1.30 – JCB Triumph Hurdle
This is a race for four-year-old hurdlers.
Joseph O’Brien has just quit riding and is concentrating on helping his father, the legendary, Aidan, train. Their big-name jumps horse is IVANOVIC GORBATOV, a Russian post-impressionist painter. Irish punters will paint the town red in Cheltenham if this wins.
Ivanovic Gorbatov was a smart horse for O’Brien on the Flat. He reached a high rating. He was impressive on his hurdling debut, jumping with aplomb, and he then disappointed at Leopardstown but the ground was probably too soft for him.
Paul Nicholls has introduced a late fly in the ointment in Zubayr’s shape. The French import showed class in a victory in late February. Nicholls won this in 2008 and 2012.
2.10 – Vincent O’Brien County Hurdle
Named in honour of arguably the greatest trainer of them all, Vincent O’Brien, this is a race in which Irish runners do well. The handicap has gone to Ireland in seven of the last nine years.
BLUE HELL has the attributes to make it eight from 10. While he tended to cut out late on in his races, he was much better in that regard when very impressive on his first start for trainer Barry Connell in November. He has been saved almost specifically for this race since.
The JP McManus-trained Modus is very interesting. He will have a low weight, was second in the bumper here last year, and looks capable of better.
2.50 – Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle
This event, which emphasises stamina among young hurdlers, has been pretty evenly split so far between Britain and Ireland.
BARTERS HILL, the probable favourite, is said to be quite lazy in his races by trainer Ben Pauling, who believes that the horse only does the bare minimum.
This has not stopped — and perhaps has helped — him win all of his seven races, often from the front.
Gangster has been impressing work riders at Willie Mullins’ yard and he is a danger. He has only had four runs in Ireland, beaten once but impressive the last two occasions, especially when tackling three miles when last seen. Bryan Cooper is set to ride.
3.30 – Cheltenham Gold Cup
The big race of the week and few renewals have held greater anticipation.
Even though Irish runners have failed in all but one of the last nine years, the visitors look set to take the race. But what horse?
DON POLI landed the RSA Chase at the festival last season and is unbeaten this term. He is a very lazy horse, conserving his energy, and jumps like a pro.
Don Cossack, also owned by Gigginstown, is more mistake-prone but probably has more class.
The Willie Mullins/Rich Ricci pair have a chance. Djakadam was second in the race last year but fell on his other two tries at Cheltenham.
4.10 – Foxhunter Chase Challenge Cup
Many eyes on Victoria Pendleton here and it would be a boon for racing were the former Olympian to win on Pacha Du Polder but she will do well to stay aboard in a race of this nature, given her inexperience.
ON THE FRINGE cruised to victory in this last year and looks set to follow up under Nina Carberry. He was disappointing on his return to action, not for the first time, but has pleased his trainer since.
The Henry De Bromhead-trained Aupcharlie is interesting too, under Jamie Codd. He beat Marito in a point-to-point coming here and could have more to offer.
4.50 – Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Hurdle
This is a race that Gordon Elliott would like to win — he worked for Martin Pipe, after whom the race is named, for years — and he attacks it with three runners, including SQUOUATEUR.
This one has been thriving in Irish handicaps and has the assistance of 16-year-old ace Jack Kennedy, who may be on the cusp of his first winner at the festival.
Children’s List is not without a chance. With Willie Mullins’ horses in such good form, he is interesting, and he looks certain to appreciate the nicer terrain on this occasion.
5.30 – Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase
VELVET MAKER could provide the answer to this difficult concluding race. His stable, Alan Fleming’s, already had a placed runner at a big price this week and this horse has had the misfortune the last two runs of running into Douvan. Nothing of Douvan’s calibre is taking him on now.
Bright New Dawn has also been tackling better horses this year and the fast-run two miles may be to his liking. Sizing Codelco and Red Spinner are others who are not ruled out in a fast and furious event.
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