The Cheltenham Festival is finally upon us and we can’t wait to see our superstar Wendigo take his chance in the Grade 1 Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase on Wednesday. Aside from him, here are our best bets for the first two days. Good luck if you’re following and we hope you all enjoy the best four days of the year.
Tuesday 10th March – Day One
Richard – TALK THE TALK (13:20) 4/1 – Long held in high regard by Joseph O’Brien and would be 4-4 over hurdles but for an unfortunate stumble having jumped the last in front at Leopardstown at Xmas. Could have the turn of foot to see off Old Park Star and Mighty Park.
Tom – LOSSIEMOUTH (16:00) 2/1 – This isn’t a vintage renewal of the Champion Hurdle, with all the runners having some form of doubt around their chances. However, I’m delighted to see Lossiemouth taking her chance in here, and I think she’ll take all the beating. She’s a perfect 4/4 at Cheltenham, and although she disappointed last time out, she’ll relish the return to Prestbury Park, and I can’t see any of her rivals keeping up with her in the run-in.
Meena – TOO BOSSY FOR US (13:20) 33/1 E/W – A talented flat performer who ran with credit in the Triumph Hurdle last season. Returned this season with an impressive win over hurdles at Punchestown and could spring a surprise.
Matt – AMMES (14:40) 9/1 E/W – I put up James Owen’s contender as one to follow at the start of the season and I’m sticking with him in this tricky race. He won nicely on hurdles debut at Sedgefield and followed up impressively at Chepstow, beating some decent horses, before running well behind a leading Triumph contender at Wetherby. With strong flat form at Royal Ascot and Goodwood and a recent spin on the flat to sharpen him up, he looks a solid each way bet with extra places on offer.
Wednesday 11th March – Day Two
Richard – LUCKY PLACE (14:40) 16/1 E/W – Nicky Henderson has won 4 of these races formerly known as The Coral Cup and has a strong hand again. Iberico Lord, Jingko Blue and Lucky Place are all very strong with the trends of previous winners. This race throws up plenty of big priced winners and Lucky Place, having had a few runs over fences this season and 4th in this race 2 years ago, has likely had this race in mind for a long time. The booking of former champion jockey Brian Hughes adds appeal.
Tom – KING RASKO GREY (13:20) 5/1 – Willie Mullins has won three of the last four renewals of this race, and I think he has a huge chance of having another winner this year with King Rasko Grey. He didn’t look fully fit when finishing a close third in a Grade 1 at the Dublin Racing Festival, but with that run under his belt I’ve no doubt that his master trainer will have him primed for this. The step up in trip should suit, and he’s the pick of Paul Townend, so I think he’s a great bet at generous odds.
Meena – GUARD DUTY (14:40) 14/1 E/W – Solid efforts in competitive handicaps at Newbury and Windsor before a two length victory at Doncaster. Has the in form Ben Jones on board and can go well at a nice price.
Matt – MAJBOROUGH (16:00) 10/11 – Undoubtedly the best horse in the Champion Chase and a similar performance to his nineteen length success at Leopardstown should see him a comfortable winner. He may be slightly flattered by that margin but in first time cheekpieces with an aggressive ride, his jumping was markedly improved. L’Eau du Sud is second favourite who he still finished infront of in last year’s Arkle despite clattering the last two fences. I would be very disappointed if he was beaten and his price looks fair for a horse who sets the standard.
Odds correct at time of posting – 4:10 Monday 9th March
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