Your cheat sheet to beat the bookies on day one at Cheltenham, JP McManus is primed for birthday success and Sir Anthony McCoy’s marathon challenge: CHELTENHAM BREAKFAST
OBSTACLES OF HIGHER RECEIVERS
Ruby Walsh: ‘There is great power within you. ‘I’d like something bigger than 2/1.’
Lydia Hislop: ‘There’s too much tempo. It will be well managed and that will put some pressure on Talk The Talk’s bounce.’
Tony Mullins: ‘If you’re worried about anything going wrong, El Cairos showed no signs of learning anything from day one to day two. Leader d’Allier was quite impressive on the final day at Punchestown. He ran eight times in his life and was beaten only twice; That’s the only two times he didn’t wear a tongue tie.’
Johnny Dineen: ‘This is a deep race and at least one or more will be better than Old Park Star.’
ARKLE TRACKING
Ruby Walsh: ‘The dog Des Bordes is the best horse in the race. ‘I think he will win.’
Lydia Hislop: ‘Based on the prices, I would support Kopek Des Bordes. He is a good enough horse to win the Arkle in one race. We know it’s not impossible and we know it’s a good horse. Four quick early fences in pairs could leave Lulamba and Romeo Coolio behind. Steel Ally may hit the frame.’
Tony Mullins: ‘Kargese is my favourite. He is very good and durable. It’s not just a pacemaker, it stays there.’
Johnny Dineen: ‘I prefer a bit of Lulamba. He has a little more experience. It is a percentage call. Dog Des Bordes had a few problems.’
JUDICIAL DISABILITY DISABILITY
Ruby Walsh: ‘The disabled player did not miss Saratoga. He could have won, but I would have wanted better odds. Winston Junior has a chance, but there are rumors that he will race in Triumph. La Luna Artista definitely took refuge in Adonis and he would be the right person for me.’
Johnny Dineen: ‘Mustang Du Breuil finished third against older horses in Grade 2 at Kempton. He ran really well and finished the race beautifully. It has as good a chance as those outside 129 and at shorter prices.’
ULTIMA HANDICAP TRACKING
Ruby Walsh: ‘I will be with Iroko. This will actually be a limited handicap so he won’t lose too much weight.’
Lydia Hislop: ‘We know Iroko is interested in Cheltenham. It will be an ideal test. We know he’s a good horse and we didn’t always see what he could do. He’ll win, right?’
Johnny Dineen: ‘Jagwar and Iroko are smart horses. This is a slim race and one of them will win. If they both escape, I prefer Iroko.’
CHAMPION OBSTACLE
Ruby Walsh: ‘I always saw Lossiemouth as a two-and-a-half mile filly. Brighterdaysahead will be location dependent. He will want to make a good cut on the ground. ‘The New Lion has the odd problem with jumping, but he might be the best horse.’
Lydia Hislop: ‘I’d probably go for Brighterdaysahead because he’s the best horse in the race considering the mares’ clearance. The horse that will run his race is Golden Ace. If you want a horse to finish in the top three, it’s bound to happen, right?’
Tony Mullins: ‘I don’t think Lossiemouth will win. I never saw him as a champion hurdler. Golden Ace is the safest one, but I think Brighterdaysahead will win.’
Johnny Dineen: ‘If I had to back a horse at a 2/1 or larger meeting I would choose The New Lion. I think it will be a good thing in this race if he avoids the odds. That’s probably my best guess from the meeting.’
SUN RACING PLATE HANDICAP TRACKING
Lydia Hislop: ‘Madara maintains his form from last season. This period attracted attention twice but was found on the market. Waterford Whispers still has the potential to go over fences so I think he’s better than his target.’
Tony Mullins: ‘I hear Waterford Whispers are getting back into form.’
Johnny Dineen: ‘Madara and Mclaurey are way above these. ‘I’ll give Mclaurey a chance.’
NATIONAL HUNTING TRACKER
Ruby Walsh: ‘Wade Out cries out for a ride. I have no concerns about him staying. ‘He would be the right person for me.’
Cheltenham Festival Day 1 NAPS
Ruby Walsh: Dog Des Bordes (Arkle)
Lydia Hislop: Iroko (Ultima)
Tony Mullins: Towards brighter days (Champion Hurdle)
Johnny Dineen: New Lion (Champion Hurdle)
