Cyprus vs Romania Prediction Betting Tips & Preview
Cyprus vs Romania preview: Cyprus, looking to recover from a disappointing defeat, will host Romania, who are in fine form having won their previous two…
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Bookie | Selection | Best Odds | Market | Bet |
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Slade Steel View Tip |
20/1 | Ante Post
EW (3 Places / NRNB) Will Smith Supreme Novices Hurdle |
Place Bet | |
JPR One View Tip |
11/1 | Ante Post
EW (3 Places / NRNB) Will Smith Arkle Challenge Trophy |
Place Bet | |
Chianti Classico View Tip |
8/1 | Ante Post
EW (5 Places / NRNB) Will Smith Ultima Handicap Chase |
Place Bet | |
Weveallbeencaught View Tip |
11/1 | EW (5 Places / NRNB) Will Smith Ultima Handicap Chase |
Place Bet | |
Nemean Lion ‘w/o State Man’ View Tip |
10/1 | Win Champion Hurdle |
Place Bet | |
Miss Manzor View Tip |
16/1 | EW (5 Places / NRNB) Will Smith Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle |
Place Bet | |
Apple Away View Tip |
10/1 | EW (3 Places / NRNB) Will Smith National Hunt Chase |
Place Bet |
Date of Tips: 03/01/2024
Disclaimer The odds for these selections were correct at the time of publishing (08:47 03/01/2024) but may have changed since. Please check the latest price before placing your bet.
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Day 1 of the Cheltenham Festival is known as Champions Day with the headline race being the Grade 1 Champion Hurdle. The festival traditionally begins on a Tuesday with the Supreme Novices‘ Hurdle getting things underway followed by six other races throughout the day and ending with the National Hunt Chase.
Here at WhichBookie, in the months leading up to the 2024 Cheltenham Festival, our in-house tipster Will Smith will be providing ante-post Day One Cheltenham tips. Our racing analysts constantly monitor the form, race entries, odds and all information that is relevant to each race in order to make detailed assessments and to provide top value tips at the most opportune time.
You can view Will’s stats here.
You can often get excellent value with ante-post tips but of course, you do run the risk of losing your stake if your horse does not end up running in the race concerned.
As well as ante-post tips, WhichBookie tipsters will be providing tips for the opening day of the 2024 Cheltenham Festival in the days leading up to the festival. All Cheltenham day 1 tips will be listed at the top of this page and if you’d like to read Will’s full reasoning behind his selections, click on the ‘view this tip here’ link below each selection to be taken to the individual race page.
Below, you’ll find a list of all races taking place on the first day of the 2024 Cheltenham Festival. Click through to any race to read Will’s tips for that race. Be sure to check back regularly for new tips in the run-up to the festival beginning on Tuesday 12th March 2024 .
Cheltenham Festival Day 1 Tips Tuesday 12th March 2024 |
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1.30pm Supreme Novices’ Hurdle | 4.10pm - Mares’ Hurdle |
2.10pm - Arkle Challenge Trophy | 4.50pm - Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle |
2.50pm - Ultima Handicap Chase | 5.20pm - National Hunt Chase |
3.30pm - Unibet Champion Hurdle |
Want to take a look at our tips for the rest of the festival? Click on a day below.
2024 Cheltenham Festival Tips | ||
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Day 2 Betting Tips | Day 3 Betting Tips | Day 4 Betting Tips |
Day 1 of the 2024 Cheltenham Festival begins the start of four great days of racing at the Cheltenham Racecourse. There are seven races taking place each day with Tuesday featuring three jumps races and four chases.
See the table below for details on all of the races taking place on day 1 of Cheltenham Festival 2024.
Start Time | Race |
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13:30 | The Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle |
14:10 | The Sporting Life Arkle Challenge Trophy Steeple Chase |
14:50 | The Ultima Handicap Steeple Chase |
15:30 | The Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy |
16:10 | The Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle |
16:50 | The Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle |
17:30 | The National Hunt Challenge Cup |
Looking for the best Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle odds? Click here.
The Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle is traditionally the first race of each Cheltenham Festival and will be greeted by spectators performing the traditional ‘Cheltenham Roar’ on the off. It is a Grade 1 National Hunt hurdle race which is open to horses aged 4 and over.
The race is a distance of approximately 2 miles and ½ furlong and there is a total of 8 hurdles for horses to jump before the finish line.
Year | Horse | Age | Price | Trainer | Jockey |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2023 | Marine Nationale | 6 | 9-2 | Barry Connell | Michael O'Sullivan |
2022 | Constitution Hill | 5 | 9-4 | Nicky Henderson | Nico de Boinville |
2021 | Appreciate It | 7 | 8-11F | W.P.Mullins | P Townend |
2020 | Shishkin | 6 | 6-1 | Nicky Henderson | Nico de Boinville |
2019 | Klassical Dream | 5 | 6-1 | Willie Mullins | Ruby Walsh |
2018 | Summerville Boy | 6 | 9-1 | Tom George | Noel Fehily |
2017 | Labaik | 6 | 25-1 | Gordon Elliott | Jack Kennedy |
2016 | Altior | 6 | 4-1 | Nicky Henderson | Nico de Boinville |
2015 | Douvan | 5 | 2-1F | Willie Mullins | Ruby Walsh |
2014 | Vautour | 5 | 7-2JF | Willie Mullins | Ruby Walsh |
2013 | Champagne Fever | 6 | 5-1 | Willie Mullins | Ruby Walsh |
2012 | Cinders And Ashes | 5 | 10-1 | Donald McCain | Jason Maguire |
2011 | Al Ferof | 6 | 10-1 | Paul Nicholls | Ruby Walsh |
Did You Know?
You can watch The Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle live on ITV or stream the race live on Bet365.
Looking for the best Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy Steeple Chase odds? Click here.
The Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy Steeple Chase is over a distance of approximately 2 miles and 7 furlongs. It is a Grade 1 National Hunt steeplechase that is open to horses aged five and over. The race is named after the racehorse ‘Arkle’ who had the highest rating of any jumps horse in the history of horse racing.
Year | Horse | Age | Price | Trainer | Jockey |
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2023 | El Fabiolo | 6 | 11-10 | Willie Mullins | Paul Townend |
2022 | Edwardstone | 8 | 5-2 | Alan King | Tom Cannon |
2021 | Shiskin | 7 | 4-9F | Nicky Henderson | Nico De Boinville |
2020 | Put The Kettle On | 6 | 16/1 | H De Bromhead | Aidan Coleman |
2019 | Duc des Genievres | 6 | 5/1 | Willie Mullins | Paul Townend |
2018 | Footpad | 6 | 5-6F | Willie Mullins | Ruby Walsh |
2017 | Altior | 7 | 1-4F | Nicky Henderson | Nico de Boinville |
2016 | Douvan | 6 | 1-4F | Willie Mullins | Ruby Walsh |
2015 | Un De Sceaux | 7 | 4-6F | Willie Mullins | Ruby Walsh |
2014 | Western Warhorse | 6 | 33-1 | David Pipe | Tom Scudamore |
2013 | Simonsig | 7 | 8-15F | Nicky Henderson | Barry Geraghty |
2012 | Sprinter Sacre | 6 | 8-11F | Nicky Henderson | Barry Geraghty |
2011 | Captain Chris | 7 | 6-1 | Philip Hobbs | Richard Johnson |
Did You Know?
You can watch The Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy Steeple Chase live on ITV or stream the race live on Bet365.
Looking for the best Ultima Handicap Steeple Chase odds? Click here.
The Ultima Handicap Steeple Chase, or the Festival Trophy Handicap Chase as it was previously known as, is a Grade 3 National Hunt steeplechase open to horses aged five and older.
The Ultima Handicap Steeple Chase is the third race to take place at the 2024 Cheltenham Festival and will be run over a distance of approximately 3 miles and 1 furlong. Runners will jump twenty fences in a bid to collect the prize money of £110,000.
