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Cheltenham Festival 2024

And here we are again, on the cusp of another Cheltenham Festival. A week where hopes will be fulfilled and dreams will be shattered, both on and off the racecourse.

Here are some of my double figure fancies for the best four days of the year…

Giovinco (12/1) – Ultima Handicap Chase
Lucinda Russell has won the last two renewals of the day one 3m 1f handicap chase with Grand National hero Corach Rambler and she holds good claims of a third successive success with Giovinco. The seven-year-old perhaps hasn’t achieved the heights that might have been expected of him in his first season over fences but as a result gets into the race off a very workable 146 and the form of his narrow defeat to Brown Advisory fancy Stay Away Fay at Sandown in December is strong. He holds a touch of class and his easy win of a two-runner affair at Newcastle last month will have put him spot-on for a bold bid.

Wodhooh (10/1) – Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle
To be honest I have to say I’m surprised that 10/1 is available for Wodhooh, who has done very little wrong all season. One of the most experienced juveniles around, with five runs under her belt, she’s been on the go since September and comes to Cheltenham with an unbeaten record over timber still intact. Twice a winner at listed level, I think she comes with a far more solid profile than some of her more unexposed rivals at the head of the market and is a cracking each-way punt. There’s also the fact that trainer Gordon Elliott has won three of the last six editions of a race that is one of the few never won by Willie Mullins.

Quai de Bourbon (16/1) & Ballyadam (20/1) – Coral Cup
The market has Mullins’ lightly-raced Quai de Bourbon as favourite with some firms for the Martin Pipe but in all interviews it’s seemingly in the balance as to which race he will go, so at four times the price and with non-runner no bet in play it makes sense to take a punt he goes this way instead. Adding to the possibility, Mullins doesn’t have much else for this race, with the well-touted Sa Majeste seemingly much more likely to take the Pipe route. So what about Quai de Bourbon? Well, the five-year-old has won both starts for the champion trainer, most recently getting the better of stablemate Westport Cove at Clonmel in January, and has shaped as if this step up in trip will bring out further improvement with a mark of 140 more than fair.

Our second dart at this devilishly tough riddle is Ballyadam, who has been the model of consistency over the past couple of years and finished fifth in the County Hurdle at the 2022 and 2023 festivals. Stepped up in trip this season, he ran a blinder last time out to be third in the Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown behind Irish Point and will arrive at Prestbury Park off a four pounds lower mark than last season.

Harper’s Brook (12/1) – Grand Annual
We all know he’s a bit of a monkey but there’s no doubting Harper’s Brook has talent. He should be coming to Cheltenham off the back of two wins after idling in front to let Triple Trade beat him at Ascot in December before finally winning a race he really couldn’t lose at Sandown last time out when main rival In Excelsis Deo unseated at the last. A fast-run race like this might be what he needs and as long as he doesn’t find himself in front too soon he could well give Ben Pauling deserved reward for an excellent season.

C’est Ta Chance (16/1) – Champion Bumper
I wouldn’t usually be that keen on anything for the bumper but this fella looks overpriced based on the form of his short-head second to William Munny at Navan in January. The pair were well clear of the rest and his rival that day has since proved himself to be very smart with his recent win at Naas, prompting his trainer Barry Connell to declare him the best bumper horse around. William Munny skips Cheltenham – going to Punchestown instead – and with no obvious standout in this year’s race C’est Ta Chance would look to be a nice each-way option.

Sir Gerhard (10/1) – Stayers Hurdle
With Irish Point now seemingly bound for the Champion Hurdle – much to the disappointment of those on him at 16/1 like your’s truly! – the Stayers is taking up an even more open look. Sir Gerhard had a disappointing campaign over fences last season and seemed much more like the horse that won the 2022 Ballymore when switched back to timber on New Year’s Eve to win at Punchestown. Further improvement is needed to win this but we know he has the ability and reading between the lines Willie Mullins seems quietly confident of a big run.

Letsbeclearaboutit (11/1) – Plate Handicap Chase
Gavin Cromwell has enjoyed a series of successful raids to these shores this season and last year’s Albert Bartlett fourth can bring him more glory. He’s been campaigned over a range of trips from two miles to over three, but looked most suited to the intermediate distance he was running over at the start of the season which reaped a ten-length grade 3 success at Cork. That win even saw him start favourite for the Drinmore on his next start. Now back over that favoured trip and in the calmer waters of a handicap, surely he must go close.

