Having highlighted some of the more vulnerable looking favourites heading to Prestbury Park, it is now time to focus on three who appear to have particularly strong claims, all of whom carry the famous J.P. McManus colours. The Festival has produced it’s fair share of shocks over the years and it is never wise to label anything a certainty, but it would certainly be disappointing if the trio below did not go very close.
THE NEW LION – Champion Hurdle – 9/4
The lineup for Tuesday’s centrepiece looks a little underwhelming compared to last year’s clash between Constitution Hill, State Man and Brighterdaysahead, a race widely billed as a three horse contest that ultimately fell to none of them. Instead, Golden Ace capitalised on the unfortunate exits of the two previous winners to land the prize by nine lengths. This year’s renewal lacks that level of depth and it appears likely to revolve around the Skelton trained seven year old and Willie Mullins’s Lossiemouth, who may not even line up in the race, as was the case last year when she opted for the Mares’ Hurdle.
Lossiemouth is a proven Cheltenham performer and would be a major contender if she runs, yet the 9/4 available about THE NEW LION looks more than fair. The mare endured a tough race at Leopardstown in gruelling conditions where she was well beaten by Brighterdaysahead. Dan Skelton’s gelding, meanwhile, was an impressive winner of the Turners’ Novices’ Hurdle last season, coming from behind his two principal rivals to prevail by three quarters of a length. There have been suggestions he may prefer further than two miles, but he travels strongly through his races and possesses plenty of speed, so the minimum trip at a track like Cheltenham should hold no fears in what looks a relatively weak Champion Hurdle.
He did not appear to enjoy being left alone in front after Constitution Hill fell in the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle and made a mistake at the final flight that day. Personally, I believe he would have gone on to win, though we will never know for certain. He was then given a confidence boosting ride in the International Hurdle in January, with Harry Skelton steadying him into every flight before allowing the race to develop into a sprint after the last, where he showed a useful turn of foot to get home in front. That form should not be taken too literally. He will need to jump more fluently here, but he looks capable of settling into a good rhythm and travelling strongly through the race, with both the pace and stamina required to land a Champion Hurdle whichever way the contest unfolds and whether Lossiemouth turns up or not.
MAJBOROUGH – Champion Chase – 10/11
I, like many others, have not been entirely convinced by MAJBOROUGH over fences and I do feel his Leopardstown success may flatter him slightly. He was allowed to dominate in testing conditions, with Solness failing to fire and his main rival Marine Nationale never really put into the race on ground softer than ideal, eventually finishing nineteen lengths behind in second. That said, his jumping was notably improved, with the first time cheekpieces clearly having a positive effect, and the front running tactics proved very effective.
Despite having his issues over larger obstacles in the past, he still looks the best horse in this year’s Champion Chase, particularly with the unfortunate absence of Marine Nationale. He handles Cheltenham well, as he showed when winning the Triumph Hurdle in 2024, beating the smart mare Kargese by a length and a half. Some of his strongest form came when finishing third in last year’s Arkle, beaten only three quarters of a length by the Gold Cup favourite Jango Baie despite making mistakes at crucial stages, most notably at the second last when he appeared to have the race at his mercy. Even with those errors, he still showed his engine and raw ability to be beaten only narrowly.
His main rival this year now looks to be L’Eau du Sud, whom he finished three quarters of a length ahead of at the Festival last season despite jumping considerably worse when it mattered most.
It now appears Majborough has turned a corner over fences, and a repeat of his Leopardstown performance would likely see him come home a comfortable winner here.
FACT TO FILE – Ryanair Chase – 8/11
The Mullins trained nine year old probably produced the performance of the season when dominating the Irish Gold Cup, defeating stablemates Gaelic Warrior and Galopin Des Champs in stylish fashion. You could make a strong case that he is the best horse in training and he would have very strong claims if lining up in the Gold Cup. However, the exchange prices strongly suggest he is likely to head for the easier option in the Ryanair and attempt to defend his crown.
FACT TO FILE produced one of the standout performances of last year’s Festival when winning this race, travelling powerfully around the home turn before putting the contest to bed with ease. It was a stunning display, albeit in what was a fairly weak renewal. This year he again looks set to face a below par lineup, with Gaelic Warrior likely to head for the Gold Cup and the talented Banbridge possibly heading to Aintree, who would be the clear danger.
Ultimately, if he produces anything close to his best, he should win and win well. He looks a solid cornerstone for punters’ Festival multiples.
Odds correct at time of posting – 11:55am Thursday 5th March
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Please note that although Matt has uploaded the tips, he is not our Racing Club Insider – the insider will remain anonymous!
