Katie Midwinter (12/03/23)
The Cheltenham Festival is finally upon us. A fantastic four-day feast to enjoy at Prestbury Park, where the best in the sport take each other on in high-class contests. History will be made, champions crowned, favourites beaten, outsiders surprising – anything is possible at Cheltenham. Excitement is building as thousands prepare to gather at the Gloucestershire track, hoping to cheer their chosen horses to victory.
This is a meeting to truly savour with the potential for many heart-warming stories, fairytale endings and sole focus on the equine talents that grace us with their presence at Prestbuy Park.
The meeting kicks off with the son of a Cheltenham champion putting his credentials on the line against rivals that include a former Derby favourite.
A superstar could put in a special performance in the main event, the Champion Hurdle, as Constitution Hill, with the pressure upon him, attempts to put his name in lights.
The Queen of National Hunt bows out in the Mares’ Hurdle. Honeysuckle makes her final appearance at the scene of so many of her victories, where crowds have been overjoyed by her performances alongside Rachael Blackmore.
It would be an emotional ending to a fantastic career if she was able to make it a fairytale finish by passing the post in first-place.
1:30pm – Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1)
The opening race of the Festival, the time when we hear that famous Cheltenham roar, the first Grade One of the week, the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. Constitution Hill broke the track record with his scintillating success last year, beating stablemate Jonbon by twenty-two-lengths. It will take a spectacular performance to match the excitement of that renewal, but there is an intriguing contest on the cards made all the more interesting by the long-time odds-on ante-post favourite’s disappointment at the Dublin Racing Festival.
Willie Mullins boasts seven wins in the race, most recently with Appreciate It in 2021, and his Quevega gelding Facile Vega looks set to go off favourite despite drifting significantly in the market after his Leopardstown defeat. He’ll attempt to make it two successive wins at the meeting following his Champion Bumper victory twelve months ago, and remain on the right path to emulate his dam who recorded a magnificent six successive wins at the prestigious meeting.
The six-year-old has a big reputation to live up to, following in the hoof steps of the champion mare and being by Walk In The Park who boasts the likes of Douvan, Min, potential Festival winners in Jonbon and Ashroe Diamond, as well as the late Ginto, a promising talent who looked set to challenge for last year’s Albert Barlett before suffering a fatal injury, among his progeny.
Prior to his recent failure, Facile Vega was unbeaten under rules, winning six times including his two starts over hurdles. He won his maiden hurdle by fourteen-lengths before winning a Leopardstown Grade One, beating stablemates Il Etait Temps and Ashore Diamond, both of whom have won Graded contests since.
The Tattersalls Ireland Novice Hurdle didn’t go his way, with High Definition pestering him for the lead he led at a ferocious pace, with Joseph O’Brien’s horse following him. The pair quickly ruined their chances, as High Definition unseated at the fourth and Facile Vega faded quickly in the straight, appearing devoid of energy following his earlier exertions.
It may be worth sticking with Facile Vega as it was clear what went wrong last time out and he has shown talent prior to that. At the current prices he’s certainly a more enticing bet and has already shortened slightly in recent days, with the current going described as soft at the track.
His biggest rival may come in the form of owner-trainer Barry Connell’s Marine Nationale, currently unbeaten with four career wins. He won two bumpers before a comfortable maiden hurdle success prior to truly announcing himself as a Supreme contender with a late surge to win the Royal Bond.
Despite flunking the last at Fairyhouse, he showed a great turn of foot and electric speed to chase after leader Irish Point, passing him yards ahead of the finishing post. The form of the race has worked out well, with the runner-up putting in another gallant effort at Naas in a Grade One won by Fairyhouse fourth Champ Kiely.
The tactics of the Supreme will be key. With the keen-going High Definition in the field, as well as a number of potential Mullins pacemakers and the anticipation from the awaiting crowd at Prestbury Park, it’s likely they’ll jump off at a decent gallop that may potentially lead to a stamina test. This could play into the hands of Facile Vega as he has a high-cruising speed and will likely stay on well in the closing stages. A slower run race would perhaps suit Marine Nationale, as he would be able to use his speed to his advantage late on.
