Journey with me down Cheltenham way
No Cheltenham preview would be complete without the contribution of Noel Hoban, who takes you through some of the big races and is always good for a big outsider to cover your festival expenses.
THE crowds are back. The bookies are back. Most of all, the traditional Cheltenham roar returns after two years of absolute madness.
Today (Tuesday)
The opening Supreme Novices Hurdle looks like one of the strongest renewals in years. Constitution Hill and Jonbon represent Nicky Henderson, while Willie Mullins had Dysart Dynamo, Sir Gerhard, Kilcruit and State Man. Constitution Hill is my confident selection, with Kilcrcuit the best each-way bet.
Farney Hollow’s defection due to injury leaves the Arkle wide open. River De Etal should have beaten Blue Lord at Leopardstown but Edwardstone should beat them all here.
In the Champion Hurdle, the iconic Honeysuckle, unbeaten in 14 starts, puts her huge reputation on the line in search of a repeat of last year's triumph.
However, confidence behind the Willie Mullins' Appreciate It is very strong and I expect to hear the Achill roar if this one triumphs.
There's lots of Irish interest in the Mares Hurdle but I’m going for the smaller Peter Fahey stable to claim the prize with brilliant Gowran winner Royal Kahala.
The Boodles Handicap Hurdle is best left to the Gordon Elliot stable, The Tide Turns (11/2), following three promising runs in novice company he is nicely handicapped
Wednesday
Some supreme refuges may show for the Ballymore and at time of going of press it is to difficult to know. Journey With Me is my nap of the meeting and he should win here for Rachel Blackmore and Henry De Bromhead. Ginto from the Elliot yard is next best.
The Champion Chase could be one of the races of the season. Shiskin (4/6) is unbeaten in all his starts and meets the Mullin pair Emergumene and Chacum Por Soi. Throw last year’s winner Put The Kettle On in the mix and you have yourself a horse race. Shiskin wins for me from.
Tiger Roll goes for a three-timer in the Cross Country but surely his day is over. French horse Diesel D’allier is great value at 16/1.
The Bumper is the battle of the heavyweights, with Facile Vega (11/10) in the Mullins corner and American Mike (5/2) from the Elliot yard. Add Redemption Day and Mercury to the mix and we have a cracker. American Mike will do for me.
Thursday
Thursday is Ryanair and Stayers day, with Allaho looking a good thing.
The Stayers is wide open, with Paisley Park coming from the next parish to win last time. Providing Royal Kahala goes for the Mares, my selection is a repeat for Gavin Cromwell’s Flooring Porter, with Sporting John a good each-way bet.
Friday
The Triumph Hurdle is a favourite of mine and here Pied Piper should dance a merry tune around all his rivals.
In the County Hurdle, providing Journey With Me takes the Ballymore route, I like John Joe O’Neill’s Anyharminasking at a huge price – the only horse to have beaten Constitution Hill, albeit in an Irish point to point.
The Gold Cup is wide open, with last year’s winner Minella Indo without a win this year.
A Plus Tard must be seriously considered, with Galvin also in the mix. Royal Pasquale comes from a stable with a bug but avoiding that and assuming soft ground, he looks excellent value at 20/1 – but he may not be running.
So it's Royal Pasquale if he runs but as that’s unlikely, I’m going for Rachel on A Plus Tard.
The Foxhunters is headed by Billaway, already beaten three times in the race. Leave this to Winged Leader.
In the Martin Pipe Hurdle, State Man is the get-out horse here to what I hope will be a super festival.