Cheltenham

Gallagher Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) (Registered As The Baring Bingham Novices' Hurdle) (GBB Race)

Ballyburn

Jimmy Du Seuil

BALLYBURN is considered one of the bankers of the week and it's very hard to oppose him. Willie Mullins has an exceptional bunch of novice hurdlers once again and he is the highest-rated of the lot going into the Festival on the back of a stunning victory in a Leopardstown Grade 1 won by some of the stable stars over the years. He promises to do even better over this sort of trip and can land the odds. Ile Atlantique can complete a 1-2 for the yard, ahead of Ben Pauling's unbeaten Handstands.

Brown Advisory Novices' Chase (Grade 1) (Registered As The Broadway Novices' Chase) (GBB Race)

Fact To File

Monty's Star

FACT TO FILE has impressed with his sure-footed jumping when winning at Leopardstown the last twice and the 2023 Champion Bumper runner-up will be hard to beat with the step up in trip sure to suit him. Last year's Albert Bartlett hero Stay Away Fay was a fine third taking on much more experienced chasers in the Cotswold here in January and is the danger.

Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

Sky Bet paying 8 places instead of 4

SKY BET EXTRA PLACE RACE

Langer Dan

Ballyadam

Shanbally Kid

Lucky Place

A typically large field for this feature handicap with several unexposed sorts lining up and it's DODDIETHEGREAT who gets the nod having been shaping up extremely well considering the length of his pre-season absence this term. Stepping back up in trip, he can provide Nicky Henderson with a fifth Coral Cup success at the expense of Langer Dan, who won this last year and is back down to the same mark. Sa Majeste, Lucky Place and Built By Ballymore are just a handful of others to consider, too. 

Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

Captain Guinness

Gentleman De Mee

EL FABIOLO was edged out by Jonbon in a Grade 1 novice hurdle at Aintree a couple of years ago but he saw off Nicky Henderson's charge by 5½ lengths in last season's Arkle and can make it 2-1 in his favour in their head-to-head rivalry. Edwardstone looked back to his best at Newbury and can take third. 

Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Challenge Cup Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

Sky Bet paying 6 places instead of 4

Unexpected Party

Libberty Hunter

Path D'oroux

Sa Fureur

SAINT ROI caught the eye running in a handicap chase for the first time when fourth at Fairyhouse 2 starts back and the form he showed when third in the Arkle 12 months ago suggests he's on a good mark. Fast-improving novice Libberty Hunter could still be in front of the handicapper so is a must for the shortlist, while Madara is also on the upgrade and had a bit to spare when seeing off Path d'Oroux and Solness at Leopardstown. 

Weatherbys Champion Bumper (Standard Open NH Flat Race) (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

Sky Bet paying 5 places instead of 3

Jasmin De Vaux

Romeo Coolio

Jalon D'oudairies

It's a tightly-knit affair on paper compared to most renewals, with no standout on form, but JALON D'OUDAIRIES and Jasmin de Vaux may have the most potential, both point winners who have made a big impression so far under Rules. The Yellow Clay's connections had the runner-up in 2022 and they should be in the mix again with this 5-y-o, who caught the eye on his return at Leopardstown. Teeshan, a ready winner on Rules debut at Exeter, looks the pick of those trained in Britain.

Cheltenham Festival Racecards Wednesday 13th March 2024