Favour and Fortune (16/1) – County Hurdle
Eight of the last 12 winners of the County have been aged five or six, showing that novices hold a strong hand when it comes to the two mile hurdle. Alan King’s Favour and Fortune fits that profile and should sneak nicely in at the bottom end of the weights off his mark of 138. Second in the new grade 1 Formby Novices Hurdle behind Jango Baie at Aintree on Boxing Day, he was last seen giving Willie Mullins’ promising Fun Fun Fun 9lbs and just coming up short at Exeter last month.

Captain Teague (10/1) – Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle
Challow winner Captain Teague is set to step up in trip at Cheltenham and the resolve he showed to keep on and win at Newbury in testing conditions indicated the Albert Bartlett challenge should hold no fears. Third in last year’s Champion Bumper, Paul Nicholls’ charge looks overpriced at 10/1 with none of the likely Irish challenge looking like superstars in waiting.

2023 Cheltenham Festival

Tuesday

Supreme: High Definition 12/1

A funny renewal of the Festival opener this year with no real obvious standout contender as far as I’m concerned. For the first time in a long time there is no Nicky Henderson challenger to the Irish and I don’t think much of the likes of Tahmuras et al. Of course, Facile Vega may well bounce back from his Dublin Racing Festival blowout and bolt up but at the prices i’d rather take a chance on High Definition, who looked good when winning his maiden at Christmas and who knows what would have happened had he not fallen when tanking along at DRF.

Arkle: Dysart Dynamo 5/1

This time last year I wasn’t having Dysart Dynamo at all for the Supreme but I think fences is the making of him. He’s looked a really exciting two-mile chaser the way he attacks his fences and bowls along in front and if you’d have stopped the Irish Arkle a furlong out he’d have been very close to winning. The test at Cheltenham is a furlong shorter and he could prove tough to catch. At the prices he’s virtually an each way bet to nothing, but with the race likely to cut up dramatically make sure you get the three places on offer now.

Ultima: Oscar Elite 11/1; Tea Clipper 16/1

Recent runaway winner of the Reynoldstown, Oscar Elite, arrives at Cheltenham in tip-top form and has a lovely weight off 139, just a pound higher than last year when he finished third in this race. Tea Clipper was a place back in fourth and has been kept fresh for a spring campaign. Ultra consistent – he was also third in the Coral Cup in 2021 – he provides a solid second each way bullet in this 3m 1f chase.

Champion Hurdle: Constitution Hill 1/3

You don’t always need a bet and this is a case in point. Just watch and enjoy the most exciting horse currently in training.

Mares Hurdle: Honeysuckle 9/4

In terms of strength in depth this is the best renewal ever staged of the Mares Hurdle but duel Champion Hurdle heroine, Honeysuckle should still prove too strong and provide a heart-warming finale to an amazing career.

Boodles/Fred Winter: Common Practice 16/1

Joseph O’Brien’s Common Practice seems to have been forgotten about in the market here. Yes, he was well beaten when second to current Triumph fancy Blood Destiny when last seen completing at Fairyhouse in January but he did finish ahead of recent Adonis winner Nusret that day and is more than double the price.

National Hunt Chase: Ramillies 6/1

All eyes seem to be on Gaillard Du Mesnil as a Festival banker but I’d rather take him on each way with his stablemate Ramillies, another horse who has been transformed by chasing and has always been held in high regard at Closutton.

Wednesday

Ballymore: Gaelic Warrior 9/2

Gaelic Warrior really should be coming here a Festival winner but had to settle for runner-up spot in last year’s Fred Winter. This term he’s done nothing but impress in winning by a combined 104 lengths in his three races, defying top weight to win with ease when last seen in a competitive handicap at DRF.

Brown Advisory/RSA: Sir Gerhard 5/1

His chasing debut wasn’t exactly blemish free and it’s an ask for him to win a Grade 1 at the Festival in only his second start over fences, but Sir Gerhard is the most talented horse in the race and I’m not convinced it’s the strongest renewal we’ve seen.

Coral Cup: Beacon Edge 16/1; Summerville Boy 40/1

I was really keen on Theatre Glory for Coral Cup glory but it seems connections are leaning towards a crack at the Mares Hurdle. Noel Meade’s Beacon Edge has frankly been a disappointment over the last couple of years, since he won the Drinmore in 2021, but showed some signs of life when third back over timber in the Boyne Hurdle last month and a mark of 147 gives him a chance in handicap company for the first time. The same applies to another former leading light – Summerville Boy – who I just thought was too big at 40/1. Second to Teahupoo in the Grade 2 Galmoy Hurdle in January, he’s now running off 143 and has to have a squeak of making the frame at a massive price at a track he has enjoyed past success in the Supreme and Relkeel.

