets that here he will take some stopping.
Whisper (Astarabad – Belle Yepa) Trainer: Nicky Henderson Owner: Walters Plant Hire Ltd
Nicky Henderson also has the talented Whisper entered in this contest. He has been a revelation since switched to the bigger obstacles this season and has already won two races over this course and distance this season. He was a very smart hurdler but he looks as if he has the credentials to make an even better chaser in time.
Yorkhill (Presenting – Lightning Breeze) Trainer: W P Mullins Owner: Andrea & Graham Wylie
Yorkhill has been all the rage for this contest in the Ante-Post market but with the injuries to Faugheen and Annie Power it’s yet to been seen whether Willie Mullins will reroute him to the Champion Hurdle. If chasing is still the plan with him he should have a very good chance in this contest. He’s a strong traveller who should be suited returning to Cheltenham after his outstanding win in last season’s Neptune Novices’ Hurdle.
Verdict: Top Notch has been fantastic over fences this season and has gained many admirers in the process. He has shown us size doesn’t matter and he should go very well here. Willie Mullins is adamant this is the only race YORKHILL is going for but after his track record I wouldn’t count on it. Yorkhill has been far from convincing over fences this season but he is by far the classiest horse in this contest and his experience of the Cheltenham Festival is a huge asset. He will take some beating in this race if he isn’t rerouted to the Champion Hurdle. CHARBEL is a very talented horse and he showed that on his chase debut at Uttoxeter. He has always shaped as if a step up in trip would suit and he gets my each-way vote.
Pertemps Network Final (Handicap Hurdle) Distance: 2m7f 213y Last year’s winner: Mall Dini Ballymalin (Presenting – Murrurundi) Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies Owner: Mills & Mason Partnership
Very promising young staying novice hurdler who has excelled this season for Nigel Twiston-Davies. He has notched up four wins in six starts this season and showed an excellent attitude when winning a good novice hurdle under a double penalty at Kempton. He ran a solid effort in a qualifier for this contest recently at Exeter and that should have put him spot on for a crack at this final.
El Bandit (Milan – Bonnie Parker) Trainer: Paul Nicholls Owner: Colm Donlon, Barry Fulton & Richard Webb
Very good winner of the Grade 2 Persian War Novices’ Hurdle at Chepstow back in October. Good ground is vital to this horse and his only defeat this season came on soft ground in a qualifier at Newbury in November. He won nicely recently at Musselburgh off a big weight, only up 4lbs for that victory you have to think he is capable of more and his Cheltenham form could be vital in a race of this nature.
For Good Measure (King’s Theatre – Afdala) Trainer: Philip Hobbs Owner: John P McManus
For Good Measure has been running well this season including when finishing second twice over this course and distance. He has improved 20lb since his last winning mark but he is more than capable of winning off his current rating of 138. For Good Measure seems to love Cheltenham, decent ground and 3m so this race looks made for him. Philip Hobbs does well in this contest and last won with the brilliant and much loved Fingal Bay in 2014.
Impulsive Star (Busy Flight – Impulsive Ita) Trainer: Neil Mulholland Owner: Robert Waley-Cohen
Very lightly raced 7 year-old that has only tasted defeat once so far in his short career. He finished fourth in a Grade 2 at Cheltenham behind the very smart Wholestone and West Approach. Impulsive Star made a mockery of his opening handicap mark of 130 at Exeter in a Pertemps qualifier recently. He is a horse that travels and stays very well and is seemingly suited by soft ground but he showed at Catterick it isn’t vital. He reminds a lovely prospect for connections that should go well at the festival.
Jury Duty (Well Chosen – Swan Heart) Trainer: Gordon Elliott Owner: Sideways Syndicate
Jury Duty was a very easy winner of a handicap hurdle at Navan in November in the style of a very promising horse that handles good ground very well. Up 15lb for that win, Jury Duty hasn’t’ ben seen since that victory which suggests Gordon Elliott is trying to protect this horses handicap mark for the major spring festivals. He looks more than capable of defying his current mark of 141 and looks a serious player for this contest.
Solomn Grundy (Westerner – Marika’s King) Trainer: Neil Mullholland Owner: R S Brookhouse
Solomn Grundy is improving all the time at present and he booked his place in the final when winning nicely at Newbury in November on soft ground. He was far from disappointing when narrowly denied at Wetherby on Boxing Day. He proved his Cheltenham qualities in November when finishing second to the well-handicapped Behind Time. All his best from has come on soft ground but being by Westerner he should cope with better ground also. He looks potentially very well treated off his current rating and I expect him to go very close.
Tobefair (Central Park – Nan) Trainer: Debra Hamer Owner: Down The Quay Club
Tobefair has been the story of the 2016/17 National Hunt season with his rise from zero to hero. He has improved 62lbs since being in the hands of Welsh trainer, Debra Hamer. He has won 7 races on ground ranging from good to firm to Soft at 5 different venues. He always looks beat in his races before showing a game attitude and late burst to win. He is currently the Ante-Post favourite for this contest and it would cap off a truly brilliant story for racing if he won at the Cheltenham Festival.
Verdict: Tobefair has had an unbelievable season and is a credit to his connections. It would be foolish to assume his winnnig thread has ended and he looks the one to beat. Jury Duty looks potentially very well handicapped and could be a tough nut to crack if runnning here. Solumn Grundy was a good winner at Newbury on testing ground before finding 2m5f too sharp the next time. I think he has a serious chance in this and should handle all ground types. FOR GOOD MEASURE could still be very well treated and he enjoys this course and distance. El Bandit is a talented horse who needs good ground. He has course expereinced and is fancied to go well. IMPULSIVE STAR was awesome last time at Exeter in what is usually a very good trial for this race. He should be bang there at the finish and I like him a lot.
