The Olympics of National Hunt Racing is quickly approaching and ramped up another gear today after confirmations for day one of the Cheltenham Festival.
Five were taken out of the Arkle Challenge Novices’ Chase, including Salvator Mundi, with 14 confirmations. Kopek Des Bordes has scalped Lulamba’s position as the market leader after the glowingly positive recent reports.
Romeo Coolio was confirmed despite Gordon Elliott not seemingly all that keen to go to Cheltenham. His part-owner Dave Rabson told the Racing Post: “He’ll stay in everything. We won’t make a decision until Saturday.”
Second to Romeo Coolio at Leopardstown, Irish Panther was also confirmed though connections have pondered the idea of the Champion Chase.
Despite the suggestion yesterday that Kappa Jy Pyke won’t go to Cheltenham, his participation was confirmed this morning.
Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle
Long term favourite Saratoga was confirmed for the Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle among other Cheltenham day one runners. He will be looking to emulate his half-brother Brazil’s success in 2022. 52 were confirmed meaning horses rated 126+ look set to be guaranteed a run at declaration stage.
The 13-length Adonis winner La Luna Artiste was confirmed and an mark of 125 looks more than workable. Course and distance Triumph Trial second Winston Junior was also confirmed, as was the Victor Ludorum winner Manlaga.
Ultima Handicap Chase
Stablemates Jagwar and Iroko were confirmed for the Ultima, with the former taken out of the Plate. Speaking to Sadie Iddenden, via the Racing Post, Josh Guerriero said they’re “quite keen to get Jagwar qualified for Aintree and he’ll have to run over three miles to do that.
“We feel he’s ready to go three miles and seems to be relaxing and finishing well. He’s bred to get the trip, and so we’re going to try.”
When asked who’s more likely to win, he notes: “God knows, I couldn’t say they are such different animals. I honestly don’t have any inkling. If you work them at home or when we went for a racecourse gallop last week, Iroko can’t get anywhere near Jagwar.
“However, if you go over three miles and 18 fences, it just changes everything. Iroko is so solid with his jumping and stays so well, I honestly don’t know.”
Last year’s winner Myretown was the sole conformation for the yard, with King Of Answers a notable omission.
Betfair Chase 4th Handstands was confirmed for Ben Pauling in what looks to be a mouthwatering renewal of the Ultima.
Plate Handicap Chase
39 were declared in the Plate Handicap with Jagwar, Donnacha and Slade Steel the notable omissions. Madara tops the market for the Skeltons, who’s on the same mark as his course and distance second in 2024.
McLaurey has caught the eye this season, and he bids to land back-to-back renewals of the Plate for JP McManus.
National Hunt Challenge Cup Novices’ Handicap Chase
17 were withdrawn from the National Hunt Chase as Backemersackme heads the market of 24 runners. The Paul Byrne/Emmett Mullins charge landed a valuable Leopardstown handicap when last seen, and is a fascinating contender.
Doncaster winner Newton Tornado bids to give Rebecca Curtis back-to-back wins in the race after Haiti Couleurs’ exploits last season.