Champion Chase: Energumene 2/1

There are obvious doubts concerning Energumene after his disappointing showing in the rearranged Clarence House here in January but that harsh lesson may well reap rewards for last year’s Champion Chase hero and I’m backing him to bounce back and just edge out Edwardstone.

Cross Country: Delta Work 11/10

Before Galvin stepped forward as a challenger, Delta Work looked one of the good things of the week. The task for last year’s winner may be tougher now but experience over these unique obstacles will still give him an edge and off level weights it’s hard to see anything else getting close to these two.

Grand Annual: Dino Blue 7/1; Grey Diamond 20/1

Dino Blue has absolutely relished the switch to fences this season and is unlucky not to have graded success next to her name when outstayed by Impervious at Cork in December. 140 is a lovely mark and I can see her leading from flag-fall at Cheltenham. As a second each-way option, Grey Diamond looks value at 20/1 having been going as well as anything when falling when last seen in January at Sandown and proven in the hurly-burly of handicaps like this having ran well in 5th in last season’s Red Rum at Aintree.

Bumper: Better Days Ahead 12/1

No real strong view but Gordon Elliott’s runner looks overpriced, with Jamie Codd giving him every chance of upsetting the Mullins army in previews over the past week.

Thursday

Turners: Appreciate It 5/1

Similar to Dysart Dynamo, at 5/1 I see Appreciate It as an each-way bet to nothing. Second favourite El Fabiolo won’t be going here, so I see it as a straight fight between the selection, Mighty Potter and Banbridge. Gordon Elliott’s runner has been impressive so far this season, but I think the extra distance will bring out the best in Appreciate It and there can be no doubt that the Willie Mullins horse was involved in a much hotter race than Mighty Potter at DRF, even if he impressed how he won.

Pertemps: Walking On Air 8/1; Itchy Feet 25/1

When he bolted up on his hurdles debut in January 2022, Walking On Air looked to have the world at his feet. It hasn’t worked out that way since, disappointing as favourite twice this season, but it all seemed to click when he won his qualifier for this race at Exeter last month and a mark of 138 could well be very workable. I also think Itchy Feet is too big at 25/1 having ran really well the last twice reverting to handicap hurdles.

Ryanair: Shishkin 4/5

A repeat of his run at Ascot and basically Shishkin wins. This time next year I expect him to be a Gold Cup contender having won the King George at Christmas.

Stayers’ Hurdle: Marie’s Rock 9/2

The vibes are that this is where we’ll see Marie’s Rock rather than defending her Mare’s Hurdle crown and getting the mares allowance she just have every chance in an open race. A ready winner of the Relkeel over 2m 4f, there aren’t many doubts about her staying the trip and she can continue the upward curve that saw her also beat Epatante to claim Grade 1 success at Punchestown last year.

Plate: Fusil Raffles 20/1

It could be a day to remember for Nicky Henderson and I’m really sweet on the chances of Fusil Raffles. Still only an eight-year-old, despite seeming to have been around for years, he’s now on a mark of 145, 11 pounds lower than his peak when finishing behind Bravemansgame on Paul Nicholls’ horse chasing debut in October 2021. A close up third in the Select Hurdle at Sandown when last seen last April, he’s been saved for a spring campaign and is a high class horse in a handicap like this off his current mark.

Mares’ Novice Hurdle: Luccia 13/8

Yep, it’s Henderson again and I can’t see past Luccia here, who has looked really special in all four starts under rules so far. Indeed I think she would have to have been a strong contender for the Supreme had they taken that route.

Kim Muir: Dunboyne 10/1; Beauport 16/1

Another race I don’t have a strong view on but Dunboyne must have strong claims for Gordon Elliott on the back of his short head second to Carefully Selected in the Thyestes. Nigel Twiston-Davies’ Beauport is also of interest if they go for this race.

Friday

Triumph: Lossiemouth 15/8

Lossiemouth has been the clear leading juvenile this season and would be coming here unbeaten if it wasn’t for the messy race we saw at the Dublin Racing Festival when she finished second. We don’t know how good stablemate Blood Destiny is but I’m sticking with the grey to show her turn of foot up the hill and come out on top.

County: Ballyadam 20/1; Milkwood 25/1

Ballyadam has been knocking on the door in these handicaps – finishing just four lengths behind Gaelic Warrior when last seen at DRF and fifth in last year’s County behind State Man. He should go close again. I also think Milkwood is interesting, now on a mark of 141, six pounds lower than when second in the Galway Hurdle in 2021. Had a lovely prep at Wetherby last month, showing up well before tiring, and was dropped two further pounds for that.