Ryanair Chase Distance: 2m4f 166y Last year’s winner: Vautour Black Hercules (Heron Island – Annalecky) Trainer: W P Mullins Owner: Andrea & Graham Wylie
Willie Mullins also has last year’s JLT Chase winner Black Hercules entered in this contest. He’s been very disappointed this season in three starts and will need to return to his best form to even have a chance of placing in this race.
Josses Hill (Winged Love – Credora Storm) Trainer: Nicky Henderson Owner: A D Spence
Josses Hill has shown improved form this season notably when comfortably defeating the talented Tea For Two at Huntingdon. He was no match for Thistlecrack in the King George VI on Boxing Day but performed with a lot of credit. Josses Hill’s jumping has improved dramatically this season and you have to give him serious consideration for this race even though he’s always fallen short when competing in Grade 1 races.
Un De Sceaux (Denham Road – Hotesse De Sceaux) Trainer: W P Mullins Owner: Edward O’Connell
Un De Sceaux is a very smart horse who has been competing in all the top races over two-miles in recent season but with his extremely talented stable companion Douvan a very short-priced favourite for this seasons Queen Mother Champion Chase. He has already shown he stays 2m4f well when winning a Grade 2 over hurdles in France last year. He handles good ground well enough but he seems to be a lot better on very testing ground. He will take some beating in this race if he can settle and get into a nice rhythm early.
Uxizandre (Fragrant Mix – Jolisandre) Trainer: Alan King Owner: John P McManus
Uxizandre made his belated racecourse reappearance when finishing an excellent second to Un De Sceaux in the rescheduled Clarence House Chase at Cheltenham in January. That was his first run since his brilliant win in the 2015 Ryanair Chase. He showed he still retained plenty of ability and will be much more at home on better ground. Alan King must be relishing the chance of running this horse in the Ryanair Chase this season and he looks to have very strong claims.
Verdict: Un De Sceaux is very much the one to beat on all known form here. He was brilliant when winning the Tingle Creek and Clarence House this season. His jumping has improved dramatically and I think he will show improved form over this distance. UXIZANDRE was brilliant when he won this race in 2015 under AP McCoy and it was great to see him back on a racecourse last time at Cheltenham. He still retains all his ability and you have to think he’ll improve for that outing. He is my selection in what looks a pretty open race. Josses Hill is improving all the time and his jumping is a lot better than it was. He is more than capable of threatening the first two in the market.
Sun Bets Stayers’ Hurdle Distance: 2m7f 213y Last year’s winner: Thistlecrack Cole Harden (Westerner – Nosie Betty) Trainer: Warren Greatrex Owner: Mrs Jill Eynon & Robin Eynon
Cole Harden was the winner of this race back in 2015 under a brilliant ride from Gavin Sheehan. He hasn’t won a race since that day but he has only had his ground once since that day. He showed last time when second to Uknowhatimeanharry on ground softer than ideal. I think Warren Greatrex has this horse back to his best and if he gets his good ground at the Festival I can see him running a serious race.
Jezki (Milan – La Noire) Trainer: Mrs John Harrington Owner: John P McManus
Very good horse over the years. He was brilliant when winning the Champion Hurdle in 2014. He defeated the brilliant Hurricane Fly over 3m in the World Hurdle at Punchestown before injury ruled him out for nearly two-years. He made the perfect reappearance at Navan last time when defeating a small but talented field easily. He is a horse with an awful lot of ability that loves Cheltenham and should go very well if running here.
Nichols Canyon (Authorized – Zam Zoom) Trainer: W P Mullins Owner: Andrea & Graham Wylie
Nichols Canyon is a seven-time Grade 1 winner but looks to have reached his limit over two-miles after getting outclassed by leading Champion Hurdle fancy Petit Mouchoir in two Grade 1’s. Not a confirmed stayer but he would need plenty of respect if given this option for top connections.
Shaneshill (King’s Theatre – Darabaka) Trainer: W P Mullins Owner: Andrea & Graham Wylie
Shaneshill represent the same connections as Nichols Canyon. He was a good winner over this distance at Gowran Park recently where he beat some decent horses. He is a talented horse that always seems to run a good race but usually finds one to good when competing at the top level. He will need to find further improvement if he’s going to threaten any of the leading players.
Snow Falcon (Presenting – Flocon De Neige) Trainer: Noel Meade Owner: Mrs Patricia Hunt
Improving stayer who won a Grade 2 at Navan in October before running in the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury the following month. He was still travelling strongly when taking a heavy fall three hurdles from the finish behind Uknowhatimeanharry. It’s hard to know if he would have won that day but he definitely would have finished second. Snow Falcon shapes as if a return to a sound surface will suit him well and based on his best from in Ireland he has to have a serious chance and looks the best of the Irish horses.
Unowhatimeanharry (Sir Harry Lewis – Red Nose Lady) Trainer: Harry Fry Owner: John P McManus
Uknowhatimeanharry has been a revelation this season for Harry Fry. The time he won a Cheltenham handicap off a mark of 123 seems a very long time ago now and it doesn’t seem real how far he has progressed. He was a brilliant winner of the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle last season at the Festival. Many people felt that was fluke but he has shown this season that it was far from a fluke. He was brilliant in the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury in November before winning the Grade 1 Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot in brilliant fashion. He produced another brilliant performance in his prep run in the Cleeve Hurdle last time under a confident Barry Geraghty. He is the banker for many at this year’s Cheltenham festival and I can see why.
