The feature race at Cheltenham is the World Hurdle with last year’s winner Cole Harden likely to make it a true test for the thirteen who go to post; the ground has come right for the Warren Greatrex runner and he must run a big race with conditions to suit but Thistlecrack (3.30) has looked the one to beat for this race all season and should not be deserted.
Trainer Colin Tizzard has hinted the horse will be sent chasing next season with the Gold Cup rather than the RSA Chase his target; such is the esteem he is held at in the yard. He is currently 6/5 with BetVictor but looks to have every base covered given he stays well, goes in the ground and is clearly going the right way.
The JLT Novices’ Chase opens the card and Garde La Victoire (1.30) can maintain his unbeaten record over fences for Philip Hobbs and Richard Johnson; connections thought long and hard about the horse in the Arkle but must be relieved they went for this option having witnessed Douvan’s magnificent performance on Tuesday. At 5/1 with BetVictor I would be disappointed if the Hobbs runner didn’t make the frame.
The Ryanair looked a fascinating race before the 11th hour defection of Vautour from the Gold Cup, a move handled poorly by connections. The owner suggested the horse has failed to impress in recent weeks but they surely wouldn’t be running the horse if he wasn’t 100% fit. He is obviously the most likely winner but an each way alternative is the recommendation in light of the reports of his below par homework.
The Hobbs duo are respected as is the admirable Al Ferof but Road To Riches (2.50) who finished third in the Gold Cup last year is the each way alternative to the Mullins-trained favourite. The selection finished second in the Irish Gold Cup when last seen at Leopardstown and I think this trip is ideal; at 8/1 with BetVictor I would be disappointed if he was out of the frame.
I’ve never considered Our Kaempfer (2.10) truly a thorough stayer but he will love the ground, has a touch of class and looks well handicapped for Charlie Longsdon in the Pertemps Final. At 12/1 with BetVictor (ew 5 places) he can make the frame.
In the shoulder races the fancies are Kings Palace (4.10) for David Pipe despite the fact that he is not reported to have schooled as well as the yard had hoped in the build up to the event; as a novice his fencing was quick and brave and we might know our fate early in the piece.
The mare Limini (4.50) is considered by many close to the Mullins’ yard as a banker and she cannot be opposed; she is a shade of odds on at 5/6 with BetVictor but can be another for the Mullins bandwagon.
Doctor Harper (5.30) can take the finale for Britain; he was rerouted from the Ultima Handicap on the first day and Will Biddick takes the ride. He is the 5/1 joint favourite at BetVictor and he is another confident each way selection.
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