Albert Bartlett: Hiddenvalley Lake 8/1; Letsbeclearaboutit 20/1

Henry De Bromhead knows how to win this race having done so with Minella Indo in 2019 and he looks to have a strong contender in Hiddenvalley Lake. Second to stablemate Monty’s Star last time out, he was giving away six pounds that day in what was probably the strongest three mile hurdle we’ve seen this season. Before that he trounced Cool Survivor by eight lengths. I also like Gavin Cromwell’s Letsbeclearaboutit, who has taken a while to build on the potential he showed in his bumper career but the penny seems to be dropping now, as shown by his 22-length success at Punchestown when last seen in January.

Gold Cup: A Plus Tard 8/1

Galopin Des Champs is the second coming according to most but he still has something to prove for me at this level and definitely shouldn’t be such a clear favourite as he is at the moment. It’s not been plain sailing for defending champion A Plus Tard this season but if he returns to Cheltenham in the form of last year then Galopin Des Champs is going to have to be every bit as good as they think he is to be him.

Hunter’s Chase: The Storyteller 25/1

No strong opinion but The Storyteller has Festival form and just looks too big a price.

Mares’ Chase: Riviere D’etel 20/1

Another one that looks overpriced, she hasn’t shown any form this season so far but is showing a spark at home according to Gordon Elliott and it’s worth remembering that last season she was mixing it with the boys at the top level – just edged out by Blue Lord in the Irish Arkle.

Martin Pipe: Imagine 7/1; Wonderwall 33/1

Imagine looks like Elliott’s main bullet in a race he loves to win and looks not to be over-burdened off 139. While at a much bigger price I also like the claims of Richard Spencer’s Wonderwall. Lighty raced, he went off favourite for last year’s Sidney Banks when falling and was an impressive winner at Doncaster the time before that, beating Nicky Henderson’s City Chief. Seventh in the 2021 Champion Bumper won by Sir Gerhard, he has a lot of unfilled potential and could have snuck in her under the radar off 134.

2023 Cheltenham Festival handicaps

Reasoning to follow, but for now here’s what I’m liking for the handicaps at this year’s Festival with best prices available..

Ultima: Tea Clipper 16/1; Oscar Elite 12/1

Boodles/Fred Winter: Common Practice 16/1

Coral Cup: Theatre Glory 14/1; Summerville Boy 25/1

Grand Annual: Dino Blue 7/1; Grey Diamond 20/1

Pertemps: Walking On Air 8/1; Itchy Feet 25/1

Plate: Fusil Raffles 20/1; Shakem up’arry 16/1

Kim Muir: Dunboyne 10/1; Beauport 16/1

County: Ballyadam 20/1; Milkwood 25/1

Martin Pipe: Imagine 8/1; Wonderwall 33/1

Betfair Hurdle fancy

Few trainers have got better records in the Betfair Hurdle than Nigel Twiston-Davies and he seems to have good claims of going close to another success in Britain’s most valuable handicap hurdle with Master Chewy this Saturday.

Twiston-Davies last won the Newbury two-mile contest with Al Dancer in 2019, following previous triumphs with Ballyandy (2017) and Splash of Ginge (2014). His contender this year may still be a maiden but that tells half the story having fallen at the last when set for victory at Ascot in November. That followed a close third behind Pikar and Hullnback at Chepshow in October, while he mixed with it more smart novices in December at Cheltenham, when just finding Nicky Henderson’s Attacca a length too good, but finishing in front of Milton Harris’ Gentle Slopes.

Master Chewy’s most recent run, at Plumpton at the turn of the year, saw him again hit the crossbar when second to the Gary Moore trained Hansard – another rival that may well turn out to be pretty smart and is entered in the Supreme.

One thing the six-year-old’s misfortune has meant is that he goes into the Betfair Hurdle with just 10st 4lb, a weight that surely must see him go close if he runs up to the form shown so far this season. With no real standouts in opposition and the forecast good ground posing no issues, at a best price 12/1 (already backed down from 22/1 earlier after declarations) he looks a very tempting each-way play.