Year | Horse | Age | Price | Trainer | Jockey |
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2023 | Corach Rambler | 9 | 6-1F | Derek Fox | Lucinda Russell |
2022 | Corach Rambler | 8 | 10-1 | Derek Fox | Lucinda Russell |
2021 | Vintage Clouds | 10 | 28-1 | Sue Smith | Ryan Mania |
2020 | The Conditional | 8 | 15-2 | D G Bridgwater | Brendan Powell |
2019 | Beware The Bear | 9 | 10-1 | Nicky Henerson | Jeremiah McGrath |
2018 | Coo Star Sivola | 6 | 5-1F | Nick Williams | Lizzie Kelly |
2017 | Un Temps Pour Tout | 8 | 9-1 | David Pipe | Tom Scudamore |
2016 | Un Temps Pour Tout | 7 | 11-1 | David Pipe | Tom Scudamore |
2015 | The Druids Nephew | 8 | 8-1 | Neil Mulholland | Barry Geraghty |
2014 | Holywell | 7 | 10-1 | Jonjo O’Neill | Richie McLernon |
2013 | Golden Chieftain | 8 | 28-1 | Colin Tizzard | Brendan Powell |
2012 | Alfie Sherrin | 9 | 14-1 | Jonjo O’Neill | Richie McLernon |
2011 | Bensalem | 8 | 5-1 | Alan King | Robert Thornton |
Did You Know?
You can watch The Ultima Handicap Steeple Chase live on ITV or stream the race live on Bet365.
Be sure to take a look at our 2024 Ultima Handicap Chase Tips
Looking for the best Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy odds? Click here.
The highlight of day 1 is The Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy which has prize money of no less than £450,000. The 2021 winner of this race was Honeysuckle which went off as the favourite at 11/10 and was ridden by Rachael Blackmore.
The Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy is a Grade 1 National Hunt hurdle race has eight hurdles to be jumped over a distance of approximately 2 miles and ½ furlong.
Our Unibet Champions Hurdle tips page features 2024 tips from WhichBookie racing analyst Will Smith.
Year | Horse | Age | Price | Trainer | Jockey |
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2023 | Constitution Hill | 6 | 4-11F | Nicky Henderson | Nico de Boinville |
2022 | Honeysuckle | 7 | 8-11 | Henry de Bromhead | Rachael Blackmore |
2021 | Honeysuckle | 6 | 11-10F | Henrt de Bromhead | Rachel Blackmore |
2020 | Epatante | 6 | 2-1f | N J Henderson | B J Geraghty |
2019 | Espoir d’Allen | 5 | 16-1 | Gavin Cromwell | Mark Walsh |
2018 | Buveur D’Air | 7 | 4-6F | Nicky Henderson | Barry Geraghty |
2017 | Buveur D’Air | 6 | 5-1 | Nicky Henderson | Noel Fehily |
2016 | Annie Power | 8 | 5-2F | Willie Mullins | Ruby Walsh |
2015 | Faugheen | 7 | 4-5F | Willie Mullins | Ruby Walsh |
2014 | Jezki | 6 | 9-1 | Jessica Harrington | Barry Geraghty |
2013 | Hurricane Fly | 9 | 13-8F | Willie Mullins | Ruby Walsh |
2012 | Rock On Ruby | 7 | 11-1 | Paul Nicholls | Noel Fehily |
2011 | Hurricane Fly | 7 | 11-4F | Willie Mullins | Ruby Walsh |
Did You Know?
You can watch The Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy live on ITV or stream the race live on Bet365.
Looking for the best Mares’ Hurdle odds? Click here.
The Mares’ Hurdle, which up until 2011 was known as the David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle is a Grade 1 National Hunt race open to mares aged four and over. The race is run over a distance of approximately 2 miles and 4 furlongs and features ten hurdles.
The Mares’ Hurdle was only introduced in 2008 and was initially held on the final day at The Cheltenham Festival before being moved to the opening day the year after. It was also initially a Grade 2 race before being upgraded to Grade 1 in 2015.
