Cheltenham, Friday
The Irish are mob-handed in the Triumph Hurdle (1:20pm). Willie Mullins ran 11 in the race last year and has nine contenders this time around. Selma De Vary is the choice of Paul Townend, but he didn’t have the option of riding Proactif, who was so good when beating Macho Man at Fairyhouse. His two runs to date have been very solid and he looks a worthy favourite for me.
The William Hill County Hurdle (2:00pm) looks a very tricky puzzle. I’m siding with Team GB this time around with Sinnatra, a horse that has moved from Paul Nicholls to Dan Skelton. It looks as if he has been mapped out for this race and I thought he ran a nice trial for it at Warwick last time. He has bags of potential and gets in off a mark of 133, and I think he is on an upward curve in the County.
Dinoblue goes for back-to-back Mares’ Chase (2:40pm) victories, but I’m going to oppose her with Panic Attack. She has had a massively successful season, winning a pair of competitive handicaps, including a victory at Cheltenham. She’s a mare on the improve despite her age, she stays very well, and I think she can upset the Irish here.
Favourites have a poor record in the Albert Bartlett (3:20pm), but I do like the credentials of the current market leader, Doctor Steinberg. He is three from three over hurdles, including a victory in the Nathaniel Lacy at Leopardstown. He had the option of the Turners but, of course, the stable won it with King Rasko Grey. The step up in trip shouldn’t be an issue if he settles, and he is the choice for Paul Townend — he’s the likeliest winner for me. I do want to mention one at an each-way price and that’s Kings Bucks. He is still a maiden after three runs but has kept good company, and he can run a good race at big odds.
The Cheltenham Gold Cup (4:00pm) hasn’t attracted as big a field as we maybe expected a week ago, but there is still a lot of depth and quality. Willie Mullins is missing his King of Closutton in Galopin Des Champs, but he may well have another one waiting in Gaelic Warrior. His rating of 172 is on par with last year’s winner, but he is coming into the race with far better form; his three runs this season have been exemplary. He started off with his victory in the John Durkan before looking an unlucky loser in the King George. He is the one they all must beat. My heads with him but, of course, my heart is with Spillane’s Tower. Harry Cobden rides him for the first time, the rain that is due to fall is needed, and we can expect him to ride a patient race. It’s Gaelic Warrior to win the Gold Cup and, hopefully, Spillane’s Tower to follow him home.
In the Hunters’ Chase (4:40pm), I like Panda Boy. He will be ridden by John Gleeson for Martin Brassil and was a useful handicapper who never quite managed to win a big one. Back in hunter chase company, he’s got a new lease of life and was very good at Thurles in January. He stays well and, at 10 years old, he can put his new lease of life to affect here.
The last time Willie Mullins won the Martin Pipe (5:20pm), he did so with a certain Galopin Des Champs in 2021. He has five contenders this time around and often runs a good one in this race. I like Roc Dino. John Shinnick is one of the most experienced riders in the race, he has a level head, and I like this horse’s form behind Mighty Park and El Cairos. A mark of 131 tells me he has more potential than that and he is the one for me in the last.