Verdict: Jezki has been a wonderful horse over the years and it’s been brilliant to see him back to winning form this season. He should go well here and might just appreciate this distance more now he’s a 9 year-old. UKNOWHATIMEANHARRY is going to take a lot of beating in this contest based on his form this season. He has improved endlessly since last season and we don’t know how good he really is. COLE HARDEN produced his best run for a long time when second last time on ground that was too soft for him. I think 16/1 is a very fair price and I would be shocked if he can’t run into a place. Snow Falcon is another horse that will be suited by better ground and he looks to have a lot of ability. He was going to run a big race at Newbury before falling and based on that effort he needs serious consideration. Shaneshill always seems to find one to good in Grade 1 races and that might be the case again in this contest.
Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate Handicap Chase Distance: 2m4f 166y Last year’s winner: Empire Of Dirt Baron Alco (Dom Alco – Paula) Trainer: Gary Moore Owner: John Stone
Very tough and genuine horse who always runs his race. He’s been very good over fences this season including over this course and distance behind Whisper in December. He was no match for the brilliant Top Notch in the Grade 1 Scilly Isles at Sandown last time but that was a very good effort. He could be potentially very well handicapped based on that effort.
Bouvreuil (Saddler Maker – Madame Lys) Trainer: Paul Nicholls Owner: John P McManus
Very smart chaser who ran a cracker at the Cheltenham Festival last season when finishing second behind Ballyalton in the Close Brothers Novices’ Handicap. Bouvreuil hasn’t been seen to best affect in two soft ground races over this course and distance this season. He will be a lot better off a fast pace on better ground and he looks sure to get that in this race with Village Vic in the line-up. He looks feasibly treated off a mark of 145 and has a serious shout.
Calett Mad (Axxos – Omelia) Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies Owner: Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
Calett Mad has been very good this season in handicap chases for Nigel Twiston-Davies. He built on a promising effort behind the well-handicapped Fox Appeal by bolting up on his next start at Taunton by 6 lengths. Calett Mad disappointed recently in a Grade 2 at Wetherby when travelling strongly before being outstayed on testing ground. He will be much more at home on a better surface but whether he will handle Cheltenham is another question.
Diamond King (King’s Theatre – Georgia On My Mind) Trainer: Gordon Elliott Owner: Mrs Diana L Whateley
Diamond King was a very good winner at the Cheltenham Festival when winning the Coral Cup in fine style. He comes here on a rating of 146, which is 3lb lower than his Coral Cup winning rating last season. He has acquitted himself well over the larger obstacles and I think this has been the plan for a long time. He will enjoy the forecast better ground here and looks potentially very well handicapped.
Quite By Chance (Midnight Legend – Hop Fair) Trainer: Colin Tizzard Owner: T Hamlin, J M Dare, J W Snook, J T Warner
Quite By Chance bolted up in an Ascot handicap at the start of the season by 6 lengths and has kept on improving since. He ran an excellent fourth behind Frodon off this rating in a course and distance race in December on very testing ground. He disappointed in a similar contest the following month before traveling well for a long way behind Vaniteux at Kempton. If Quite By Chance can recapture his early form on better ground he would need serious consideration for this contest.
Village Vic (Old Vic – Etoile Margot) Trainer: Philip Hobbs Owner: Alan Peterson
I’ll keep this one short and sweet. We all know Village Vic excels over this course and distance on any ground. He is sure to be there or thereabouts jumping the last and you’d be foolish to bet against him landing another valuable handicap at Cheltenham.
Verdict: Village Vic is sure to run an excellent race here and will make it a true test of jumping and stamina. Quite By Chance has the potential to run a big race back on better ground. BOUVREUIL was an unlucky second at the festival last season and has always shaped as if he had a big handicap in him somewhere. He will be much more at home on a sound surface and he gets my vote. DIAMOND KING is very well treated off his current mark and is definitely looks to one to beat. Calett Mad is an exciting prospect and is a lot better than he showed last time at Wetherby. He could be well treated off his current rating.
Trull House Stud Mares Novices’ Hurdle Distance: 2m 179y Last year’s winner: Limini Airlie Beach (Shantou – Screaming Witness) Trainer: W P Mullins Owner: Supreme Horse Racing Club & K Sharp
Very talented mare who blew her field away when winning the Grade 1 Bar One Racing Royal Bond Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse in December. She beat subsequent Grade 1 winner Saturnas that day by 7 lengths. Airlie Beach hasn’t been seen since that brilliant win so it might have taken a lot out of her. She is undoubtedly a very smart mare that will be very tough to beat here
Augusta Kate (Yeats – Feathard Lady) Trainer: W P Mullins Owner: The Masters Syndicate
Very smart bumper mare last season, she has built on that promise this season when winning a maiden hurdle at Thurles before falling at the last hurdle when still in contention in a Grade 1 at Naas. This race is run over 2m, which might be too short for this mare and she has entries in other novice races over further at this meeting. She is a very talented mare that needs respect wherever she runs.
Colin’s Sister (Central Park – Dd’s Glenalla) Trainer: Fergal O’Brien Owner: Mrs Caroline Beresford-Wylie
Very smart mare who has created a big impression over hurdles this season for Fergal O’Brien. She was very good when winning a listed contest at Haydock in additional conditions. Paddy Brennan likes this mare a lot and he knows a good one when he rides one. She is a lovely mare who could run a huge race here.