Year | Horse | Age | Price | Trainer | Jockey |
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2023 | Honeysuckle | 9 | 9/4F | Henry De Bromhead | Rachael Blackmore |
2022 | Marie's Rock | 7 | 18-1 | Nicky Henderson | Nico de Boinville |
2021 | Black Tears | 7 | 11-1 | Denise Foster | JW Kennedy |
2020 | Honeysuckle | 6 | 9-4 | H De Bromhead | Rachael Blackmore |
2019 | Roksana | 7 | 10-1 | Dan Skelton | Harry Skelton |
2018 | Benie Des Dieux | 7 | 9-2 | Willie Mullins | Ruby Walsh |
2017 | Apple’s Jade | 5 | 7-2 | Gordon Elliott | Bryan Cooper |
2016 | Vroum Vroum Mag | 7 | 4-6F | Willie Mullins | Ruby Walsh |
2015 | Glens Melody | 7 | 6-1 | Willie Mullins | Paul Townend |
2014 | Quevega | 10 | 8-11F | Willie Mullins | Ruby Walsh |
2013 | Quevega | 9 | 8-11F | Willie Mullins | Ruby Walsh |
2012 | Quevega | 8 | 4-7F | Willie Mullins | Ruby Walsh |
2011 | Quevega | 7 | 5-6F | Willie Mullins | Ruby Walsh |
Did You Know?
You can watch The Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle live on ITV or stream the race live on Bet365.
Looking for the best Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle odds? Click here.
The Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle, also known as the Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle, named in memory of the successful jockey and trainer Fred Winter (1926 – 2004).
The race features eight hurdles and is run over a distance of approximately 2 miles and ½ furlong.
Year Horse Age Price Trainer Jockey
2023 Jazzy Matty 4 18-1 Gordon Elliott Michael O'Sullivan
2022 Brazil 4 10-1 Padraig Roche Mark Walsh
2021 Jeff Kidder 4 80-1 Noel Meade Sean Flanagan
2020 Aramax 4 15-2 Gordon Elliott M P Walsh
2019 Band of Outlaws 3 7-2F Joseph O’Brien JJ Slevin
2018 Veneer of Charm 4 33-1 Gordon Elliott Jack Kennedy
2017 Flying Tiger 4 33-1 Nick Williams Richard Johnson
2016 Diego Du Charmil 4 13-2 Paul Nicholls Sam Twiston-Davies
2015 Qualando 4 25-1 Paul Nicholls Nick Scholfield
2014 Hawk High 4 33-1 Tim Easterby Brian Hughes
2013 Flaxen Flare 4 25-1 Gordon Elliott Davy Condon
2012 Une Artiste 4 40-1 Nicky Henderson Jerry McGrath
2011 What A Charm 4 9-1 Arthur Moore Paul Townend
Did You Know?
You can stream the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle on Bet365
The National Hunt Challenge Cup
Looking for the National Hunt Challenge Cup odds? Click here.
The National Hunt Challenge Cup is a Grade 2 National Hunt steeplechase that is open to horses aged 5 and over. It features 25 fences to be jumped and is run over a distance of approximately 3 miles and 7 ½ furlongs making it the longest race by distance on day 1 of the Cheltenham festival.
Take a look at our National Hunt Chase tips for 2024.
