13:30

Cheltenham Festival Heats Up: Ballyburn Leads the Charge in the Gallagher Novices’ Hurdle

The prestigious Gallagher Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1), also known as the Baring Bingham Novices’ Hurdle, takes center stage at the Cheltenham Festival on Wednesday, March 13th. This year’s race promises to be a thrilling contest with several exciting young prospects vying for glory.

Ballyburn (4/11) heads the betting after his dominant victories at Leopardstown and most recently against Slade Steel. Trained by Willie Mullins, he boasts an impressive record and is widely considered a potential top-class performer.

Handstands (11/1) has also enjoyed an unbeaten run over hurdles, showcasing excellent jumping and stamina. His trainer, Ben Pauling, holds a good record in this race, claiming victory in 2017.

Ile Atlantique (11/2) represents another strong Mullins contender. After a promising return from a layoff, he narrowly missed out in a Grade 1 contest and appears to have further improvement in him.

Predators Gold (17/2) boasts an impressive debut win and has shown competitiveness in higher-level races. However, his tendency to push the pace early on might hinder him in this longer trip.

Jingko Blue (14/1) and Mercurey (18/1) are interesting outsiders with promising recent form. They will need significant improvement to challenge the leading contenders.

The Grey Man (125/1) is a longshot making his first appearance at this level.

Ballyburn appears to be the horse to beat based on his dominant recent wins and the trainer’s strong record. However, the presence of several talented contenders like Ile Atlantique and Handstands makes this a race not to be missed.

Key views

• Favorable: Ballyburn (4/11)
• Strong Contenders: Ile Atlantique (11/2), Handstands (11/1), Predators Gold (17/2)
• Outsiders: Jingko Blue (14/1), Mercurey (18/1)

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14:10

The prestigious Cheltenham Champion Chase is upon us, and this year’s edition promises to be a battle for the ages. Six top-class contenders will vie for glory, each with their own strengths and potential. Let’s delve into the key horses:

1. Fact To File (5/6): The current favorite boasts an impressive pedigree. He transitioned seamlessly to fences, showcasing his talent with a dominant Grade 1 victory at Leopardstown. His jumping prowess and stamina for the extended distance make him the horse to beat.

2. Stay Away Fay (3/1): The reigning Albert Bartlett champion returns with a vengeance. He has thrived over fences this season, adding Grade 2 victories to his name. His experience and fighting spirit pose a significant threat to the newcomers.

3. Monty’s Star (11/2): Half-brother to the legendary Monalee, Monty’s Star is steadily climbing the ranks. A convincing winner at Punchestown and a strong showing in a competitive maiden chase highlight his potential.

4. American Mike (11/1): This progressive youngster has already tasted success over fences. His recent Grade 2 victory showcased his ability to handle the demanding distance. He shouldn’t be underestimated.

5. Giovinco (20/1): Undefeated over hurdles, Giovinco has translated his talent to fences. A recent win and a close second in a Grade 2 race demonstrate his potential to cause an upset.

6. Sandor Clegane (18/1): While yet to win over fences this season, Sandor Clegane has shown promise. His close chase in a Grade 3 race hints at his ability on his day.

The Verdict: This race promises to be a close contest. Fact To File’s dominant form makes him the frontrunner, but Stay Away Fay’s experience and Monty’s Star’s raw talent cannot be ignored. American Mike and Giovinco are interesting outsiders with the potential to surprise.

• Fact To File: The current favorite (5/6) and boasts impressive form, making him the logical choice.
• Stay Away Fay: The defending champion (3/1) has experience and fighting spirit, posing a significant threat.
• Monty’s Star: (11/2) displays steady improvement and has the potential to cause an upset.

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14:50

The Coral Cup Hurdle, a prestigious handicap event at the Cheltenham Festival, promises another year of fierce competition. Here’s a closer look at the 25 contenders:

Top Contenders:

• Sa Majeste (9/2): Returning from an eight-month break, he boasts a recent win over Grand National winner Noble Yeats. His opening handicap mark makes him a serious threat.
• Doddiethegreat (6/1): Unbeaten under Rules and a close second in the Imperial Cup, he has the potential to excel in this extended trip.
• Built By Ballymore (7/1): Following impressive novice hurdle wins, he’s likely to progress further in this handicap debut.
• Langer Dan (7/1): The defending champion seeks a repeat victory. While his recent form hasn’t been stellar, his experience and jockey Harry Skelton shouldn’t be underestimated.