Whilst Connell’s charge could be the fastest horse in the race, along with well-bred recent Flat convert High Definition who has previously been competitive in Group One races for Aidan O’Brien, they could both be vulnerable to a race run to suit a staying type, and the ground conditions would be a concern. However, Connell has been bullish about his talented novice and he could well be versatile enough to overcome any challenge he may face in the race. If Facile Vega needs a burst of speed to extend away from his rivals, will he be good enough to beat potentially faster horses? Or will he have enough power in his armour to see him through?
The aforementioned Il Etait Temps was perhaps fortunate to reverse form with Facile Vega when last seen, after he had previously suffered a four-length defeat to his stablemate, however he is worthy of being in consideration as a Grade One winner.
The three main protagonists at Leopardstown were all inconvenienced by the pace of the race, and Il Etait Temps was able to capitalise on their misfortunate by claiming black-type success. He had previously been running in high-class contests in open company, and his extra experience in competitive races could see him run a big race.
Other Mullins runners include recent recruit Diverge, a useful Flat horse in France by Frankel out of a Group Three winning mare. He was beaten on hurdling debut, finishing nearly twenty-lengths behind winner High Definition in a twenty-six-runner Leopardstown affair, but won a Punchestown maiden at a canter when last seen.
Dark Raven can be forgiven for his last run and previously beat Doctor Bravo in a maiden contest on soft ground at Leopardstown, having also won two bumpers on yielding ground. He is the overlooked contender of the Mullins’ contingent, and may be open to further improvement.
Inthepocket looked set for an attempt at the Ballymore before being firmly declared for the Supreme on Sunday morning. Henry de Bromhead’s gelding ran on well to finish second last time out as one of the outsiders of the field at Leopardstown, following two wins over hurdles, including a Grade Two at Naas where he beat Three Card Brag and Absolute Notions. That formline puts him in with a chance of making the frame and he is already proven on softer surfaces.
Paul Nicholls’ Tahmuras is the strongest contender of the home guard. The Ditcheat based trainer last won the race with Al Ferof in 2011, whilst former jockey Noel Fehily won onboard Tom George-trained Summerville Boy in 2018 and is now attempting success with his syndicate.
The French-bred Point-To-Point winner’s only defeat came when narrowly beaten by L’Astroboy on debut under rules. He has since reversed form to land his first Grade One in the Tolworth Hurdle in good fashion at Sandown when last seen, putting him in contention for at least the minor honours at Cheltenham.
British-bred Chasing Fire made it four from four under rules with success at Sandown last month, winning three hurdle races by a combined distance of thirty-eight-lengths. Following a number of visually impressive in easier assignments, the Olly Murphy-trained gelding is unexposed at this level and could be capable of further improvement up in class.
Stablemate Strong Leader runs off the back of three hurdles wins following a bumper second to Encanto Bruno. He comfortably beat Etalon at Aintree, a horse who was last seen putting in a good performance in a Grade Three Handicap on Saturday, and is unexposed at this level.
Charlie Longsdon’s Rare Edition suffered two Point-To-Point defeats before winning his first four races under rules. He was second of four in a Listed event at Huntingdon, beaten by Marble Sands, but was reported to have had an unsatisfactory scope following the race which could have had an effect on his performance.
Outsiders of the field include John McConnell’s course-and-distance winner Fennor Cross, fresh from a win at the November Meeting in the trial race, and Fergal O’Brien’s Palace Boy, second to Luccia in a Listed contest when last seen.
Prediction:
Winner: Facile Vega – W P Mullins, Paul Townend
2. Inthepocket – Henry de Bromhead, Rachael Blackmore
3. Marine Nationale – Barry Connell, Michael O’Sullivan
2:10pm – Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Chase (Grade 1)
Last year’s Arkle Challenge Trophy put the British in an early lead for the Prestbury Cup as Edwardstone prevailed over Irish-raiders Gabynako and Blue Lord. The excitement of a potential Prestbury Cup success proved to be premature, as the Irish eventually prevailed, but the last ten renewals of the Arkle have been equally split between both sides of the Irish Sea, with seven of those winning horses based at either Closutton or Seven Barrows.
The market suggests the winner of this year’s renewal will follow in the footsteps of the likes of Shishkin, Altior and Sprinter Sacre or perhaps Duc des Genievres, Douvan and Un de Sceaux, as Jonbon and El Fabiolo currently share favouritism.