Cheltenham Showcase Meeting – Saturday Selections

1.30 – Shearer 4/1

2.05 – The Wolf 9/1ew

2.40 – Pied Piper 5/6

3.15 – Effernock Fizz 15/2ew

3.50 – Botox Has 11/2ew

4.25 – Life in the Park (NAP) 11/8

5.00 – Gentle Slopes 6/1ew

Cheltenham Showcase Meeting selections

Friday:

1.35 – Pisgah Pike 16/1ew

2.10 – Aucunrisque 7/2 (NB) Sole Pretender 8/1ew

2.45 – Music Drive 5/2

3.20 – Hang In There 4/1

3.55 – Spanish Present 5/2

4.30 – Old Town Garde 9/1ew

5.05 – Hullnback 2/1 (NAP)

Aintree Grand National Festival 2022

Thursday

1.45 Pic D’orhy 11/4
2.20 Pied Piper 11/10
2.55 Clan Des Obeaux 15/4
3.30 Epatante 2/1
4.05 Cat Tiger 6/1
4.40 Thyme White 14/1
5.15 Kateira 11/2

Friday

1.45 Balco Coastal 11/1 & Fils D’oudaries 11/1
2.20 Jonbon 1/1
2.55 Bravemansgame 5/4
3.30 Fakir D’oudaries 13/8
4.05 Mister Coffey 10/1 & Windsor Avenue 25/1
4.40 Gelino Bello 8/1
5.15 Washington & Whizz Kid (*no prices at time of writing)

Saturday

1.45 If the Cap Fits & Emitom (*no prices at time of writing)
2.25 Walking On Air 4/1
3.00 Third Time Lucki 7/2
3.35 Thyme Hill 11/4
4.15 Shan Blue 4/1
5.15 (Grand National) Any Second Now 10/1, Kildisart 40/1 & Santini 40/1
6.20 Altobelli (*no prices at time of writing)

Cheltenham Festival 2022

Tuesday

1.30 – Supreme Novices’ Hurdle

A opening race to savour and potentially a Supreme that will be looked back on in the same breath as the 2016 (Altior, Min, Buveur D’air) and 2011 (Al Ferof, Sprinter Sacre, Cue Card) renewals. With Sir Gerhard seemingly Ballymore bound at time of writing, for me the one to be with is Jonbon. People have knocked his run at Haydock last time out but he got the job done in testing conditions, giving weight away to some good horses, with Nells Son giving the form a boost the other day by taking the Grade 2 at Kelso. The six-year-old son of Walk In The Park was mightily impressive at Ascot and Newbury in his two previous runs over hurdles and for me he’s the one of the Nicky Henderson pair that can give the trainer another win in the race he last claimed with Shishkin in 2020.

Selection: Jonbon 4/1

2.10 – Arkle

In contrast to the Supreme, this isn’t a vintage renewal and fair claims could be made for a few. Edwardstone has proved himself to be best of the British contenders but I still think the Irish form might prove stronger and Blue Lord is my tentative pick. Willie Mullins charge only has to give six pounds to Riviere D’etel this time, rather than the nine he conceded when beating Gordon Elliott’s mare at Leopardstown, and it’s worth remembering he would have been second in last year’s Supreme if he hadn’t fallen at the last.

Selection: Blue Lord 7/2

2.50 – Ultima Handicap Chase

Perhaps surprisingly Ireland haven’t won this race since Joes Edge took it for Ferdy Murphy back in 2007, but they can end that barren run with Emmet Mullins’ Noble Yeats. The seven-year-old comes here off the back of an encouraging display when second to Ahoy Senor in the Grade 2 Towton at Wetherby and looking back to the start of the season got the better of fair types Gabynako and Magic Daze at Galway. Mullins knows how to place a horse to win a big handicap, as we’ve seen with The Shunter, and isn’t overly burdened by a mark of 147.

Selection: Noble Yeats 9/1

3.30 – Champion Hurdle

I’m not one to agree with Matt Chapman often but I have to say that I’m with him on his recent views on Honeysuckle. The fact is, despite being absolutely superb in winning the races she’s won, she has never faced a really top-notch rival and could easily have been beaten by Benie Des Dieux in her last real test in the Mares’ Hurdle two years ago. For me she faces her toughest task yet in the form of Appreciate It here, who romped home to win the Supreme last year and of whom there have been good vibes about his preparation from Closutton, despite not having a run this term. I hope Honeysuckle proves herself to be a true champion by coming out on top and claiming back to back Champion Hurdles but from a betting perspective the 6/4 you can still get on Appreciate It without her is definitely the bet, with the very real prospect that those two could come well clear of the rest.

Selection: Appreciate It (without Honeysuckle) 6/4

4.10 – Mares’ Hurdle

Ireland have totally dominated this race down the years and it’s likely to be a similar story this year. Stormy Ireland is the one for me and I believe she’s actually one of the best value bets still on offer at 6/1. Concertista would have offered a real threat but she’s Mares’ Chase bound, so the path is clear for the eight-year-old to get a well-deserved victory after previously having to tackle the likes of Honeysuckle and Benie Des Dieux in this race. There’s no-one of that standard this year and the form of her Grade 2 Relkeel Hurdle success at Cheltenham last time out on New Year’s Day is clear of any of her rivals. Get on before people see sense and back her into favouritism on the day.