La Bague Au Roi (Doctor Dino – Alliance Royale) Trainer: Warren Greatrex Owner: Mrs Julie Turner & Andrew Marriam
If you follow me on Twitter you will know that I’m a huge fan of this mare. She was fantastic in bumpers last season and has done even better over obstacles this year. The form of all her hurdle wins is nothing special but the visual impression she has given is very good. She has improved from race to race and we haven’t got to the bottom of her quite yet. She has made the running in all her starts so far but Warren Greatrex believes she’ll be even better when settling behind runners. La Bague Au Roi has been given a break since her Newbury win and she’ll come to Cheltenham very fresh.
Let’s Dance (Poliglote – Baraka Du Berlais) Trainer: W P Mullins Owner: Mrs S Ricci
Very talented mare trained by Willie Mullins. She was a maiden as a juvenile so the experience she had from last season has showed this year in four wins over hurdles. She was brilliant in a Grade 3 at Leopardstown when beating the useful Slowmotion by 17 lengths before following up in a Grade 2 over the same course and distance a month later. Both those wins were over 2m4f and it’s yet to be seen if she’s as good over 2m.
Verdict: Airlie Beach is already a Grade 1 winner this season and looks a mare with real star quality about her. She is going to be very hard to beat in this contest and will be a short price on the day. LA BAGUE AU ROI is a mare I love and I’m hoping we haven’t seen the best of her yet. She has been brilliant this season and was faultless when winning a listed race at Newbury in November. She will need to improve a lot to win this but I’m hoping she can. Colin’s Sister has been very good this season and looks a talented mare in her own right. She could be the dark horse in the race and I think she’ll go well.
Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Steeple Chase Distance: 3m2f Last year’s winner: Cause of Causes Doctor Harper (Presenting – Supereme Dreamer) Traienr: David Pipe Owner: The Johnson Family
Doctor Harper ran a cracker over this course and distance behind Tour Des Champs in January on very testing ground. He disappointed on his next start at Warwick when never travelling and pulling up. Soft ground is important to this horse and if he gets that here he will be very tough to beat.
Mall Dini (Milan – Winsome Breeze) Trainer: Patrick G Kelly Owner: Philip J Reynolds
Mall Dini won the Pertemps at the Festival last year and he has plenty of options at this season to make it back to back wins at Cheltenham. This contest is often won by a progressing staying novice chaser and Mall Dini fits that bill perfectly. He won the Pertemps hurdle off a similar rating last year and I’ve seen nothing that’s made me think he’s not as good over fences this season. He also has an entry in the Ultima handicap chase on day one and connections have yet to name a target for him.
Singlefarmpayment (Milan – Crevamoy) Trainer: Tom George Owner: N T Griffith & H M Haddock
Singlefarmpayment has plenty of options at this seasons Cheltenham Festival. He ran a very good race in defeat behind the talented Beware The Bear before winning a competitive Novice’s Chase at Cheltenham in December. Tom George’s charge was still travelling well when brought down in a competitive handicap last time. The horse stays very well and seemingly goes well at Cheltenham and he looks to have a major shout.
Southfield Royale (Presenting – Chamoss Royale) Trainer: Neil Mullholland Owner: Mrs Angela Yeoman
Southfield Royale ran a decent enough race at the festival when favourite for the National Hunt chase. He ran no sort of race on his comeback at Donacaster in January after 9 months off the track. He can be forgiven that effort and he looks very well treated off a mark of 141 on his best form last season. He could potentially be hard to beat if running in this.
The Crafty Butcher (Vinnie Roe – Ivy Queen) Trainer: W P Mullins Owner: Paul Byrne & P W Mullins & Dominic Ryan & Ian Madigan
The Crafty Butcher looks laid out for this contest. He ran an excellent second behind Noble Endeavor in the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown in December. This horse is a very strong stayer who will appreciate better ground being by Vinnie Roe. Its very interesting that Patrick Mullins owns a share in this horse now and I’m sure he’ll be riding him in this contest on the day. Big chance.
Verdict: Doctor Harper has solid form over this course and distance but he needs very soft ground, which he’s unlikely to get here. Singlefarmpayment has options earlier in the festival but he would need serious consideration if running in this contest. THE CRAFTY BUTCHER has been targeted at this race for a long time and everything looks set for a big run from him. He will appreciate some better ground and looks sure to run a big race. SOUTHFIELD ROYALE is another horse that looks very appealing. He looks potentially well treated off his current rating and could take some beating in this contest based on his best runs last year.
JCB Triumph Hurdle Distance: 2m 179y Last year’s winner: Ivanovich Gorbatov Bapaume (Turtle Bowl – Brouhaha) Trainer: W P Mullins Owner: Mrs S Ricci
Bapaume is very closely matched on form with Mega Fortune and Landofhopeandglory. He made a very promising start to his career for Willie Mullins when finishing a good second at Fairyhouse behind Landofhopeandglory before reversing the form convincingly with that rival in a Grade 2 at Leopardstown. Bapaume possibly found the soft ground too testing when beaten easily by Mega Fortune in a Grade 1 last time but I’d be hopeful he can reverse the form with that rival on better ground.
Charli Parcs (Anabaa Blue – Ella Parcs) Trainer: Nicky Henderson Owner: John P McManus
Charli Parcs is horse who has a lot of natural ability. He was awesome when winning on his British debut at Kempton when he made the very smart Master Blueyes look very ordinary. Charli Parcs is prominent in the betting for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle which connections ran Binocular in as four year-old. He looks a horse with serious potential and wherever he goes will need a lot of respect.