Nicky Henderson’s Jonbon was touted as a potential banker for the Festival, with Paddy Power paying out ante-post punters five-months prior to the date with destiny. The expensive purchase has high expectations to live up to ever since making his debut in a bumper at Newbury two years ago, and has had a lot of unwarranted criticism thrown towards him.
His only career defeat came when he met his stablemate Constitution Hill in the Supreme last year, and being beaten in that manner by possibly the greatest hurdler of his generation is no embarrassment, especially considering the improvement Jonbon was likely to show over fences.
Since going chasing, Jonbon is unbeaten in three runs and has done very little wrong. However, his hefty price tag seems to follow him around like a dark cloud above his head and whatever he does is never deemed good enough by his doubters.
Whilst he may well taste defeat at the Festival once again, he has to be respected on what he has achieved so far, a dual Grade One-winner, with three Grade Two wins to his name as well. Beautiful in appearance, well-mannered and always professional, it will take a special horse to beat him if he is at his best come Tuesday.
El Fabiolo has proved himself as a force to be reckoned with over fences as, despite being prone to a couple of jumping errors in his races, he possesses a remarkable engine and seems to be improving with experience. He was narrowly beaten by Jonbon when the pair met at Aintree over hurdles, but this will be a completely different contest and it’s difficult to split them.
The Willie Mullins-trained gelding put in an exceptional performance to beat a classy field of chasers in the Irish equivalent at the Dublin Racing Festival, and if he is able to match that performance at Cheltenham it is sure to be a battle to savour.
It may come down to whoever travels the strongest throughout the race. If El Fabiolo doesn’t jump with fluency, he may not get away with it at this track. Jonbon was slightly complacent at Warwick in a match race with Calico and, whilst it may have been a more useful preparation than an easy canter around the track, he must be fully focused if to get the better of the Irish threat here.
Away from the two main contenders, there are plenty of other talented runners set to line up. Mullins’ Dysart Dynamo was too free when falling in the Supreme last year and, although he has settled better over fences, he can still be lit up and may find the atmosphere overwhelming. He made easy work of his chase debut with a twenty-eight-length victory over Irascible at Leopardstown, but was slightly disappointing in the closing stages when returning to the scene of his previous win and more is needed.
Saint Roi unseated early on at Leopardstown, but had won a Grade One in his prior run when reversing form with Fil Dor, and is open to further improvement over fences. Stablemate Ha D’or made light work of the field on his debut over fences, comfortably overcoming useful handicapper The Goffer over a longer trip. He was beaten by Indiana Jones in a recent run at Navan, and has to find more if he is to pose a threat in this field.
Hollow Games does appear exposed at this level, but he has run well in competitive company in the past and could be capable of outrunning his huge odds. Course-and-distance winner Straw Fan Jack tasted success here in October when beating Irish-raider Ash Tree Meadow. He wasn’t as impressive in his follow-up runs and looks to be out of his depth at this level. Effernock Fizz and Ballybreeze complete the field with both having won when last seen but seemingly needing to show masses of improvement to feature at the finish.
Prediction:
Winner: Jonbon – Nicky Henderson, Aidan Coleman
2. El Fabiolo – W P Mullins, Paul Townend
3. Hollow Games –Gordon Elliott, Davy Russell
2:50pm – Ultima Handicap Chase (Grade 3 Handicap)
The first handicap of the meeting is a tricky puzzle to solve. In recent years it has provided fans with many exciting finishes.
In 2020, the wonderful The Conditional almost came down at the second last before bravely staying on to overcome his rivals and prevail over the rallying Kildisart with the late Discorama in third, providing his trainer with a first Festival winner. That race is fondly remembered but with great emotion as David Bridgewater’s magnificent winner suffered a fatal injury in a cruel twist of fate the following season when attempting the Denman Chase at Newbury.
The Conditional (2012-2021) (Photo by Michael Harris)
Yet, The Conditional will always be remembered for his Cheltenham Festival success, and his Ultima win will forever remain in the history books.