Selection: Stormy Ireland 6/1

4.50 – Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle

Not much to say about this race except that Gaelic Warrior looks obviously well-handicapped on his French form and it could well be another one for Willie Mullins. At the prices not one to get too involved in though.

Selection: Gaelic Warrior 9/4

5.30 – National Hunt Novices’ Chase

Day one could well end with the name Mullins once again next to the winner with Stattler holding outstanding claims for the same owner-trainer partnership that took this race with Rathvinden in 2018. There have been lots of shouts for Run Wild Fred, mainly because of his experience in relation to the favourite, but is he really good enough? Yes, he’s been consistent in big handicaps but was well beaten by Fury Road when facing Grade 1 company at Christmas and I think the same fate will befall him here. Stattler’s jumping has looked very assured in his two chase starts so far and his victory over Farouk D’alene looks very solid form, with that horse winning a Grade 2 against Beacon Edge last time out.

Selection: Stattler 11/4

Wednesday

1.30 – Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle

It’s hard to see past Sir Gerhard giving Ireland a fifth consecutive win in the 2m 5f contest and Willie Mullins his first since Yorkhill in 2016, when the trainer also made a late call about the eventual destination of the winner. Last year’s Champion Bumper winner has been dominant in winning his two hurdle starts and is likely to have too much class for his rivals. I’ve liked Journey With Me all season but I think they are going for the wrong race, with the slog of the Albert Bartlett much more his thing, but can definitely see Henry De Bromhead’s charge giving the favourite most to worry about.

Selection: Sir Gerhard Evens

2.10 – Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase (aka RSA)

With Galopin Des Champs Marsh-bound, the door seems very much open for Bravemansgame to cap a fine first chasing season with success for Paul Nicholls. The champion trainer took this with Topofthegame in 2019 and his contender this year has been hugely impressive so far over the bigger obstacles, his jumping a joy to behold. He easily dismissed Ahoy Senor in the Feltham at Christmas and there’s no reason to see roles reversed.

Selection: Bravemansgame 15/8

2.50 – Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle

There’s the usual guessing game in terms of who runs here or goes elsewhere. Of the Mullins battalion I’d be particularly interested in Five O’Clock if he starts, a horse that was last seen finishing seventh in the Martin Pipe back in 2020. There were a few good words about him being a potential big improver after that, alas he’s been beset by injury and we’ve not seen him. Of those who look more certain to run, Camprond is the one who interests me most. A winner of the always strong Persian War at the start of the season, he followed up with an easy success at Cheltenham’s October meeting before a very creditable fourth in the Greatwood a month later. The step back up in trip here in his in favour and a mark of 140 looks workable.

Selections: Camprond 10/1 & Five O’Clock 20/1 (NRNB)

3.30 – Queen Mother Champion Chase

Arguably the race of the meeting and if it’s anything like the clash we saw between Shishkin and Energumene at Ascot we are in for a treat. I think Shishkin can confirm the places but is by no means the banker some say he is, especially when you add Chacon Pour Soi to the mix as well. Indeed I think the bet here (if you need to have one) is the 10/11 being offered by Paddy Power and Betfair on the Rich Ricci-owned runner without the top two.

Selection: Chacon Pour Soi (without Shishkin and Energumene) 10/11

4.10 – Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase

Tiger Roll could well romp to another Cheltenham success here, and who wouldn’t want to see it, as a fitting end to a fantastic career. For a bit of each way value though I like the chances of Back on the Lash for Martin Keighley. A winner over the course in November, the trainer reported the horse ran flat a month later, so you can draw a line through his run there, even though he wasn’t disgraced in fifth. Keighley has previous in this race, with his Any Currency coming home in front in the 2016 edition before later being stripped of the race due to a banned substance being found in a drugs test.

Selection: Back on the Lash 16/1

4.50 – Grand Annual Handicap Chase

He has the option of the Arkle too, but if Alex Hales’ For Pleasure takes this route then off a mark of 138 he looks an outstanding bet at 33/1 . A 37-length winner at Plumpton in December, he’s been mixing it against the likes of Edwardstone and Third Time Lucki since. It’s worth remembering he was third in last year’s Supreme and you can see him going off in front and trying to make all. The other one I like is Thyme White, who won easily at Doncaster in December and looks to have some wiggle room in his mark of 142.