Defi Du Seuil (Voix Du Nord – Quarvine) Trainer: Philip Hobbs Owner: John P McManus
Defi Du Seuil has been phenomenal for connections this season winning all six of his starts. He’s a strong traveller who has shown his liking for a soft surface. Defi Du Seuil has already won three races over this course and distance which is more than any of his rivals put together. He is a very talented young horse and it will take a very good one to beat him at the Festival.
Dinaria Des Obeaux (Saddler Maker – Indiana Jaune) Trainer: Gordon Elliott Owner: Gigginstown House Stud
Dinaria Des Obeaux was extremely impressive when winning on her debut for Gordon Elliott at Cork before not being seen to best affect in a Grade 1 at Leopardsown on her last start. She was travelling well enough before making a bad mistake at the third last hurdle and losing all chance of winning. She done very well to get third that day and shown us she has a lot of ability. She looks a very promising filly who looks more than capable of running well in a race of this nature.
Landofhopeandglory (High Chaparral – Wurfklinge) Trainer: Joseph O’Brien Owner: John P McManus
Landofhopeandglory is another horse who is closely matched with the previously mentioned Bapaume and Mega Fortune as he beat them rivals easily in a Grade 3 at Fairyhouse before being beaten by Bapaume next time at Leopardstown. Landofhopeandglory will need to improve further if he’s going to make it back-to-back wins in this race for Joseph O’Brien.
Mega Fortune (Soldier Of Fortune – Far Across) Trainer: Gordon Elliott Owner: C Jones
Mega Fortune has steadily progressed through the Juvenile ranks in Ireland. He ran two brilliant efforts in defeat behind Landofhopeandglory and Bapaume before comfortably winning the Grade 1 Spring Juvenile Hurdle at Leopardstown in soft ground last time. He looks a horse with a lot of ability and will need a lot of respect in a race like this as he stays and travels very well.
Verdict: Mega Fortune was a very good winner of a Grade 1 at Leopardstown recently on soft ground but I think he might struggle to confirm the form with the Willie Mullins trained Bapaume on a better surface. CHARLI PARCS is a horse I like a lot and I think if this is his target he will take a lot of beating. He has a wonderful turn of foot and looks potentially a superstar in the making. DEFI DU SEUIL has been a revelation this season for connections and he looks the more solid selection in the race. He is a confirmed runner and his course form looks vital.
Vincent O’Brien County Handicap Hurdle Race Distance: 2m 179y Last year’s winner: Superb Story Diego Du Charmil (Ballingarry – Daramour) Trainer: Paul Nicholls Owner: Mrs Johnny de la Hey
Very good winner of the Fred Winter at the festival last season. He bounced back to form recently after two very poor efforts with a brilliant performance at Musselburgh. Up 9lb for that victory he could be open to more improvement returned to the scene of his best performance. Good ground looks important to him.
Mick Jazz (Blue Brasil – Mick Maya) Trainer: Gordon Elliott Owner: George P Mahoney
Very lightly raced 6 year-old who showed an improved form to defeat the promising and highly regarded Cilaos Emery at Punchestown last time. This horse never really fulfilled his potential when trained by Harry Fry and might just be a type to thrive in the care of Gordon Elliott. He looks feasibly treated off his revised mark of 142 and should run a big race.
Modus (Motivator – Alessandra) Trainer: Paul Nicholls Owner: John P McMcManus
Modus has to be one of the most consistent horse in training this season and has improved 16lb since the start of the season. He was a brilliant at Kempton recently when winning the Lanzarote Hurdle very well. The form of that race has worked out very well with few in behind winning since. Life is going to be tough to win this off a mark of 155 but it would be foolish to rule him out. He’s also prominent in the betting for the Coral Cup so it’s best to wait to see where his target is before having a bet.
Movewiththetimes (Presenting – Dare To Venture) Trainer: Paul Nicholls Owner: John P McManus
Very talented novice that done everything right in the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury apart from win the race. He travelled like a dream but just couldn’t pass the very game Ballyandy. Movewiththetimes still has scope for improvement and could still be well treated off his new rating. He should appreciate better ground and the return to Cheltenham.
North Hill Harvey (Kayf Tara – Ellina) Trainer: Dan Skelton Owner: Mrs G Widdowson & Mrs R Kelvin-Hughes
North Hill Harvey was a very good winner of the Greatwood over this course and distance back in November. Dan Skelton has deliberately protected his handicap mark since, which suggests he thinks there is a lot more to come from this horse. He seemed to enjoy the cut in the ground in the Greatwood last time but he handles better ground perfectly. Dan Skelton won this race last season with a similar type so this horse needs plenty of respect here.
Verdict: Diego Du Charmil needs good ground to deliver and he delivered in style recently at Musselburgh. Up 9lb for that victory he could still be feasibly treated based on the manor of that win. NORTH HILL HARVEY’s Greatwood Hurdle win has worked out very well and has only gone up 8lb in the handicap. Dan Skelton was thinking of Champion Hurdle trials after that win and that tells you how highly regarded he is. Mick Jazz seems to be thriving in the care of Gordon Elliott and he has always had a lot of natural ability. He could be the dark horse in the race and looks reasonably treated. MOVEWITHTHETIMES is another horse I like in this contest and he still looks well treated and I expect him to improve further on better ground.
Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle Distance: 2m7f 213y Last year’s winner: Uknowhatimeanharry Augusta Kate (Yeats – Feathard Lady) Trainer: W P Mullins Owner: The Masters Syndicate
Augusta Kate was giving Death Duty something to think about when falling at the final hurdle in a Grade 1 at Naas recently. She is a very talented mare and already has winning form over 3m this season. She also has the option of going for the Trull House Stud Mares Novices’ Hurdle but she may be vulnerable to speedier types. She will need a lot of respect in this contest with her 7lb allowance looking very appealing.
Death Duty (Shantou – Midnight Gift) Trainer: Gordon Elliott Owner: Gigginstown House Stud
Death Duty has been brilliant this season and is unbeaten over hurdles for Gordon Elliott. He is a very strong traveller who also stays very well. He was brilliant in the Grade 1 Lawlor’s Hotel Novice Hurdle at Naas recently when his main rival Augusta Kate fell at the last but I think Death Duty had her held that day. He looks as if there is further improvement to come and I’d be shocked if he doesn’t run very well.
Invitation Only (Flemensfirth – Norabelle) Trainer: W P Mullins Owner: Andrea & Graham Wylie
Invitation Only was no match for Death Duty when finishing second in a Grade 2 at Navan. He is very highly regarded by his connections and he gives off the impression he has a very good run in him over hurdles somewhere. The step up in distance to 3m could be the making of him and I suspect he’d run a big one if turning up here.
Monalee (Milan – Tempest Belle) Trainer: Henry De Bromhead Owner: Mr Barry Maloney
Monalee is another who was no match for the Death Duty at Navan before bolting up in a 3m Grade 3 at Clonmel recently. That form is solid and he’d have to be feared in a race of this quality at this Festival for a trainer who is having a brilliant season.
West Approach (Westerner – Ardstown) Trainer: Colin Tizzard Owner: John and Heather Snook
Very talent horse who is finally starting to be known as West Approach instead of “Thistlecrack’s brother”. He has been beaten by Wholestone three times this season over 3m and 2m5f but is rated 12lb superior to that rival. West Approach has improved with every start this season and ran a cracker when finishing third to Uknowhatimeanharry in the Cleeve Hurdle over this course and distance last time. West Approach is improving all the time and wouldn’t to improve much further to win this.
Wholestone (Craigsteel – Last Theatre) Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies Owner: Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
Wholestone is a horse I like a lot and I don’t think he is getting the credit he deserves. He was brilliant when winning a course and distance Grade 2 in December and that form has worked out very well since. Wholestone seems to go very well on a soft surface but he’s also run very well on better ground. As I previously said, he’s a horse I like and I think he’ll run a huge race at the Festival.
Verdict: Death Duty sets a very high standard and his form in Ireland has worked out very well throughout the season. He will make a smashing chaser next season for connections. Wholestone is a horse I like a lot and he brings solid Cheltenham form to the table. He’s a very versatile horse tactically and was very good when landing a Grade 2 at this track recently. WEST APPROACH is closely matched with Wholestone on form and has improved endlessly this season and ran a cracker last time behind Uknowhatimeanharry. He’s a smart horse and could be very hard to beat on that form.
Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase Distance: 3m2f 70y Last year’s winner: Don Cossack Champagne West (Westerner – Wyndham Sweetmarie) Trainer: Henry De Bromhead Owner: R S Brookhouse
Champagne West has shown improved form since the switch from Philip Hobbs to Henry De Bromhead this season. He was excellent when winning the Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park in January and you have to believe there’s more to come from him and could be a player at a big price if the ground is soft.
Cue Card (King’s Theatre – Wicked Crack) Trainer: Colin Tizzard Owner: Mrs Jean R Bishop
Colin Tizzard has a strangle hold on this year’s Gold Cup with Thistlecrack, Native River and Cue Card all having excellent chances. He started the season with yet another Betfair Chase win before running an odd race behind Thistlecrack on Boxing Day but he scoped dirty after that race and wasn’t himself. Cue Card was travelling as good as anything in last year’s Gold Cup and many believed he would have won it if he hadn’t of took a tumble three from home. Cue Card is a brilliant horse and will need plenty of respect as he definitely still has the ability.
Djakadam (Saints Des Saints – Rainbow Crest) Trainer: W P Mullins Owner: Mrs S Ricci
It’s crazy to think Djakadam only an 8 year-old, as he seems to have been around for years. He’s finished second in the last two Gold Cup’s behind Coneygree and Don Cossack. You know what you’re going to get with him as he jumps and stays well and you know he’ll still be going at the finish. He was disappointing in the Lexus Chase over Christmas and will need to leave that performance well behind if he’s going to threaten the leading players.
Native River (Indian River – Native Mo) Trainer: Colin Tizzard Owner: Brocade Racing
Native River is a horse I like a lot and he seems to be improving all the time. His Hennessy Gold Cup and Coral Welsh Grand National wins were excellent and his jumping was outstanding. He was brilliant at Newbury recently in the Denman Chase where he made two good horses look pretty ordinary in a tactical affair. The horse has everything you would want in a Cheltenham Gold Cup horse as he has plenty of speed and stamina. I don’t think soft ground is important, as he has already shown he’s as good if not better on quicker ground.
Outlander (Stowaway – Western Whisper) Trainer: Gordon Elliott Owner: Gigginstown House Stud
Outlander was travelling well at the Festival last season in the JLT before making a bad mistake and falling four from home. He has thrived in the care of Gordon Elliott this season and was brilliant when winning the Lexus Chase in December. He’s a horse that stays well and enjoys soft ground and the Gold Cup test could be right up his street.
