Cheltenham Festival Day 1

The Cheltenham Festival is upon us, one of the best racing weeks of the year. Thankfully the meeting takes place what with the virus sweeping the world. There will be plenty of Corona at Prestbury Park this week, but most of it will be drank with a slice of lemon!

Today’s going will be very testing. I’m told its proper deep ground and stamina will be key this afternoon.

The meeting starts at 1:30 with the Supreme Novice Hurdle.

I’m against Asterion Forlonge as he jumps out to his right. This could cost him a few lengths and that’s something you can’t do in such a race. I've been keen on Shishkin for sometime but he's a speedy type and this could be blunted on the testing ground.

I’ve come down to Abacadabras, Chantry House and Fiddlerontheroof. From a win point of view, Abacadabras would be my pick. All though I wouldn’t be totally surprised if more of a staying type is needed as per Chantry House or Fiddlerontheroof. They could both be backed EW.

There are plenty of great bookies offers with money back if your horse gets beat or finishers 2^nd 3^rd or 4^th. Do check the offers before placing bets.

Fakir D’Oudairies in the Arkle priced at 9-2 looks a nice EW bet.

Notebook is the horse to beat and has beaten the selection. I wasn’t keen on Notebook’s pre-race antics last time out at Leopardstown whilst Fakir meets Notebook on levels weight this time. The overnight rain will favour Fakir D’Oudairies and he should run a big race.

No real thoughts in the Ultima at 2:50. Top weights have a poor record, but I know connections think Vinndication could be a Gold Cup horse this time next year. If that’s the case, he should run well EW in a handicap despite the weight.

Champion Hurdle 3:30.

There looks to be a lot of pace in this year’s renewal which perhaps could be substandard. I love the way Pentland Hills moves through his races but stamina is suspect on such ground. Epatante is the unknown and could be the next big two miler. I think she’ll go well and wouldn’t put anybody off her.

With so much pace and perhaps a battle for the lead, this might set the race up for a closer and to be placed at a nice price.

Supasundae need further than two miles, in any normal year he shouldn’t be winning a Champion Hurdle. If the race is run how I think it might be, Supasundae will be staying on when others might be going backwards up the hill. He looks to hold a nice EW chance at big odds.

Benie Des Dieux looks one of the bankers of the meeting in the mares’ race at 4:10.