The ITV7 jackpot on the first day of the Cheltenham Festival is worth £100,000 to the lucky winner. With so much competitive racing to delve through, Joe Napier gives his selections in every race for the competition below.
Race 1 – 1.20pm Cheltenham – Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1)
Who he beat at the Dublin Racing Festival, coupled with the application of a first time hood, may give KOPEK DES BORDES backers the jitters, but he looks to be a novice of outstanding ability. A repeat of that Leopardstown victory might be enough anyway, but he looks capable of far more still. As long as the occasion does not get to him, he is easily the likeliest winner on form, though those looking for alternatives could consider Workahead, William Munny or Funiculi Funicula.
Race 2 – 2.00pm Cheltenham – My Pension Expert Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Chase (Grade 1)
None of the five are entirely ruled out, but the most promising is MAJBOROUGH, a strapping type for his tender five years, who has looked an intimidating prospect so far over fences. He took some birch with him at Leopardstown last time out, but always recovered himself well, ultimately beating Touch Me Not much more decisively than L’Eau Du Sud had a Sandown. As long as his jumping stands up to what will likely be harsher scrutiny here, he should be difficult to beat.
Race 3 – 2.40pm Cheltenham – Ultima Handicap Chase
There doesn’t look to be a handicap plot horse in here, so form might just be king, hence The Changing Man and Broadway Boy, both generally consistent chasers, head the betting. It is worth taking the Irish seriously though, for all the visitors have a poor record in this race, and SEQUESTERED has been in excellent form in Ireland. He bolted in over 3m at Leopardstown just after Christmas, before finishing a close second back over 2m5f there last time out, but that form has already worked out. Each of those were competitive handicaps and he has played his part, so he could well get involved here despite his rising mark as he has clearly improved for chasing.
Race 4 – 2.58pm Sedgefield – Vickers.Bet Handicap Chase
None of this six-strong field come in firing on all cylinders, but the likeliest two contenders might be I’m Too Tired and FEARLESS ACTION. The former narrowly beat the latter when they met three starts back, but the conditions favour Chris Grant’s charge to get revenge here. The selection ran creditably at Catterick two weeks back and is now 1lb lower in the handicap.
Race 5 – 3.20 Cheltenham – Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle (Grade 1)
Lossiemouth is the clear form pick, but after falling last time and being redirected here from the Champion Hurdle, there have to be a few fears that she won’t be at her best. That might still be enough given her talent, but this field packs a more powerful punch than that from the 2024 renewal. KALA CONTI missed the spring festivals last season, but she was right to the fore of a talented juvenile generation and has returned in good shape. The emphasis became about stamina late on behind July Flower at Leopardstown last time, but this speedier examination, coupled with level weights, could transform her into a live contender.
Race 6 – Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy (Grade 1)
An almighty contest. Confidence is extremely high from the camps of both CONSTITUTION HILL and Brighterdaysahead, with the latter very much on the up and the former yet to prove he is as good as two years ago. However, he may also be trending in the right direction, while Brighterdaysahead is yet to prove her Leopardstown demolition job was as breathtaking as it appeared. There may well be little between them, but the unbeaten Constitution Hill retains the verdict for now.
Race 7 – Hallgarten And Novum Wines Juvenile Handicap Hurdle
Determining the best treated horses in this contest is always tricky. A dart is thrown on an outsider as KOOL ONE is not trained by a fashionable Irish yard, but nevertheless has shown decent enough form in his fledgling hurdling career. He was placed twice behind Willie Mullins juveniles at Naas and Gowran Park, both times finishing within three lengths of the winners, before finishing second to a useful winner in a Grade 3 back at Naas last time. He gets in here off a lenient enough mark with his amateur rider taking off a further 7lb and he looks a livewire.
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