The Greatest Show on Turf
The Cheltenham Festival feels a little sombre this year, with the late defection of ante-post favourites Marine Nationale and Constitution Hill, for The Arkle and Champion Hurdle respectively, after lighting up the first day of the festival here 12 months ago. Nevertheless, Jack Milner takes a look at Day of The Cheltenham Festival 2024 with selections for all 7 races.
Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (1.30)
The latter is a huge blow to the festival, having been wrapped up in cotton wool by his handler Nicky Henderson, who must go and lick his wounds back at Seven Barrows. The 7yo is a winner of both starts this term, in The G1 Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle and The G1 Christmas Hurdle at Kempton.
He was a fabulous winner of The Supreme Novices’ Hurdle in 2022 and Nicky Henderson bids to win the festival curtain raiser for a sixth time with Jeriku du Reponet (1.30) in the green and gold of JP McManus.
The dogs were long barking about this exciting recruit from the pointing fields, with him unbeaten in three starts over timber. Given the fact he’s been odds-on for all three starts under rules suggests the regard he is held in at Seven Barrows and, perhaps unconvincing in a messy race last time out at Doncaster, I expect him to be much better suited to today’s stronger pace.
Connections also saddle Mystical Power, the first foal of wondermare Annie Power, who is a fascinating runner for trainer Willie Mullin and jockey Mark Walsh. The 5yo wear a first-time hood in a bid to settle better and could potentially be a superstar, but is best watched at half the price of the other McManus runner.
Arkle Novices’ Chase (2.10)
The Arkle looks a potential minefield with Marine National’s late defection, and muddling formlins but I thought Found a Fifty (2.10) was a little unlucky to be collared late on by the reopposting Il Etait Temps at The Dublin Racing Festival and can hopefully reverse the form under Jack Kennedy.
Few, if any, ride The Old Course better than Kennedy, who had almost judged it to perfection aboard the 7yo last time out at Leopardstown. The Arkle, whilst a stiff test, is a furlong shorter than the Irish equivalent, and I’m hoping Jack can save a little more, before likely kicking on after jumping the second last.
Ultima Handicap Chase (2.50)
Long time readers of my annual Cheltenham previews will know just how much I love The Ultima Handicap Chase, which has historically been one of the most profitable races from the festival. Jonjo O’Neill boasts a tremendous record in this particular race, Holywell being a cracking winner of the race a few years ago, and I’m willing to chance Monbeg Genius (2.50) in first-time headgear.
The selection is 7lb higher than when third in the same race 12 months ago, which seems harsh but the form is rock solid with the winner Corach Rambler successful in The Grand National on his next start and the second Fastorslow a winner of The Punchestown Gold Cup on his next start. His recent run at Kelso should have put him spot on for this, en route to a likely tilt at next month’s Grand National at Aintree.
Champion Hurdle (3.30)
The Champion Hurdle has been badly hit by the injury to defending Champion Constitution Hill, leaving Willie Mullins’ State Man, second here 12 months ago, odds-on to go one better under Paul Townend.
I wouldn’t be a backer at odds-on, but he looks the class horse in the race and should win. For those looking for something in terms of value – it’s interesting that Irish Point (3.30) runs here rather than The Stayers’ Hurdle in a late switch by trainer Gordon Elliott. The soft ground means it will be a stiffer test and this stamina-laden gelding should thrive in conditions. He arrives having won his last four on the spin and I’m hoping he can extend that under the excellent Jack Kennedy.
Mares’ Hurdle (4.10)
Willie Mullins has another stranglehold of The Mares’ Hurdle bidding to end something of a drought, and surprisingly empty-handed since Benie Des Dieux scoring back in 2018. Prior to that, the trainer had won with 8 of the previous 9 renewals and has the hot favourite Lossiemouth who looks a different class to her ten rivals.
Nevertheless, with the ground looking to be soft on Day One it could prove testing by the afternoon and I’m expecting conditions to suit Harry Fry’s Love Envoi (4.10) who was second here 12 months ago behind the brilliant Honeysuckle. She has finished second in both starts thai term over an inadequate trip and can hopefully improve for the fitting of first-time headgear.
Fred Winter (4.50)
The Fred Winter has always been a very difficult race to weigh up, with more plots than a dodgy allotment but trainer Joseph O’Brien seems to have unlocked the key to the juvenile handicap and he’s laid out Lark In The Morning (4.50) to continue his excellent record in the race.
A maiden after three starts over hurdles, he was an eyecatcher when third last time out at Punchestown and could be chucked in from his opening mark of 122 now sent handicapping.
National Hunt Chase (5.30)
It’s disappointing to see just seven in The National Hunt Chase, named in the honour of the late Maureen Mullins, and brothers WIllie and Emmet both with runners in their attempt to win the race named in memory of their late mother.
It’s the younger brother Emmet where the pin drops, with Corbetts Cross (5.30) the class horse in the race, and unlucky when running out when fancied 12 months ago for The Albert Bartlett. He was unlucky to be brought down last time out at Fairyhouse but looks a natural over the larger obstacles and can get the job done under the excellent Derek O’Connor.
Selections
Cheltenham 1.30 – Jeriko du Reponet
Cheltenham 2.10 – Found a Fifty
Cheltenham 2.50 – Monbeg Genius
Cheltenham 3.30 – Irish Point
Cheltenham 4.10 – Love Envoi
Cheltenham 4.50 – Lark in the Mornin
Cheltenham 5.30 – Corbetts Cross
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