Cheltenham

JCB Triumph Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

Majborough

Kargese

Salver

Willie Mullins saddled the first four home last year and holds all the aces again with 7 runners, MAJBOROUGH looking the pick after his fine start for the yard behind stablemate Kargese at Leopardstown. He's open to plenty of improvement and can come out on top. Salvator Mundi found only the absent Sir Gino too good in France on his debut 11 months ago and is an intriguing runner. Nurburgring and Salver are also in the mix.

BetMGM County Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

Sky Bet paying 7 places instead of 4

SKY BET EXTRA PLACE RACE

Absurde

L'eau Du Sud

Pied Piper

Magical Zoe

Plenty with solid claims and it may pay to take a chance on SO SCOTTISH. Still going well when falling over fences here earlier this term, he teed himself up nicely for a tilt at this with a good fourth over hurdles at Leopardstown 6 weeks ago and his mark looks a workable one for a yard that has already hit the target this week. The improving King of Kingsfield, now handicapping, and Betfair Hurdle second L'eau du Sud are other key players. Risk Belle and Absurde are also shortlisted.

Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) (Registered As The Spa Novices' Hurdle) (GBB Race)

Sky Bet paying 5 places instead of 3

Stellar Story

The Jukebox Man

Dancing City

READIN TOMMY WRONG maintained his unbeaten record in the manner of a high-class staying prospect in the Lawlor's of Naas Novices' Hurdle in January and, with this longer trip likely to yield further improvement, he makes plenty of appeal. High Class Hero is also unbeaten under Rules and is expected to relish a greater test of stamina, while Captain Teague and Dancing City are others to note in an interesting renewal. 

Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

Sky Bet paying 4 places instead of 3

Galopin Des Champs

Gerri Colombe

Corach Rambler

After a couple of defeats GALOPIN DES CHAMPS has reestablished himself as the best around in this division with Grade 1 wins at Leopardstown on his last 2 starts (particularly impressive on the first occasion) and can emulate former stablemate Al Boum Photo and become the ninth dual winner of jump racing's Blue Riband. Fastorslow, who beat the selection twice last year and chased him home at Leopardstown last month, can fill the forecast spot ahead of last year's runner-up Bravemansgame. 

St. James's Place Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters' Chase

Sine Nomine

Its On The Line

Time Leader

ITS ON THE LINE has edged out both Ferns Lock and Billaway already this season and this stiff test of stamina (in testing conditions) is only likely to aid his cause, so he's fancied to confirm superiority over that pair, who boast solid claims of their own. Premier Magic has done nothing wrong since taking this prize at the expense of the selection in 2023, so he also warrants a strong mention. 

Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Chase (Registered As The Liberthine Mares' Chase) (Grade 2) (GBB Race)

Limerick Lace

Dinoblue

Marsh Wren

DINOBLUE had her winning run ended only by the top-class El Fabiolo in the Dublin Chase at Leopardstown last time and this looks hers for the taking back against her own sex with the longer trip unlikely to be an issue. Her stablemate Allegorie de Vassy was an excellent second in this last season and can fill the same spot again, with Limerick Lace a clear best of the rest. 

Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

Sky Bet paying 6 places instead of 4

Better Days Ahead

Waterford Whispers

Quai De Bourbon

Answer To Kayf

Henry de Bromhead kicked off the Festival in style on Tuesday and he can bring down the curtain with WATERFORD WHISPERS, who is improving in leaps and bounds and can have his runner-up effort at Leopardstown over Christmas upgraded given the race wasn't run to suit. Quai de Bourbon is 2-2 for Willie Mullins and he can provide most resistance now handicapping, with last year's runner-up No Ordinary Joe rounding off the shortlist despite his yard's much publicised exasperating week. 

Cheltenham Festival Racecards Friday 15th March 2024