There are a number of horses lining up for another shot at glory in this year’s renewal, most notably the reigning champion Corach Rambler. Running off a mark of 146, 6lbs higher than when successful last year, he finished a respectable fourth in the Coral Gold Cup when last seen but may be slightly more effective on better ground than expected on Tuesday. He has previous form on softer ground as a novice hurdler but was pulled up in two Point-To-Point runs on a similar surface which raises cause for concern. Despite this he is a strong stayer and proven over course and distance therefore could be in contention if handling conditions.
The progressive Into Overdrive has been in fine form and recorded a four-timer in 2022. He is now rated 35lbs higher than when beginning his winning sequence last March and has only been beaten by one horse since, the classy L’Homme Presse in the Rehearsal Handicap. If able to win on Tuesday he would provide trainer Mark Walford with his first Cheltenham Festival victory in what would be a fantastic training performance.
The eight-year-old gelding’s best form has come on ground with good in the description, therefore the expected softer conditions may be a negative but he must be respected as a consistent in-form contender.
Gary Moore-trained Nassalam is slightly exposed off a mark of 144, but he did run well at the track when 2lbs lower in January and a step up in trip could bring further improvement. Oscar Elite finished third in the race last year when rated 1lbs lower and won a tactical Grade Two affair at Ascot last month. A rating of 139 puts him in with an excellent chance if able to build on his recent success but the ground may raise cause for concern. He won his first two races on heavy but his best form since has been when running on better ground.
Fastorslow is 9lbs higher than when a close second to Commander Of Fleet in last year’s Coral Cup run on attritional ground. Conditions will be no concern for Martin Brassil’s charge, and he could be competitive off a mark of 150. However, there have only been two Irish winners of the race this century, which wouldn’t instil confidence in backers of Fastorslow or fellow Irish-raider The Goffer.
The latter, trained by Gordon Elliott, was given an excellent ride by Davy Russell to gain success at the Dublin Racing Festival when last seen. Although he doesn’t appear particularly well-handicapped off his mark of 149, 11lbs higher for his recent win, he retains a good each-way chance. He finished a disappointing fifteenth in last year’s Martin Pipe Handicap, but had been hampered and had his excuses therefore could fare better here.
Nine of the past eleven winners have been sporting headgear which bodes well for Kim Bailey’s Happygolucky who wears first-time cheekpieces. He faces a tough task off a hefty weight having recently returned to track following a lengthy absence. Two years ago he finished second to Vintage Clouds when rated 5lbs lower, and if able to rediscover that level of form he appears well-handicapped but he’ll need to show significant improvement on his recent run at the track.
David Pipe’s Remastered is 5lbs higher than when winning at Kempton whilst Jonjo O’Neill’s unexposed Monbeg Genius is up 18lbs for three successive wins, attempting a four-timer in his first appearance at the track. The Big Breakaway is up 3lbs for a gallant second-placed effort in the Welsh Grand National. He has been consistent in two runs this season and copes with softer conditions. Tea Clipper is 2lbs higher than when a good fourth in the contest last year and goes well fresh, but the ground will be a concern if it remains soft.
Threeunderthrufive is a potential Grand National horse in the making and has been dropped to a mark of 150. He ran well for a long way at Warwick when last seen, carrying top-weight of 12st in testing conditions. A strong stayer that performs on an easier surface without excelling on it, he is in with a chance as he jumps well and has plenty of stamina, but trainer Paul Nicholls’ record in the race is a slight concern as he is winless in twenty-five attempts at the prize.
The extremely likeable Top Ville Ben put in a fantastic performance to finish third in a competitive handicap at the Dublin Racing Festival, won by The Goffer. Now 5lbs higher, back to his last winning mark of 140, he comes into the race with excellent each-way claims at a big price, given he can get off to a good start and be prominent.
The softer ground should be no concern as he has coped in testing conditions in the past, and it would be no surprise to see the giant ears of the senior gelding pricked coming over the last, with Top Ville Ben striding towards the line, staying on well enough to earn a placed finish.
An interesting outsider in the field is Iceo Madrik, making his debut for David Pipe on the back of a finishing second in a Grade Three run on heavy ground at Cagnes-Sur-Mer. He has previously placed in a Grade One contest for former trainer David Cottin and it will be intriguing to see how he fares in this competitive handicap.