Selections: For Pleasure 33/1 & Thyme White 12/1

5.30 – Champion Bumper

At this stage on Wednesday I can see a number of multiples on Sir Gerhard, Bravemansgame and Shishkin running onto Facile Vega, and for me, this could be the Annie Power moment for many punters where they all fall down. There can be no doubt about the pleasing impression the son of Quevega left when trouncing a field of previous winners at Leopardstown last month, but I found it very interesting when interviewed after that Patrick Mullins, unprompted, brought up the fact that there wouldn’t be much between the winner he’d just ridden and Redemption Day. Available at five times the price of the current favourite, Redemption Day won with bloodless ease at the Leopardstown Christmas meeting and you wonder if he would have been just as impressive as Facile Vega if the roles would have been reversed and he had run at the Dublin Racing Festival. At the prices he’s easily the value bet as Mullins bids for a fourth win in five years in this race.

Selection: Redemption Day 11/2

Thursday

1.30 – Turners Novices’ Chase

A mouth-watering clash lay in store between Bob Olinger and Galopin Des Champs. Both winners at last year’s Festival, the latter has impressed in his two chase wins at Leopardstown, although while Bob Olinger’s jumping has been less exuberant it’s the De Bromhead runner I’m sticking with. I can see him kicking in the turbo charge up the hill when asked by Rachael Blackmore, just as he did when romping to success in the Ballymore 12 months ago.

Selection: Bob Olinger 6/5

2.10 – Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle

Festival form always comes into calculations and few have better than Sire Du Berlais. Twice a winner of this race before, Gordon Elliott’s charge was then second behind Flooring Porter in last year’s Stayer’s Hurdle. He comes into the Pertemps this year off a mark of 156, four pounds higher than when last winning the race in 2020 but with leading amateur Rob James lined up to take off 7lb. You can see him being punted into fairly short odds on the day and the 13/2 available now might be worth snapping up.

Selection: Sire Du Berlais 13/2

2.50 – Ryanair Chase

There’s no such thing as a banker but Allaho is the closest thing to it at this year’s Festival. I can’t see anything other than him repeating his success of 12 months ago.

Selection: Allaho 8/13

3.30 – Stayers’ Hurdle

This year’s renewal is a real puzzle with four or five in with big claims of success. Many of the leading protagonists are far from reliable, with Klassical Dream blowing out last time seen and Champ failing to back up his comeback win in the Long Walk when beaten by Paisley Park in the Cleeve. And as for the last named – well, anything could happen with him before they even get started! Defending champion Flooring Porter is the most solid option, but I’ve decided to give Champ another chance, thinking a return to his form of Ascot would be about the strongest form on offer. Not a race to get too involved in though.

Selection: Champ 5/1

4.10 – Plate Handicap Chase

The Glancing Queen goes into the Plate on the back of a fine start to her chasing career, winning her first two (both in listed company) before only finding the progressive L’Homme Presse too strong in the Grade 2 Dipper when stepping out of mares only company for the first time. That form brings the eight-year-old, who was fifth in the 2019 Champion Bumper behind Envoi Allen and Thyme Hill among others, bang in the mix here and off 141 she holds great each way claims.

Selection: The Glancing Queen 8/1

4.50 – Mares’ Novices Hurdle

My vote here goes to Grangee, who had a good bumper season last term for Wille Mullins, beating Party Central and Brandy Love to win the Grade 2 mares race at the Dublin Racing Festival, before finishing sixth in the Champion Bumper behind Sir Gerhard. She then finished her season with victory in a Grade 3 at the Punchestown Festival. After opening her hurdling account on debut with a facile success at Fairyhouse, the six-year-old daughter of Great Pretender was pitched into Grade 1 open company at Christmas, only beaten four and a half lengths in the Future Champions Novice Hurdle when finishing fourth behind Mighty Potter. Reverting back to mares company she fell two out back at Fairyhouse in January when last seen in a race won by Allegorie De Vassy, who misses the Festival with injury. She looked like she was just about to make her challenge when coming down but consequently you can get 7/1 here in what looks a very open race. Based on her bumper form alone I’d expect her to be bang there when they come over the last.

Selection – Grangee 7/1

5.30 – Kim Muir Amateur Jockeys’ Handicap Chase

Thursday’s finale can go to Nicky Henderson’s Mister Coffey, who is yet to get his head in front over fences but has been placed in his three attempts so far, the last of which second to L’Homme Presse in the Grade 1 Scilly Isles. According to the trainer he’s been crying out for a step up in trip and to go left-handed, both of which he gets here. Always a horse with bags of potential, he runs off 137 and shouldn’t be far away.

