by 14.50 Ultima Handicap Chase
Telegraph Sport
Despite Irish dominance at Cheltenham in recent years, this has been a race in which the British horses don’t help their own much. The last 15 runs have gone to British-based trainers and they once again dominate the market, with last year’s winner Corach Rambler the current 8/1 favourite. However, it runs 6lb higher this year and with improved terms every time on offer from most companies, the strategy could well be to go for one at a higher price. Oscar Elite he has a huge chance after finishing third in the race last year before edging out Grade 2 winner Reynoldstown last month.
Marlborough
Both the course form and the Festival form can be featured in here Corach Rambler, the winner of this race last year, who is bidding to emulate Un Temps Pour Tout in the winning renewals of the Ultima Handicap Chase. Indeed, Corach Rambler is 2 from 2 at Cheltenham, with both wins coming over this distance and, having looked to have kept himself fresh for it, is keen to turn up here just 6lb higher than last year. His trainer Lucinda Russell has been enjoying a particularly hot spell of late and it wouldn’t be surprising to see Corach Rambler continue his stable’s good run with a big effort here.
15.30 Unibet Champion Hurdle
Telegraph Sport
The reality here is that it is very difficult to see past Constitution Hill, who is the most exciting show jumping horse in training right now. He’s won his last five by a combined total of more than 15 lengths and, simply put, hasn’t raced an opponent even close to being in his league. This match will tell us whether such an opponent currently exists. States Man is perhaps the only horse that could give the favorite something to think about. Unbeaten at six, he has established himself as Ireland’s top contender in this section with three consecutive Grade 1 wins. The other entries can find a huge amount on the form and with fewer than eight runners looking more likely this could be the race where you keep your money in your pocket.
Marlborough
This year’s Champion Hurdle is a thrilling clash between the best of Britain and Ireland, two multiple winners of 2 mile Grade 1 hurdles meeting at the top of their game. States Man is highly respected by the all-conquering Willie Mullins stable but will have to pull out all the stops if he is to prove any sort of threat to Constitution Hill, a commanding galloper who has won each of his 6 starts for trainer Nicky Henderson by double figures. It’s hard to fault and is eager to establish itself as the most exciting obstacle we’ve seen in years.
16.10 Mares Hurdle
Telegraph Sport
Honeysuckle and Epatante’s possible diversions here away from the Champion Hurdle add a layer of glamor to this. It may not be the strength of old, but this is shallower water than it has been this season, especially if Marie’s Rock goes for the Stayers’ Hurdle. There is talent further down the market, with Brandy Love, Echoes In Rain and Shewearsitwell have good claims for Mullins. Last season’s maiden winner Love Envoi was impressive but was convincingly beaten by Brandy Love at the end of last season and will need to find more, especially if Honeysuckle reproduces the level of her runner-up in the State Man at Leopardstown last year time.
Marlborough
Superstar mare Honeysuckle She has long been a favorite in the two-mile hurdle class but, having suffered the first two defeats of an 18-race career in her two starts this season, looks poised to take the biggest honor of her glittering career according to rules. Her two defeats have come at the hands of two genuine Grade 1 horses, both going forward as strong fancy in their respective Championship races this week and, back in calmer waters, it’s hard not to imagine Honeysuckle marking her class and will prove itself everyone must win.
16.50 Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle
Telegraph Sport
Open as always. Only one winning favorite in the last ten races but still a target for Irish handicap horse trainers. Tekao, Byker and Nusret all fit that bill, but at single-digit prices there’s better value to be had elsewhere. Further down the market, a horse with a similar profile but almost twice the price of these three mentioned above is Transformation. His three attempts in novice company have yielded a win and two more decent efforts. He looks well weighted in his familiar form, has plenty of room for improvement and at 16/1 looks an interesting bet.
Marlborough
Open renewal of this match where cases can be made for many of them. Sundial he hasn’t shown much to warrant a 120 rating in this match, but we could see a different proposition in this match. He ran last time out at Punchestown in a handicap (without the tongue tie he had worn on 6 previous starts) where he struggled to make an impact. However, re-applying the tongue tie plus cheekpieces for the first time could really help Sundial as he bids to give his trainer Padraig Roche back-to-back wins in this race.
17.30 Wellchild National Hunt Chase
Telegraph Sport
The market is dominated by Irish-trained horses, with Mullins and Gordon Elliott holding strong hands. Gaillard Du Mesnil is a three-time Grade 1 winner and is ready to win a marathon trip like this. The same is true of both the Mahler Mission and Chemical Energy, both of which have left the distinct impression that maxima will be seen on journeys longer than three miles. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Minela Crooner closing the first day on a high.
Marlborough
Gaillard du Mesnil has proven himself on numerous occasions to be more than a high-quality prospect when tested at 3 miles and beyond, having completed a good 3rd in both the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase and Irish Grand National, retaining novice status in the process. He opened his account over fences earlier this season with his only effort at 3 miles so far this campaign, winning in Grade 1 company at the Leopardstown Christmas meeting and is keenly excited by this company trying 3m6f for the first time – he rates the banker’s stuff.