Good Boy Bobby is now 6lbs lower than his last winning mark, having dropped a total of 10lbs during 2022 after a number of disappointing runs. A mark of 140 could allow him to rediscover some of his previous form, and he may be a big danger lurking in the field at a huge price.
The Wolf ran well to finish fourth in the Swinley Chase last month, and has generously been eased 2lbs by the handicapper. He hasn’t won in the past two seasons, which does make him an unreliable win selection, but he often runs well enough to place, staying on late, and is worth considering each-way as another who could outrun his odds at a big price. Off a mark of 130, he carries a low weight of 10st 3lbs, which could make the difference on the ground.
Each-way selections:
Top Ville Ben 33/1 – Philip Kirby, Thomas Dowson
Good Boy Bobby 33/1 – Nigel Twiston-Davies, Daryl Jacob
3:30pm – Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy (Grade 1)
The magnificent Constitution Hill has been favourite for the Champion Hurdle since raising the roof in last year’s Festival opener. Two Grade One wins already this season, he is the shortest-priced favourite of the meeting and appears set to write his name in the history books, worthy of being mentioned in the same sentence as the likes or three-time winner Istabraq, and fellow multiple winners See You Then and Persian War before him.
Reigning champion Honeysuckle looks set to swerve a title defence for the Mares’ Hurdle later on in the card. If attempting to retain her crown, and successful in doing so, she would add her name to the list of record winners of the race, amongst the star-studded names of the aforementioned trio as well as Hatton’s Grace and Sir Ken, as three-time Champion Hurdle winners. Dual-winner of the race Buveur d’Air was the last horse to attempt the feat, but fell at the third hurdle in 2019.
Constitution Hill could be the next to reach such heights over hurdles, but he’ll need to overcome his toughest challenge yet. He has been spectacular so far and there aren’t many more superlatives that can be used to describe him. If he is able to keep things simple and run his own race, he should be galloping up that hill extending away from his rivals with ease, sending the Cheltenham crowd wild once again, just as he did twelve months ago.
Irish-raider State Man deserves credit for the way he has performed in open company this season. After winning the County Hurdle he has improved with every race, beating stablemates Sharjah and Vauban before winning the Irish Champion Hurdle, finishing four-and-three-quarter-lengths ahead of Honeysuckle. He has done little wrong and with such impressive form he’s a dangerous opponent to the favourite.
It’s yet to be seen whether or not he’s good enough to pose a threat to Constitution Hill, as we are yet to see Henderson’s charge be truly asked in his races. If State Man is able to put in a threatening challenge, it will come down to how much Constitution Hill is able to find when taken off the bridle. It’s an intriguing contest that truly excites and is a perfect advertisement for the sport.
The aforementioned Vauban is a young and improving challenger, but is unlikely to trouble the top two in the market this year, with plenty to find to match stablemate State Man on recent form. He is perhaps one to consider in ante-post bets for next year’s Festival, and will certainly be in a better position to win such a contest with the benefit of more experience.
I Like To Move It put in a gallant effort to win the Grade Three Greatwood Handicap Hurdle here at the November Meeting when carrying top-weight of 12st. When last seen he beat three talented rivals to win the Kingwell Hurdle and whilst his form is worthy of being in the conversation for a placed finish, he has 21lbs to find on ratings with the market leader.
Jason The Militant and the front-running Not So Sleepy both appear out of their depth in this company which reflect in their respective prices, whilst Zanahiyr has better claims in this Grade but doesn’t possess the class required to compete with the favourites.
Prediction:
Winner: Constitution Hill – Nicky Henderson, Nico de Boinville
2. State Man – W P Mullins, Paul Townend
3. Vauban – W P Mullins, Danny Mullins
4:10pm – Mares’ Hurdle (Grade 1)
Honeysuckle soared to the top of ante-post markets following her disappointing defeat at Leopardstown to the younger, new kid on the block, State Man. Despite going out on her shield at the Dublin Racing Festival, connections were quick to suggest she wouldn’t be attempting a third Cheltenham Champion Hurdle and may instead head to the Mares’ or be retired.
Racing fans were glad to hear the news that they may see the star mare grace the track for one final goodbye, whilst many were left downbeat as she is seen to be taking the ‘easier option’ by racing solely against her own sex.
