Brighterdaysahead will be running in the champion hurdle Gordon Elliott has told Racing Post, giving fans more excitement as they can await a clash with the special Constitution Hill.
Nico De Boinville is on 49 Grade 1 Winners. He Will have Constitution Hill on opening day as his best chance, but the likes of Lulamba, Jonbon later in the week if Constitution hill doesn’t win but it feels as if De Boinville will achieve this memorable milestone.
DAY 1
The opening race which was known as the supreme novices hurdle has been re named following the very upsetting passing of Michael O’ Sullivan to the Michael O’Sullivan Supreme novices hurdle.
Kopek Des Bordes headlines that as he is currently heavy odds on favourite for champion trainer Willie Mullins, followed by another short price favourite in the Arkle Chase for Willie Mullins Majborough as he looks to be the youngest horse to win that race since 2006.
Two handicaps races on that day see the Ultima and the Fred Winter Juvenile are either side of the mouth watering Champion Hurdle which sees Con Hill take on Brighterdaysahead, State Man and potentially Lossiemouth, but we could see Lossiemouth head to the Mares hurdle which takes place before the Champion Hurdle.
A day full of superstars and future stars will be capped by the National Hunt Chase.
DAY 2
The first sets up a great battle in the Turners as Mullins has Final Demand and English trainer Dan Skelton has top prospect The New Lion, whilst local trainers Fergal O’Brien and Sam Twiston-Davies send their big chances.
Mullins having his army in full force sees the talented Ballyburn as favourite for the Browns Advisory, who was the winner of last year turners at Cheltenham last year.
Dan Skelton known for controversial plot jobs with Langer Dan who has won the race for the last two years. His best chance is Be Aware.
Nicky Henderson has won race four times. Keep an eye on his horses. Impose Toi, Jeriko Du Reponet. As Henderson looks to silence haters following the major yard issue suffered at last years festival.
Fans can look forward to the Cross Country Chase which was a abandoned event at last years festival due to ground conditions Stumptown is the favourite for Cromwell who has been in exceptional form this campaign.
The highlight race of the day being the Champion Chase, in which superstar Jonbon looks to add another Grade one victory to his regime and for Trainer and Jockey Nicky Henderson and Nico De Boinville. Marine Nationale runs for Barry Connell, but would be a fairytale win if he was to win for former Jockey Michael O’Sullivan.
Grand Annual, english trainers tend to dominate, lastly a race which should be called the Willie Mullins race, the Champion Bumper as the Champion trainer has won this race 13 times winning the last 4 of 5 he has the favourite Gameofinches.
DAY 3
The day kicks off with mares novice hurdle followed by a new race the Jake Richards novice chase which will be a fun watch.
The Ryanair sees Fact To File head the market for Willie Mullins but Dan Skelton has previous winner Protektorat and Il Est Francais makes the trip from France with a standout chance.
Gordon Elliot labels Teahupoo one of his best as he bids for back to back wins in the stayers hurdle as he is heavy favourite with not much competition to note.
The day concludes with heavy competitive handicaps with the Plate and the Kim Muir.
DAY 4
Triumph Hurdle: James Owen looking for first festival success. Has the current favourite East India Dock. But the ever competitve Lulamba for Nicky Henderson tees up a nice encounter.
Mares Chase – Irish dominate. JP Mcmanus horse (Green and Gold silks) probably win with favourite Dinoblue who was runner up last year to JP Mcmanus horse Limerick Lace.
The Albert Bartlett gets people in position for the BIG ONE, as after we see the GOLD CUP, as Galopin Des Champs bids for a hat trick of Gold cups, going down as one of the all time greats.
The day concludes with the Hunters Chase and the Martin Pipe Handicap which is a great chance for new upcoming jockeys to get their turn in the saddle and bid to impress.
Overall Cheltenham looks set and to NOT disappoint as you can feel the excitement and atmosphere getting ever so real.