Selection – Mister Coffey 14/1

Friday

1.30 – Triumph Hurdle

Who would have known at the time that a three-year-old maiden hurdle on an unspectacular Punchestown card on a Friday in December would feature the main protagonists for the Triumph, but thus it was as Pied Piper just held off the challenge of Vauban. Since then the winner that day proved even more impressive when winning hard held by nine lengths at Cheltenham a month later, while Vauban reappeared at the Dublin Racing Festival, showing a fine turn of foot to dismiss previous season-long Triumph favourite Fil Dor. It promises to be a tremendous contest between the two again and I’m just falling on the side of the Vauban to turn the tables on his old foe.

Selection – Vauban 7/4

2.10 – County Handicap Hurdle

Always a fiercely competitive race, I’ve picked out two I like. Nigel Twiston-Davies’ I Like To Move It was only just edged out by a short head in the Betfair Hurdle when last seen, proving he has no issues with the hustle and bustle of big field handicaps like this. He also has course form, winning at both the October and November meetings at Cheltenham this season. I also like the chances of Gavin Cromwell’s My Mate Mozzie, although the trainer has been quoted as saying in recent days that the horse isn’t a guaranteed runner. If he does take his chance then form such as his short-head second in the Royal Bond, finishing ahead of Mighty Potter, gives him a great shout in this.

Selections – I Like To Move It 10/1 & My Mate Mozzie 14/1

2.50 – Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle

Clinging onto any lingering hopes that Journey With Me turns up here in a late U-turn, I’d be all over him if he did and it might just be worth taking the 13/2 available in the knowledge that you’ll get your money back if he doesn’t run. At a bigger price I also advise taking a chance on Ramillies, Willie Mullins’ grey who was a good winner at Punchestown last month and has always been well thought of at Closutton. Like Journey With Me he’d relish the step up in trip, although both selections could well swerve the race if pre-race comments are to be believed. If neither runs then Ginto looks to be the most likely winner.

Selection – Journey With Me 13/2 (NRNB) & Ramillies 20/1 (NRNB)

3.30 – Gold Cup

A wide open Gold Cup with no real superstars on show. I don’t know what it is but I can’t have Galvin, even though I have to admit that he’s proved to me this season he is a much better horse than I thought he was. He’ll also be staying on at the finish but I’m hoping that A Plus Tard will have put the race to bed by then. Second last year, he looked better than ever when starting his 2021/22 campaign with a 22-length demolition job in the Betfair Chase at Haydock, before just being done on the line by the aforementioned Galvin in the Savills Chase at Christmas. Freshened up since, I think he can turn the tables here. At a much bigger price I’d also advise throwing a few pennies at the old boy Santini, who I can see running into a place. Notoriously hard to get fit, he should be spot on for this after his second to Chantry House in the Cotswold Chase when last seen in January. Now trained by Polly Gundry, he was beaten a neck in the 2020 renewal by Al Boum Photo and has shown signs this season that some of the spark is still there.

Selections – A Plus Tard 7/2 & Santini 50/1

4.10 – Hunters’ Chase

Not a race to get heavily involved in, but I’m with Bob and Co to provide a fairytale Festival winner for David Maxwell. He’s already shown he can beat Billaway, after doing so at Punchestown last year, so why can’t he repeat the dose here?

Selection – Bob and Co 7/1

4.50 – Mares’ Chase

Concertista is my strongest fancy of the final day and can banish the anguish of getting done on the line in the Mares’ Hurdle at last year’s Festival. She’s taken to chasing like a duck to water, winning two Grade 2s comfortably and comes to Cheltenham with Festival figures of 212 from her previous three March visits. Stablemate Elimay provides her biggest challenger but I don’t think she’s been in the same form this season and we learnt little from her stroll in the park to win a listed contest at odds of 2/13 at Naas last month.

Selection – Concertista 7/2

5.30 – Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle

The Festival finale has gone to Ireland in three of the last four years and I don’t see that changing this time. As mentioned in my comments on the Coral Cup, Five O’Clock is a horse worth backing if he goes to either that race or this one, while my other main fancy is Gordon Elliott’s Chemical Energy. A race that the trainer targets with some of his better prospects, this has been the aim for the six-year-old all season, a campaign that has seen him win two or his three starts over timber, beating a decent yardstick in Lunar Display when last seen, while defeat at the hands of My Mate Mozzie is by no means a disgrace. A smart bumper horse last season, he looks primed to be in the shake-up here.

Selections – Chemical Energy 8/1 & Five O’Clock 16/1 (NRNB)