This year’s renewal of the race appears to be one of the more competitive Grade One races of the week on paper and will be no easy task for Honeysuckle. She is the class of the field and at her best should be winning, but she has regressed slightly and her best days are behind her. If she was to record one final victory, it would set off an emotive reaction from a crowd that has fallen in love with the partnership of Honeysuckle and jockey Rachael Blackmore.
Reigning champion Marie’s Rock has been confirmed for the race, as connections opt to stick with the shorter trip due to the rainfall at Prestbury Park. She was quite free in the Relkeel Hurdle on her first start of the season but still prevailed quite comfortably and is a formidable opponent to Honeysuckle.
Her stablemate, former Champion Hurdle winner Epatante is also set to line up in the high-class clash of the mares. Having finished behind Constitution Hill on a couple of occasions, she was back in the limelight at Doncaster, winning the Yorkshire Rose easily. She’ll have to be just as good, if not better, here as she faces stiff opposition, but is a classy mare who can never be ruled out.
Love Envoi has been beaten only by Brandy Love when the pair met at Fairyhouse. She is a progressive mare, improving with experience and is worthy of consideration in this hot contest. Boasting a record of seven from eight over hurdles, she has plenty of talent and will thrive in her favoured softer conditions.
The aforementioned Brandy Love will surely improve for her last run, and is in with a big chance if able to return to her novice form. Paul Townend takes the ride onboard the seven-year-old whilst Patrick Mullins partners Echoes In Rain who was last seen winning a Naas Grade Three, beating Cash Back and Bob Olinger. She was staying on well when a faller at the second last in the Hatton’s Grace and benefits from a great amount of experience in classy fields.
Queens Brook beat a field including Brandy Love at Punchestown recently, but is largely inconsistent and unreliable. At her best she is capable of making the frame, and was second in the race last year when a length-and-three-quarters behind Marie’s Rock, with Echoes In Rain in fifth, but this is a stronger renewal.
Six-year-old mare Theatre Glory has been supplemented for the race following a Listed success at Warwick last month. She has only been seen once on soft ground, when third to Grey Dawning in a handicap, and could be capable of better.
Mullins outsider Shewearsitwell could potentially be a dark horse in the race. She is exposed at this level but she has been in good form of late with two wins, toughing it out in a handicap at the start of the season before beating Queens Brook in Grade Three at Leopardstown. Completing the field is 120-rated Midnight Ginger who appears massively out of her depth, with 39lbs to find with top-rated Honeysuckle.
Prediction:
Winner: Honeysuckle – Henry de Bromhead, Rachael Blackmore
2. Marie’s Rock – Nicky Henderson, Nico de Boinville
3. Love Envoi – Harry Fry, Jonathan Burke
4:50pm – Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (The Fred Winter) (Grade 3 Handicap)
Market leader Tekao prepared well for the contest with a third-placed finish in a Grade One Juvenile Hurdle at the Dublin Racing Festival. He had performed well in two runs prior, third on debut behind Comfort Zone and Jazzy Matty before winning his maiden, beating Ascending by half-a-length at Leopardstown.
Set to continue his progression here with a favourite’s chance, the Doctor Dino gelding copes well with softer conditions and should be primed for the meeting by master trainer Willie Mullins.
Charles Byrnes-trained Byker has 5lbs claimer Philip Byrnes onboard, running off a mark of 128. He was third of six in a recent Naas appearance, finishing ahead of Jazzy Matty but behind winner Sir Allen and Morning Soldier.
Many Irish-raiders appear to form closely matched with each other, which makes it a tricky race to predict, but Thomas Mullins’ Morning Soldier does appear to represent plenty of value in comparison with a number of his rivals.
His second when last seen puts him in with an excellent chance of making the frame if building on that performance, but his inconsistency prior to that may raise doubts over whether or not he is good enough at this level. He is yet to win over hurdles and may be one to watch in future having developed further, but he could be a dark horse in the field.
The aforementioned Sir Allen is two from three over hurdles to date, progressing with each run, and will be partnered by Danny Mullins. The four-year-old is trainer Andrew Slattery’s first runner at the Festival, and it would be an incredible moment if he was able to reign victorious. He won his maiden on soft to heavy ground following a second-placed finish to Triumph favourite Blood Destiny, and is in with a great chance if able to match his recent form.