Other Interesting Runners:

• Brazil (12/1): A horse with a winning pedigree, he has the potential to cause an upset.
• Lucky Place (12/1): Unbeaten in five career starts, he’s a progressive hurdler with the chance to shine on his handicap debut.
• First Street (14/1): A smart hurdler with a close third-place finish in the Christmas Hurdle, he shouldn’t be ignored.

Factors to Consider:

• Weight: Lower weighted horses like Zanndabad (10-2) might hold an advantage.
• Course experience: Horses with a history of success at Cheltenham could perform better.
• Recent form: Current form and performance trends are crucial indicators.

The Verdict:

This race promises to be a close contest with several horses holding strong chances. Sa Majeste, Doddiethegreat, Built By Ballymore, and Langer Dan are the frontrunners based on their recent form and potential. However, the presence of exciting prospects like Brazil, Lucky Place, and First Street adds intrigue to the race.

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15:30

Cheltenham Champion Chase 2024: A Thrilling Showdown Looms

The Queen Mother Champion Chase, the pinnacle of two-mile chasing, promises another enthralling chapter at the Cheltenham Festival. This year’s edition brings together a formidable cast of eight contenders, each vying for the coveted title. Let’s delve into the key players:

The Undisputed Favorite:

• El Fabiolo (1/2): Unbeaten in his six chase starts, including a dominant victory at Leopardstown last month, El Fabiolo reigns supreme in the ante-post market. His imperious form and the track’s suitability make him a formidable force.

The Serious Challenger:

• Jonbon (9/2): A top-class chaser with a Grade 1 win under his belt, Jonbon holds the potential to dethrone the champion. A slight mistake cost him victory in the rearranged Clarence House, highlighting his potent threat.

The Resurgent Contender:

• Edwardstone (13/2): The 2022 Arkle winner, Edwardstone, bounced back to form with a convincing win at Newbury. His revised tactics and renewed confidence make him a strong contender for a podium finish.

Outsiders with a Chance:

• Elixir De Nutz (25/1): This veteran chaser has enjoyed a fruitful season, most notably edging past Jonbon in the rearranged Clarence House. While a repeat performance is no guarantee, he shouldn’t be entirely disregarded.
• Captain Guinness (17/2): A high-class chaser with a winning return, Captain Guinness could potentially challenge for a place finish.

The Longshots:

• The remaining horses (Boothill, Funambule Sivola, Gentleman De Mee) are priced at higher odds but possess the capability to cause an upset on their day.

The Verdict:

El Fabiolo appears destined for victory based on his current form. However, Jonbon’s raw talent and Edwardstone’s resurgence cannot be ignored. Expect a thrilling battle for supremacy between these three leading contenders.

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16:10 – ABANDONED due to rain

The Glenfarclas Chase (Cross Country):

The Glenfarclas Chase (Cross Country), a unique and demanding test of stamina and jumping prowess, is set to enthrall racing fans at the Cheltenham Festival. Here’s a closer look at the contenders:

Leading contenders:

• Minella Indo (5/2): A two-time Festival winner (Gold Cup 2021) boasts an exceptional record. While not at his peak, his decent showing in the December handicap here keeps him in the conversation.

• Delta Work (9/4): Seeking a hat-trick in this race, he comes off a quiet season but has a proven track record at the Festival.

• Coko Beach (5/2): The 2023 Troytown Handicap winner enters in top form, having dominated his first attempt at a cross-country contest at Punchestown.

• Galvin (11/2): A tough competitor with a strong Festival record (2021 NH Chase winner). Runner-up to Delta Work last year, he appears well-prepared for another tilt.

Outsiders to watch:

• Foxy Jacks (10/1): Showed promise in the December handicap and could surprise with a return to this discipline.

• Stattler (14/1): The 2022 National Hunt Chase winner needs to rediscover his form, but cannot be completely ruled out.

Dark Horses:

• Fameaftertheglory (28/1): Consistent performer in this race but lacks the pedigree of the top contenders.