Year | Horse | Age | Price | Trainer | Jockey |
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2023 | Gaillard Du Mesnil | 7 | 10/11F | Mr P W Mullins | W P Mullins |
2022 | Stattler | 7 | 2/1 | Mr P W Mullins | W P Mullins |
2021 | Galvin | 6 | 7-2 | Ian Ferguson | J W Kennedy |
2020 | Ravenhill | 10 | 12-1 | Gordon Elliott | Jamie Codd |
2019 | Le Breuil | 7 | 14-1 | BenPauling | Jamie Codd |
2018 | Rathvinden | 10 | 9-2 | Willie Mullins | Patrick Mullins |
2017 | Tiger Roll | 7 | 16-1 | Gordon Elliott | Lisa O’Neill |
2016 | Minella Rocco | 6 | 8-1 | Jonjo O’Neill | Derek O’Connor |
2015 | Cause Of Causes | 7 | 8-1 | Gordon Elliott | Jamie Codd |
2014 | Midnight Prayer | 9 | 8-1 | Alan King | Joshua Newman |
2013 | Back In Focus | 8 | 9/4F | Willie Mullins | Patrick Mullins |
2012 | Teaforthree | 8 | 5/1F | Rebecca Curtis | JT McNamara |
2011 | Chicago Grey | 8 | 5/1F | Gordon Elliott | Derek O’Connor |
Did You Know?
You can stream the National Hunt Challenge Cup live on Bet365.
Our National Hunt betting tips page has selections from WhichBookie racing tipster Will Smith for the 2024 race.
That concludes our round-up for day 1 of The 2024 Cheltenham Festival. Click to view our Cheltenham Festival Day 2 Guide or view the latest 2024 Cheltenham Festival Betting Offers.
1.20 – Supreme Novices’ Hurdle |
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Somewhat disappointingly and surprisingly, I will be going into the Festival opener without a bet, and even with the 8 runners looking ripe for an each-way bet, I just can’t bring myself to oppose Appreciate It. While the 10mm of rain on Sunday evening has firmed up Metier’s chance as second favourite, so it also seems illogical to try and find a bet in the ‘without favourite’ market. |
1.55 – Arkle Novices’ Chase |
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Having advised Shishkin at 4/1 in April last year, I see no need to add anything to that at this stage. Although, I do feel both Captain Guinness and Franco De Port have a good chance of filling the placings ahead of Allmankind, so it could be a race to have a look at the ‘without favourite’ market. |
2.30 – Ultima Handicap Chase |
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Two ante-post bets going into the first handicap of the meeting – firstly the 16/1 advised a while back about One For The Team is looking pretty good. While also, the well-thought-out but ever-so-slightly guessy 25/1 for Happygolucky in the market ‘to win any race’ puts us in a lovely spot for this race. Remember, if you are on at that price each-way, then it will only be 3 places. |
3.05 – Champion Hurdle |
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I’m very happy with the 12/1 taken about Abacadabras a while back, but now we have the full field confirmed, I think this year’s Champion Hurdle is ripe for another each-way bet, particularly with William Hill offering an enticing 5 places for each-way bets.
While we could have done without the extra rain on Sunday night, I do feel that Sharjah at 10/1 with William Hill, given those 5 places for each-way terms, is a bet that is crying out to be struck. A dry and windy day on Monday will presumably turn the ground back to something like good to soft, and despite being a three-time Grade 1 winner on good or yielding ground, he is also a Grade 1 winner on soft and also an easy Galway Hurdle winner on testing ground too. While perhaps his best run on very testing ground was when chasing home Epatante in last year’s Champion Hurdle. Rather than the ground, what will set Sharjah’s chance apart is the way the race is likely to pan out, with a decent pace guaranteed, Paul Townend will be able to pick his way through late and hope that the more prominently-ridden Honeysuckle and Epatante haven’t gone beyond recall. |
3.40 – Mares’ Hurdle |
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No ante-post bet here, and the top of the market looks pretty solid but not unbeatable. Concertista and Roksana are both previous Cheltenham festival winners, while next in Dame De Compagnie can also boast that tag.
However, I do think that there is a horse in here who has been slightly undervalued in the market, and that is Nicky Henderson’s Floressa. Long thought of as a horse that needs a step up in trip, she finally gets to test her trainer’s hunch, and I feel she could be a great price in a couple of special markets with Bet365. Floressa is 22/1 in the market ‘without Concertista’, and also 14/1 in the market ‘without Concertista and Roksana’, and I think she is worth a small bit each-way at both those prices with Bet365. That way, she could finish fifth and you’d all but get your money back. Any better than that, and it would be a profitable play. |
4.15 – Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle |
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Another nicely shaped ante-post race for us, with the two selections Saint Sam at 10/1 and Busselton at 14/1 being declared.
