By Andrew Atkinson
The four day Cheltenham Festival gets underway on Tuesday March 12, with the pinnacle on Friday March 15 – Gold Cup day.
The Magner’s Cheltenham Gold Cup is a race to whet the appetites of racegoers worldwide with top class horses on show within the National Hunt fraternity in the Sport of Kings.
Native River, winner in 2018, returns to defend his crown, Might Bite, Irish fancied Presenting Percy, trained by Willie Mullins, and Clan Des Obeaux, are amongst the star line up.
Paul Nicholls trained Clan Des Obeaux (3.30), co owned by Sir Alex Ferguson, is no stranger to Leader racing column readers, having been successfully tipped when winning this season.
“Clan Des Obeaux has had a great season,” said Nicholls.
“Everything has gone to plan, he’s a progressive type,” said Nicholls.
Irish trainer Joseph O’Brien saddles Sir Erec (1.30) in The Triumph Hurdle, notably backed down from 6-1 to 11-10: “Sir Erec shows plenty of speed, and has stamina”, said O’Brien.
Jockey Mark Walsh said: “Hopefully he’ll show up at Cheltenham in good form.”
The Randox Health Country Hurdle sees Willie Mullins Uradel* (2.10) entered, along with it also being entered in the Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle (5.30).
The Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle noted entries includes Birchdale, Dickie Diver and Commander Of Fleet.
Gordon Elliott trained Commander Of Fleet (2.50) purchased for a bargain 47,000 euros, is an each way selection.
Richard Hobson trained Shantou Flyer (4.10) is noted (each way) in The Foxhunters Steeple Chase Challenge Cup: “The long term aim has been the Foxhunters – hopefully he’ll peak at Cheltenham,” said Hobson.
The Johnny Henderson Grand Annual entry Magic Saint (5.30) is an each way tip, the Paul Nicholls trained horse specifically trained for the race.
“I’ve always been training him with the Grand Annual in mind – he’s a leading chance,” said Nicholls.
Gordon Elliott trained Dallas des Pictons (4.50) is tipped each way in the Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle: “He’s a nice horse who has improved in every race we’ve had him,” said Elliott.
Tuesday 12 March Champion Day. 1.30 The Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m.
2.10 The Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase (Grade 1) (2m). 2.50 The Ultima Business Solutions Handicap Chase (Grade 3) 3m. 3.30 The Stan James Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy (Grade 1) (Class 1, 2m).
4.10 The OLBG Mares’ Hurdle Race (Grade 2) (2m 4f). 4.50 The JT McNamara National Hunt Chase (Listed Amateur Riders’ Novices’ Chase) (4m). 5.30 The Close Brothers Novices’ Handicap Chase (2m 4f).
Wednesday 13 March Ladies Day. 1.30 The Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) (2m 5f). 2.10 The RSA Steeple Chase (Novices’ Grade 1) (3m). 2.50 The Coral Cup Hurdle (Grade 3 Handicap Hurdle) (2m 5f). 3.30 The Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase (Grade 1) (2m).
4.10 The Glenfarclas Handicap Chase (Cross Country Chase) (3m 7f). 4.50 The Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3) (2m). 5.30 The Weatherbys Champion Bumper (Grade 1 Standard Open NH Flat Race) (2m).
Thursday 14 March. St Patrick’s Thursday. 1.30 The JLT Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) (2m 4f). 2.10 The Pertemps Network Final (Listed Handicap Hurdle) (3m). 2.50 The Ryanair Chase (Grade 1) (2m 5f). 3.30 Sun Bets Stayers Hurdle (Grade 1) (3m).
4.10 The Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate (Grade 3 Handicap Chase) (2m 4f). 4.50 The Trull House Stud Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2) (2 miles 1f). 5.30 The Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Chase (Amateur Riders) (3m 1f).
Friday 15 March – Gold Cup Day. 1.30 The JCB Triumph Hurdle (Juvenile Grade 1) (2m 1f). 2.10 The Randox Health County Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3) (2m 1f).
2.50 The Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) (3m). 3. 30 The Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup (Grade 1) (3m 2f). 4.10 The St James’ Place Foxhunter Chase Challenge Cup (3m 2f). 4.50 The Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (2m 4f). 5.30 The Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Chase (Grade 3 Handicap) (2m).
*Leader racing columnist Andrew Atkinson’s revised updates news and tips will be online daily during the Cheltenham Festival.
