With Constitution Hill doubtlessly atmosphere off because the shortest-priced favourite in Champion Hurdle historical past, the Ultima Handicap Chase might be the point of interest for plenty of punters at the Festival’s opening day and Happy golucky (2.50) has a very good likelihood at round 16-1 to support on his shut 2nd in the similar race in 2021.
Kim Bailey has obviously geared his program this season round a go back to the Festival and he steps again as much as 3 miles-plus in first-time cheekpieces after completing unplaced over an insufficient shuttle remaining time. Anything with regards to his highest shape turns out positive to make him a significant participant.
Cheltenham 1.30 An enchanting for-him-or-against-him favourite to start out the assembly. Facile Vega, remaining season’s Champion Bumper winner, beat the third-favourite, Il Etait Temps, with one thing to spare in December, however tamely surrendered his unbeaten report to the similar horse on the Dublin Racing Festival remaining month. Pilot error – particularly, Paul Townend going off too exhausting – was once put ahead as a no longer totally convincing excuse so Marine Nationale might be higher at round 9-2, having gained the Grade One Royal Bond in December with extra to spare than the slim margin would possibly suggest.
Cheltenham 2.10 There was once little or no to make a choice from Jonbon and El Fabiolo, the winner and runner-up respectively, within the Grade One Top Novice Hurdle at Aintree remaining spring and it’s more likely to be a identical tale over fences. Either may just get started favourite if the punters get at the back of them, however El Fabiola He post the most efficient efficiency by means of a two-mile newbie this season within the Irish identical at Leopardstown remaining month and his 10-length luck was once sponsored up by means of a robust time.
Cheltenham 3.30 The second the National Hunt has been looking forward to since remaining yr’s Supreme Novice Hurdle, as charter hill bids to take his position a number of the recreation’s all-time greats at the Champion Hurdle roll of honor. One report is already inside of achieve as even the mighty three-time winner, Sir Ken, by no means began at shorter odds than 2-5 and Nicky Henderson’s gelding is not any larger than 4-11 to overcome six competitors. States Man could be a worthy favourite in some other yr, however Constitution Hill can take care of any tempo and even make the working if vital so even a extremely tactical race is not likely to reason him any issues.
Cheltenham 4.10 An remarkable renewal of the Mares’ Hurdle, with two former Champion Hurdle winners up opposed to Marie’s Rock, who took this remaining yr, and a number of other extra reside contenders. Marie’s Rock was once to begin with penciled in for the Stayers’, however cushy floor way she has been re-routed right here and her flip of foot from the remaining hurdle may just turn out decisive.