Sizing John (Midnight Legend – La Perrotine) Trainer: Mrs John Harrington Owner: Ann & Alan Potts Partnership
Sizing John’s connections got tired of finishing runner-up to Douvan they decided to step him up in trip and he hasn’t looked back since. He was a good winner of a Grade 3 over 2m4f at Thurles in January before winning the Stan James Irish Gold Cup gamely over an extended 3m. Sizing John seems to enjoy some cut in the ground and it’s doubtful he will stay the 3m2f Cheltenham Gold Cup distance but he is a very interesting runner.
Thistlecrack (Kayf Tara – Ardstown) Trainer: Colin Tizzard Owner: John & Heather Snook
Colin Tizzard trio is completed by the brilliant and super talented, Thistlecrack. Thistlecrack was fantastic when winning the King George VI at Kempton on Boxing Day where he jumoed and travelled beautifully. The late Many Clouds outstayed him last time in the BetBright Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham. Not taking anything away from the game and brilliant winner that day but I don’t think Thistlecrack was suited to the deep and ‘gluey’ ground. I thought Tom Scudamore gave him a brilliant ride that day and think the horse would have learnt a lot from that experience.
Verdict: A cracking renewal where I think the two to concentrate on are the Colin Tizzard pair Thistlecrack and Native River. Thistlecrack has an awful lot of class and there is no doubt he’s the best animal in this race. He was outstanding when running his field into the ground in the King George VI on Boxing Day. He obviously didn’t enjoy the ground at Cheltenham last time but lost nothing in defeat and should have learnt a lot from that experience. NATIVE RIVER has everything you’d hope for in a Cheltenham Gold Cup contender as he stays and jumps very well but also has plenty of gears. Although, I won’t be having a bet in the race until the day of the race as it stands Native River gets my vote.
St. James’s Place Foxhunter Steeple Chase Challenge Cup Distance: 3m2f 70y Last year’s winner: On The Fringe Ask The Weatherman (Tamure – Whatagale) Trainer: Jack R Barber Owner: David Martin & Paul Barber
Prolific point-to-point winner who made a bright start to life as a hunter chaser at Wicanton last time. He jumped well throughout that day and enjoyed the very heavy ground. Mr W Biddick has ridden this horse in all his races so far and they get on together very well. He could pose a threat to On The Fringe.
Black Thunder (Malinas – Blackmika) Trainer: Warren Greatrex Owner: V Burke C Shipp R Waley-Cohen
Very good horse a few seasons ago and once reached a mark of 155. He made the perfect start for his new stable when winning at Kelso on Heavy ground before getting turned over at very short odds the following month. I put that shock defeat down to the testing ground and I think he’s better than that. He has the potential to excel in the sphere and he should go well at the festival on better ground.
On The Fringe (Exit To Nowhere – Love And Porter) Trainer: E Bolger Owner: John P McManus
We all know what this horse is all about by now. He is prolific in these hunter chases and is bidding to make history again by winning the triple-triple. He isn’t getting any younger and it will be some achievement if he can win yet another race at the Cheltenham Festival this year.
Wonderful Charm (Poliglote – Victoria Royale) Trainer: Paul Nicholls Owner: R J H Geffen & Sir John Ritblat
Wonderful Charm was a very good horse a few season back for Paul Nicholls and is an intriguing addition to hunter chases. He made the perfect start with a fluent success at Musselburgh on good ground recently. He is the highest rated horse in the field and could take some beating in this contest.
Verdict: On The Fringe is bidding to win this contest for the third year running and it would take a brave man to rule it out. It would be a phenomenal achievement for all concerned and I wish them the best of luck. WONDERFUL CHARM looks very appealing to me. He’s still a relatively young horse that was competing in Grade 1’s not that long ago. He was very good at Musselburgh and I’d fancy him to run a big race if the ground isn’t on the soft side. Ask The Weatherman is unexposed under rules and is the unknown quantity in the field. He looked faultless at Wicanton and could be the danger to all.
Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle Race Distance: 2m4f 56y Last year’s winner: Ibis Du Rheu Battleford (Midnight Legend – Well Maid) Trainer: W P Mullins Owner: Andrea & Graham Wylie
Battleford was a game second in last season’s Champion Bumper at the festival behind Ballyandy. He then finished a very good second in the Aintree equivalent the following month when finding only his stablemate and now Grade 1 winner Bacardys marginally too good. Battleford has acquitted himself well this season over obstacles and looks very well treated off his current mark of 135 based on last year’s bumper form and his excellent second over hurdles in a Grade 3 behind Monalee. Willie Mullins has won this in recent years with Don Poli and Killultagh Vic and this horse is a similar type.
Brio Conti (Dom Alco – Cadoulie Wood) Trainer: Paul Nicholls Owner: The Gi Gi Syndicate
Paul Nicholls won this last season with Ibis Du Rheu and this horse is a very similar type. He ran an excellent second to now Grade 2 winner Constantine Bay at Haydock on very soft ground before disappointing at Cheltenham in a very competitive novice hurdle on his next outing. He bounced back to form last time when bolting up by 9 lengths at Doncaster recently. He could be very well treated off his current rating and id expect him to go very well.
Lac Fontana (Shirocco – Fontaine Riant) Trainer: Paul Nicholls Trainer: Axom Lix
Lac Fontana won the County Hurdle in 2014 off this handicap mark when defeating the very good Arctic Fire before going on to land a Grade 1 at Aintree. He ran OK race last under the circumstances as he wasn’t suited to the soft ground and failed to stay the 3m trip. He could be very well treated on his old form and needs serious consideration for this.