• Francky Du Berlais (33/1): A course specialist with decent recent form, but the increased difficulty might be a challenge.

Race factors:

• Course experience: Horses familiar with the demanding Cheltenham cross-country course hold an advantage.

• Jumping ability: Negotiating the unique obstacles is crucial, and adept jumpers will be at a forefront.

• Stamina: The extended trip (3 miles 5 furlongs and 56 yards) demands exceptional endurance.

The Verdict: This race promises to be a thrilling battle between the seasoned campaigners like Minella Indo and Delta Work, and the in-form Coko Beach. While Galvin and Foxy Jacks can’t be ignored, the race remains open with several potential contenders.

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16:50

The prestigious Cheltenham Festival continues with the thrilling Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Challenge Cup Handicap Chase, a premier handicap race featuring 17 top contenders. This race promises a fierce battle, with each horse boasting unique strengths and carrying different weights to even the playing field. Here’s a closer look at some of the key entries:

Frontrunners:

• Libberty Hunter (6/1): Progressive chaser with back-to-back wins, including a convincing victory here at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day.
• Saint Roi (13/2): Boasts an impressive record at Cheltenham, including a County Hurdle win in 2020. His recent fourth-place finish suggests he’s in good form for a challenge.
• Madara (7/1): Last year’s winner of this race, carrying 8 lbs less weight this time around.

Potential Upsets:

• Dancing On My Own (14/1): Consistent performer in handicap chases, winning the Red Rum at Aintree last year.
• Solness (16/1): Has shown improvement in recent handicaps, placing third at Leopardstown.
• Hardy Du Seuil (14/1): Dual winner over fences and returning to chasing after a successful hurdling campaign.

Factors to Consider:

• Weight: Horses carrying lighter weights have a potential advantage.
• Course experience: Previous success at Cheltenham can be a significant factor.
• Jockey skill: A skilled jockey can significantly influence a horse’s performance.

The Verdict:

This race is wide open, with several horses holding strong chances. Libberty Hunter’s recent form makes him a favorite, but Saint Roi’s experience and Madar

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17:30

Weatherbys Champion Bumper: A Battle of Youngsters Awaits

The prestigious Weatherbys Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham Festival is upon us, featuring a field of 24 promising youngsters vying for glory. Here’s a closer look at the contenders:

Leading contenders:

• Jasmin De Vaux (5/1): Unbeaten in his sole point-to-point start and justified favoritism on his Rules debut. Trained by the legendary Willie Mullins, who boasts a remarkable record in this race.
• Jalon D’oudairies (13/2): Another exciting prospect from Gordon Elliott’s yard, boasting two wins from two bumpers. Likely to be ridden positively and possesses the potential to make a bold showing.
• Cantico (8/1): Won his sole point-to-point and followed up with a promising victory in a bumper at Navan. Paul Townend takes the reins, adding further intrigue.
• The Yellow Clay (8/1): Won his first two starts and caught the eye when finishing strongly in a Grade 2 race. Holds potential for a bigger performance.
• Romeo Coolio (8/1): Highly touted horse with a point-to-point win and a comfortable victory on his Rules debut. Possesses immense potential but needs to show improvement.

Other notable contenders:

• Teeshan (10/1): Easy winner of his point-to-point and followed up impressively in an Exeter bumper. Represents the pick of the British-trained runners.
• You Oughta Know (11/1): Consistent performer with a Grade 2 placing to his name. May lack the raw potential of some rivals.
• Fleur Au Fusil (11/1): Promising mare who has won both her starts with ease. Top yard and the addition of a hood make her interesting.
• Junta Marvel (12/1): Looked talented last year and holds the ability to make an impact if fully fit.

Factors to consider:

• Trainer record: Trainers like Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott have a history of success in this race.
• Jockey skill: Top jockeys like Paul Townend and Rachael Blackmore can significantly influence the outcome.

a’s course pedigree shouldn’t be overlooked. Horses like Dancing On My Own, Solness, and Hardy Du Seuil possess the potential to cause an upset.

GOOD LUCK ☘️☘️

Disclaimer:

• Remember, this analysis provides insights based on past performances and should not be interpreted as betting advice.

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