1.30 – Sky Bet Supreme Novices Hurdle
WILLIE MULLINS AND Ruby Walsh are both seeking a remarkable four-timer in this sizzling opening race. Willie won eight races at the festival last year. MIN has been a talking horse for some time and he has walked the walk too, cruising to victory in both Irish starts. He can be a bit exuberant in his races, but his jumping is of such quality as to render him potentially special.
Altior is the main danger. Nicky Henderson has a poor record in the Supreme, yet he has great belief in Altior, who has had a rather flawless campaign. Henry De Bromhead gives Supersundae a decent chance and he will be much longer in the market.
2.10 – Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase
This race looks all about DOUVAN who is set to go off the shortest price of any horse over the four days. He won the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at the festival last year but since he was sent chasing he has probably been better again. Since joining Willie Mullins, he has had seven starts and won them all. Connections believe he could be a true great.
Vaniteux is set to be second-favourite in the race and he was a very good hurdler who jumps fences cleanly. Sizing John will appreciate the ground and may offer each-way value.
2.50 – Ultima Handicap Chase
UN TEMPS POUR TOUT is a Grade 1-winning hurdler, by virtue of winning the French Champion Hurdle at Auteuil last June, and now finds himself rated 15lb lower over fences so he looks sure to be a big player for David Pipe and Tom Scudamore.
Holywell is a former festival winner and might be chucked in too but the selection is a novice and should still be improving over fences. Others to note are The Young Master and Shanahan’s Turn, who has been prepared specifically for this by the excellent Henry De Bromhead.
3.30 - Stan James Champion Hurdle
The big race of the day and Faugheen was hot favourite. Willie Mullins lost both him and Arctic Fire through injury for the remainder of the season, but his shows his strength nevertheless: ANNIE POWER and Nichols Canyon are leading players for the yard.
Annie Power, a mare, fell at the festival when set to win last year and she can gain compensation.
The Henry De Bromhead-trained Identity Thief is coming along nicely this season and comes to the race fresh. He is interesting. The British have a chance too, with My Tent Or Yours bidding to win the race after almost two years off the track.
4.10 - OLBG Mares’ Hurdle
This was the race in which Annie Power fell last year, saving the bookmaking industry millions of pounds. She does not run in the race this year but her owner, trainer and rider have a readymade replacement in VROUM VROUM MAG. She is probably not as good as Annie Power but she looks better than these rivals nonetheless.
Second in the race 12 months ago, Polly Peachum – winner of eight of her 17 starts – certainly has a chance. She is consistent and has a fine attitude. She makes each-way appeal, with Vroum Vroum Mag set to be hot favourite.
4.50 - The National Hunt Chase
This is a race for amateur jockeys. Derek O’Connor, Katie Walsh and Jamie Codd have been victorious in it, but Nina Carberry has gone close in defeat. O’Connor was due to partner Native River so it seems hugely significant that he switches to Minella Rocco, owned by JP McManus.
At bigger prices, it may pay to chance MEASUREOFMYDREAMS. He has a lot of stamina, which is what you need in this, he is trained by Willie Mullins and he is two from two over fences. Nina will ride Southfield Royale and this improving six-year-old has to be considered. The selection’s stablemate Pont Alexander is classy too.
5.30 - Close Brothers Novices’ Handicap Chase
The trends tell us strong recent form is crucial here with nine of the past 11 winners coming into the race on the back of a top-two finish last time. Hopefully Irish horses will have had plenty of success by 5.30pm because the travelling party traditionally don’t do well in this and have won only once.
That would suggest the Irish are up against it but BRIDGETS PET may cause a surprise. He beat a good horse in Morning Assembley last time and should improve from that. His trainer, Alan Fleming, is having an excellent season, and he is a sound jumper. He looks on a decent enough mark. Aloomomo is feared.