No Comment (Kayf Tara – Dizzy Frizzy) Trainer: Philip Hobbs Owner: John P McManus
Horse I like a lot. He was humiliated by the very classy Robin Roe at Aintree earlier in the season and hasn’t looked back since. He beat some very useful types on his way to landing a hat trick over hurdles and successfully conceded 10lbs to the very talented Minella Awards at Plumpton last time. This has a lot of talent himself and I think a mark of 137 could be well within his radar.
Rather Be (Milan – Irish Wedding) Trainer: Nicky Henderson Owner: Matt & Lauren Morgan
Rather Be as been a revelation this season for Nicky Henderson and Matt & Lauren Morgan. He won his first two starts over hurdles very easily before finding the heavy ground too testing behind the very smart juvenile Coeur De Lion. He was conceding 9lb to that rival that day and on the face it was a very smart effort. He will appreciate better ground at the festival and the step up in strip should suit him very well. He looks a horse with a bright future and will make a lovely chaser next season.
The Storyteller (Shantou – Bally Bolshoi) Trainer: Gordon Elliott Owner: Mrs P Sloan
This is a horse with a lot of ability and he showed how good he was when making Battleford look ordinary in a 3m hurdle at Thurles in January. This race is often won by a novice that stays very well and this hose fits the bill perfectly. He stays 3m very well and seems to enjoy plenty of cut in the ground. The Storyteller might be well treated off his current rating by he might lack the tactical speed to win this contest.
Verdict: The Storyteller is a very smart horse who looks to have a very bright future but he might be vulnerable here against speedier types on better ground. Lac Fontana is very well treated and looks to have a serious shout and I wouldn’t put anyone off backing him. NO COMMENT is a horse I’ve had in mind for this contest for a while and I think he could be well treated if turning up. RATHER BE ran a cracker behind a very promising horse last time on ground softer than ideal. He will have a serious shout here off his current mark and looks to have an excellent chance. Battleford is a horse I like and his current rating has a lot of scope for improvement. Like most of these he’s going to make a serious chaser next season.
Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Steeple Chase Challenge Cup Distance: 2m 62y Last year’s winner: Solar Impulse Ball D’Arc (Network – Pretty Moon) Trainer: Gordon Elliott Owner: Gigginstown House Stud
Ball D’Arc was very impressive when running away with the Bar One Racing Dan Moore Memorial Handicap Chase at Fairyhouse in a January. Up 9lb for that win, Ball D’Arc could still be very well handicapped and looks a serious player in this contest for Gordon Elliott. He will appreciate better ground and I think he will go very well here.
Dandridge (Doyen – Arantxa) Trainer: A L T Moore Owner: R A Bartlett
Dandridge was a very good second in this race last season off a 4lb lower mark. He proved this mark is within his range when finishing at excellent second to Katachenko at Aintree the following month. He is a horse that comes alive in the spring time on better ground and I expect him to run a big race again this season.
Dodging Bullets (Dubawi – Nova Cyngi) Trainer: Paul Nicholls Owner: Martin Broughton & Friends
Dodging Bullets win in the 2015 Champion Chase seems a long time ago and a lot of water has gone under the bridge since then. He is nowhere near the force of old and has run some shockers this season. He would be an interesting addition to this race but I’m not convinced a big field handicap is what he wants right now.
Starchitect (Sea The Stars – Humilis) Trainer: David Pipe Owner: Paul & Clare Rooney
Very smart horse over hurdles in recent seasons for David Pipe. He has shown some very good form over the larger obstacles this season. He was very impressive when winning a novice chase at Ayr recently when drawing away from a useful horse on the bridle. Starchitect looks pretty well handicapped here based on his hurdling form and he should run a big race for Paul & Clare Rooney.
Theinval (Smadoun – Kinevees) Trainer: Nicky Henderson Owner: Mr & Mrs Sandy Orr
Theinval represents Nicky Henderson who likes to have runners with good chances in this race as its named in his father’s honour. Theinval was a very good hurdler and won a Grade 3 handicap hurdle at in Aintree in 2015. He has made a pleasing start to life over fences and beat a solid yardstick easily at Plumpton. He has won off a mark of 144 over hurdles so a mark of 141 could be lenient over the bigger obstacles. Theinval could also run in the Close Brothers Handicap on day one.
Vaniteux (Voix Du Nord – Expoville) Trainer: Nicky Henderson Owner: Mr & Mrs Kelvin-Hughes
Very classy horse who has never quite lived up to expectations over fences. He has been running pretty well this season and deservedly got a win on the board when winning a listed chase at Kempton in January. I think this race has been the target for a while and he definitely has the ability to win a handicap off his current rating. He was going to finish a good second in last season’s Arkle at the festival behind the mighty Douvan and id been shocked if he isn’t in the mx-up.
Verdict: Starchitect is potentially well treated off his current rating and will be a danger to all if turning up here. Dodging Bullets isn’t the force of old but you’d be foolish to rule him out this contest off his current rating. VANITEUX is a very classy horse that always runs a good race and has never been out of the money here at Cheltenham when completing. He is more than capable of winning off his current mark and has to go well for a trainer with an excellent record in the race. BALL D’ARC is another horse that is serious well handicapped and will appreciate good ground. He represents the formidable Gordon Elliott who has brilliant chances in all the handicaps at the festival.