Perhaps the most eagerly awaited clash at the festival between the two unbeaten Irish novice chasers with the racing world at their feet. Photograph: Alan Crowhurst/Getty Imagesīob Olinger (H De Bromhead): 9-10 (favourite) Thursday March 17thīob Olinger’s showdown with Galopin Des Champs is one of the most keenly-awaited races of the week. American Mike has a major reputation too and a head-to-head up the hill with Facile Vega would be spectacular. Redemption Day has a big reputation while James’s Gate looks naturally speedy. However, there is plenty evidence of the apparent Mullins number one blowing out. Even Nicky Henderson believes he’s home and hosed already. Facile Vega, a son of Quevega, earned rave reviews with his victory at the Dublin Racing Festival. He has a vintage looking bumper crop on his hands again. Willie Mullins dominates this race like no other with 11 victories already under his belt. A progressive and relatively inexperienced profile appears best suited.įacile Vega (W Mullins): Evens (favourite) Gordon Elliott won with Chosen Mate in 2020 and his Buddy Rich has been prominent in the betting for some time. His stable companion, Delta Work, could have his enthusiasm rekindled by the cross-country challenge. Given decent ground conditions, the remarkable dual-Grand National hero is very much the one to beat despite his veteran status. Perfect Cheltenham send-offs are rare but Tiger Roll could equal Quevega's record of six festival victories and head off into the retirement sunset. Mullins is anxious to finally fill the one glaring gap on his big-race CV and is adopting a ‘less is more’ attitude to Chacun’s preparation. Now he has another Mullins star to beat as well in Chacun Pour Soi, who is impressive at home but vulnerable on his travels. The home favourite Shishkin beat Energumene at Ascot in January despite circumstances conspiring against him at times. Put The Kettle On is a defending champion widely ignored in consideration of what could turn out to be a classic clash. Good Time Jonny is in fine form.ģ.30pm - Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase Burning Victory’s jumping has been questionable in the past and will come under pressure again. Saint Felicien could be a case in point having had just two starts for Gordon Elliott since arriving from France. However, Bravemansgame could have most to fear from another cross-channel hope, Ahoy Senor.įavourites have a bad record in a handicap that often rewards unexposed rising talents rather than the hardy handicapper. Capodanno chased home Bob Olinger at Punchestown in January and briefly even looked to have him in trouble. With Ireland’s top two novices, Bob Olinger and Galopin Des Champs, waiting for the following day’s opener, the way looks clear for Bravemansgame to try and live up to his tall reputation. However, he represents last year’s winning Bob Olinger team and is widely expected to step up noticeably when it counts. Journey With Me in contrast hasn’t achieved nearly so much in terms of pattern form.
Irish-trained winners for the last four years and the odds appear to favour that run continuing. Sir Gerhard (W Mullins): 11-10 (favourite) Vanillier won last year’s Albert Bartlett but hasn’t convinced so far over fences. Stattler is comparatively unexposed but looks like he will relish the test. Run Wild Fred is hugely experienced and boasts grade one form. He has won the marathon event five times in the last decade including with Galvin a year ago. Bear in mind, however, that last year’s winner, Jeff Kidder, was an 80-1 shot and this is a race where favourites have a poor record overall.ĥ.30pm - Ukraine Appeal National Hunt Chaseīack to being an amateur rider race after last year’s behind closed doors action. But come Tuesday evening he could look to have been let loose from a mark of 129. Winless in three starts in his native France, he has yet to run for Willie Mullins. Gaelic Warrior appears to be the ultimate festival punt in the dark. Gaelic Warrior (W Mullins): 2-1 (favourite) Given very soft ground, Royal Kahala will be a significant player too.Ĥ.50pm - Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle
The trio of Telmesomethinggirl, Mrs Milner and Heaven Help Us all won at last year’s festival. He has been making positive noises about Stormy Ireland’s chance in an open renewal. Willie Mullins has dominated this race with nine victories in 14 renewals, although the last of them was in 2018 through Benie Des Dieux. Telmesomethinggirl (H De Bromhead): 3-1 (favourite)