Cheltenham

Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

Sky Bet - Money Back as Cash if Your Horse Loses (Ts&Cs apply)

SKY BET MONEY BACK AS CASH IF YOU LOSE

Slade Steel

Mystical Power

Firefox

SLADE STEEL may have lost his unbeaten record over hurdles at Leopardstown last month, but he bumped into a potentially exceptional novice in Ballyburn (short-priced favourite for the Gallagher) and is fancied to give that form a major boost by taking the curtain raiser. Tullyhill booked his spot for this with a dominant display at Punchestown and, with the timefigure supporting the performance, he requires the utmost respect, while his stablemates Mystical Power and Mistergif add further spice.

My Pension Expert Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices' Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

Sky Bet paying 4 places instead of 3

SKY BET EXTRA PLACE RACE

Gaelic Warrior

Found A Fifty

Il Etait Temps

Although HUNTERS YARN lacks chase experience he was impressive when coasting home in a Fairyhouse maiden last time and the same trainer's Duc des Genievres took this in 2019 having won only a maiden before. The selection's stablemates Gaelic Warrior, who can't have been right last time, and Il Etait Temps have more established credentials having already tasted Grade 1 success over fences and head the dangers along with Found A Fifty. 

Ultima Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

Sky Bet paying 7 places instead of 4

Chianti Classico

Twig

Meetingofthewaters

Famous Bridge

One of the few races Britain has dominated but the Irish look to hold the upper hand this time, their challenge headed by THE GOFFER, who was an excellent fourth in this last year when only a 6-y-o and looks to have been campaigned with this race in mind. Progressive pair Meetingofthewaters and Stumptown make the shortlist, while Chianti Classico makes the most appeal from the home team.

Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

Sky Bet Price Boost - State Man!

SKY BET PRICE BOOST

State Man

Irish Point

Luccia

STATE MAN's only defeat over hurdles in the last 2 years came at the hands of Constitution Hill in this race last season and in the absence of that outstanding rival he's fully expected to make it 11 career wins. Irish Point's Grade 1 success at Leopardstown over Christmas came at just short of 3m but he was speedy enough to win a Grade 3 over just in excess of 2m on his reappearance and can give the selection most to do ahead of Kingwell-winner Nemean Lion. 

Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle (Registered As The David Nicholson Mares' Hurdle) (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

Sky Bet Price Boost - Lossiemouth!

Lossiemouth

Telmesomethinggirl

Hispanic Moon

LOSSIEMOUTH has her stamina to prove but there aren't signs that she won't stay and on the back of an impressive winning return here she can end a five-year losing run for Willie Mullins in this contest. Echoes In Rain, who has been chasing home State Man this term, is a solid alternative for the yard. Last year's runner-up Love Envoi could be the best hope for the home team.

Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (Registered As The Fred Winter) (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

Sky Bet paying 6 places instead of 4

Lark In The Mornin

Eagles Reign

Ndaawi

Harsh

Another typically competitive renewal with LARK IN THE MORNIN receiving the tentative vote. He's yet to build on his hurdling debut promise but caught the eye finishing with running left after a bad mistake at Punchestown on his most recent outing and is potentially on a good mark on his Flat form representing the yard that took this race in 2019. Milan Tino has been given a chance by the assessor judged on his useful French form, with Liari and Latin Verse just two others to note. 

Maureen Mullins National Hunt Challenge Cup Amateur Jockeys' Novices' Chase (Grade 2) (GBB Race)

Sky Bet paying 3 places instead of 2

Corbetts Cross

Embassy Gardens

It's likely the recent Irish domination of this will continue, with CORBETTS CROSS taken to prove just too strong for Embassy Gardens, whose trainer/jockey are seeking a hat-trick of wins in this, and Kerry National runner-up Salvador Ziggy. 

Cheltenham Festival Racecards Tuesday 12th March 2024