Gary Moore-trained Perseus Way coped well with conditions to finish third behind Comfort Zone at Chepstow over the festive period before beating Samuel Spade to win at Huntingdon then finishing second in a Grade Two won by Nusret last month. He has prior experience at the track having placed second in a Grade Two here at the November Meeting, which could be an advantage come Tuesday.
Ben Pauling’s Bad is the shortest-priced British-based horse in the race, making his debut for the yard. In similar fashion to last year’s favourite Gaelic Warrior, he has no experience outside of France and has only recently made the switch across the English Channel.
Formerly trained by Didier Guillemin, he won a Conditions Hurdle at Bordeaux Le Bouscat when last seen in November, on heavy ground, appears to go well fresh and has Rachael Blackmore onboard. There is plenty to like about his profile and he could be one to watch.
Four-year-old filly Risk Belle had been running respectably in Graded company prior to falling on handicap debut at Leopardstown. JP McManus’ retained jockey Mark Walsh rides favourite Tekao, but Risk Belle could still be one to consider.
Mctigue was disappointing when a short price for the Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso, and has top-weight to contend with off a mark of 142 here. Although he copes well with testing conditions, this could prove to be a step too far for the Grade Two winner.
Each-way selections:
Sir Allen 12/1 – Andrew Slattery, Danny Mullins
Bad 8/1 – Ben Pauling, Rachael Blackmore
5:30pm – National Hunt Challenge Cup Amateur Jockeys’ Novices’ Chase (Grade 2)
Gaillard Du Mesnil proved his staying ability with a third-placed finish in the Irish Grand National last season. He brings Grade One winning form into the race following his success at Leopardstown in December, in a race marred by two fatal injuries to both Unexpected Depth and second favourite Three Stripe Life.
This season he has been well beaten twice by Mighty Potter, and has struggled to win over shorter trips at the top level, but is 8lbs clear of the field on ratings and class should see him prevail in this contest.
Willie Mullins also saddles Tenzing who will have to find more on his recent Navan performance to be competitive. He has good form on softer surfaces, has been consistent, and could be able to outrun his odds of 20/1.
Current second favourite Chemical Energy could pose the biggest threat to the favourite but his best form is on better ground and he was eased when well beaten on soft ground at Naas. He has a 50% strike rate over fences so far and was very convincing in a three-runner field at the track in October when both rivals, including Mahler Mission, disappointed.
Stablemate Minella Crooner stayed on well over a trip just shy of three miles at Fairyhouse last month. He was unlucky to face defeat in a Punchestown Grade Two on his first run of the season, when just touched off by Darrens Hope. More is needed but it’s possible a step up in trip could suit.
Gordon Elliott’s third runner is eight-year-old Fakiera who appears to enjoy marathon trips and will cope with soft conditions. He showed promise as a novice hurdler, finishing among the top two in his first six starts over timber. An attempt at the Albert Barlett in 2021 didn’t go to plan when finishing tenth at odds of 4/1 and he’s yet to record a victory over fences which doesn’t instil confidence.
The aforementioned Mahler Mission has each-way claims if coping with the step up in trip. John McConnell’s charge has shaped as though improvement could come over the extended distance, and the form of his Listed success at Perth has been franked with three horses behind winning since. He has a good engine and certainly enters calculations.
The shortest-priced of the British contenders is Nicky Henderson’s Mister Coffey, a son of Authorized who runs consistently well to place but is yet to taste success over fences. This will be a tough task for a maiden win, but he could be good enough to enter the frame. He was last seen finishing second behind the promising Guetapan Collonges at Uttoxeter last month and has been pulled out of races on four occasions this season on account of the dry ground, therefore the rain-softened ground should suit.
Chris Gordon saddles Coolvalla who recently recorded a four-timer with success at Fontwell. The progressive seven-year-old has been gradually rising in the weights, now 40lbs higher than when beginning his winning sequence. Malinello represents an in-form Ben Pauling yard, but the Malinas gelding will need to show significant improvement on his recent runs. Outsider of the field Bellatrixsa has a mountain to climb on ratings, but she does receive 7lbs from her rivals.
Each-way selection:
Mahler Mission 6/1 – John C McConnell, Mr J C Barry
THE CONDITIONAL 