Advertisement
No mugs: Ruby and Hurricane Fly check TheJournal mobile app for all the latest Cheltenham news. INPHO/Dan Sheridan
CheltFest

Mark Your Card: Wednesday

Mark Hobbs is back to preview yet more racing action at Cheltenham this afternoon.

TODAY’S FARE CENTRES around the Champion Chase, where last year’s victor Big Zeb bids to make it two-in-a-row.

If he does manage to keep the prize it will be an impressive accomplishment as 2008 and 2009 champion Master Minded provides serious opposition, and will look to bounce back from a below-par effort last term.

Somersby ran that horse to a short head last time out and should continue his progress providing the ground doesn’t dry out too much more. Last year’s Arkle hero Sizing Europe is winless for the season, but good ground and a fast championship pace will play straight to his strengths. Golden Silver has been a fine money spinner for Willie Mullins, but it must be of concern that he has ran poorly on his only course appearances.

The RSA Chase has gone to these shores in the last two years and there are plenty of Irish runners here with live chances. A question mark will be the drying conditions; most of our horses have been running in bogs all winter and it’s hard to gauge how they will fare on a sounder surface. Time For Rupert looks vulnerable at the head of the market. While he is certainly talented, it must be of concern that he is lacking a run since early December.

You in? Download your Cheltenham Festival office sweepstakes kit

It’s interesting that Ruby retains faith in Mikael D’Haguenet despite having other options, and he must see some scope for improvement in the gelding that has yet to win over fences. His recent conquerors Magnanimity and Boston’s Angel are available at almost twice his price, while Jessie’s Dream is only slightly shorter. For all his talent it’s hard to see him earning his maiden victory over the larger obstacles in such a competitive race.

The Neptune Investment Management Novice’s Hurdle invariably goes to a classy animal, and Mullins’ So Young is all the rage to prosper today. Two facile victories over hurdles point to a fine engine, but as is the case with many Irish horses this week the ground is an unknown factor. Oscar’s Wells’ form was let down by Zaidpour yesterday, but Jessica Harrington has made no secret of the esteem in which he is held. The Grade One winning Minella Class looks to be the best of the home team at 10/1.

Nap of the Day

Sizing Europe looks attractive at 9/1. He was imperious last term, and had his rivals in trouble a long way out with his high cruising speed and stamina. A strongly run race is vital for him, and he will be difficult to keep out of the frame.

Each-Way

Lightning Strike (33/1) has had his problems, but he ran with promise after a 710-day lay-off in Haydock a few weeks back. He shaped well before understandably tiring, and if he comes on for that run he may be well handicapped on a mark of 129 in the Coral Cup. He previously achieved a mark of 140 and ran sixth here in the novice hurdle won by Fiveforthree.

Irish Eye

Plenty of opportunities for the Irish to add to their opening salvo, not least in the shape of So Young who will be very popular in the Neptune. He is undoubtedly talented, and could be the most obvious Irish challenger. Jessie’s Dream has a good each way chance in the RSA, boasting arguably the best form our novices have to offer.

The trip and ground should hold no fears for the son of Presenting; whose progeny Weapon’s Amnesty and Denman have triumphed in this race in recent years.

Yesterday’s Lesson

One important point to note from the results; only Quevega managed to get to the winners enclosure yesterday without benefitting from a run in January or February. Horses saved for the festival or returning from lay-offs may be at a disadvantage.

What’s your top of the day? Check out all our Cheltenham coverage here>