Having got the final field through, I think it is worth adding a third dart at the race, in the shape of recent Wincanton winner Balko Saint, who at 25/1 with William Hill, looks a cracking each-way play. While he could have done without the extra 5lb penalty for winning that small novice hurdle, it is his run at Cheltenham behind Duffle Coat and Adagio in October that marked him down in my mind as potential horse for this race. Given Balko Saint has proven his current well-being, handles the track well and is a huge 25/1, I find it hard not to recommend him. |
4.50 – National Hunt Chase |
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The closing race of day one looks a fascinating and competitive renewal, but given we are on Galvin at 14/1 and also Lord Royal at 16/1, I don’t see the need to suggest anything else, for all that I respect and fear the classy Next Destination. |
I am going to work on the proviso of soft ground all over for day one, given the forecast for a band of rain to hit on Monday evening – but forecasts suggest not enough to turn the ground heavy.
The Mares Hurdle and the National Hunt Chase are races where I am struggling to recommend anything – Benie Des Dieux looks rock-solid, and while Carefully Selected looks worth taking on in the 3m 6f race, it is hard to know exactly who with, as stamina will be tested like never before for some here.
Chantry House – 11/2 EW (William Hill 7 places)
Fiddlerontheroof – 6/1 EW (William Hill 7 places)
Soviet Pimpernel – 28/1 EW (William Hill 7 places)
Having advised Abacadabras ante-post at 6/1, many of you will see the fact that I am advising a further three bets in the opener and feel I should have a word with myself. But when you consider that William Hill are going an outstanding 7 places for each-way terms, then in backing Chantry House and Fiddlerontheroof, you are essentially giving yourself two bets to nothing. Both have the ability to win this, and have had lovely preparations.
Asterion Forlonge won what is usually the best trial in Ireland, but seems to prefer better ground, jumps right, and ran a time very similar to the Spring Juvenile Hurdle on the card at Leopardstown that day, when everything went right for him. The horse he beat into second, Easywork, in my eyes is a soft ground 2m4f horse, so this effort can be marked down.
Shishkin will run very well, but isn’t a great price – which is a comment you can’t angle at Soviet Pimpernel, who at 28/1 is a wild price with 7 places to go at. A cracking course and distance second in November to Quel Destin, (who beat leading Champion Hurdle contender Call Me Lord subsequently,) when perhaps coming from further back than ideal. He has the look of a horse that has flown under the radar.
Esprit Du Large – 14/1 EW (Bet365)
We have Brewin’upastorm running for us here at 9/1, which looks handy, and I was tempted to suggest backing Fakir D’Oudairies at 9/2 with the ground in his favour, but in terms of adding a further string to our bow, then look no further than the Henry VIII Novices’ Chase winner Esprit Du Large at 14/1.
With so many front-runners in opposition, this looks ripe for something that can travel sweetly at pace and then stay on – characteristics that Evan Williams’ horse displayed in spades at Sandown before Christmas.
Atlanta Ablaze – 25/1 EW (Betway 6 places) or 28/1 EW (William Hill / Ladbrokes 5 places)
Having advised Discorama a few days ago at 9/1 on account of his run in last year’s National Hunt Chase, I see it necessary to also suggest backing the mare that arguably went through that race like much the best horse – Henry Daly’s Atlanta Ablaze. She was done no favours by Discorama at the second last, where she ultimately took a tired fall, but up until about 100 yards before that point she was hacking all over the field.
She has been brought back this season to win a decent Listed Mares Chase at Market Rasen fresh, and on the back of another break and a wind operation, she can outrun her odds.
Supasundae – 12/1 EW Bet365 (generally 4 places)
Darver Star, advised at 28/1, is still a best priced 12/1 in places and I certainly wouldn’t put anyone off backing him now. But it is the horse that was just over 4 lengths behind Darver Star in the Irish Champion Hurdle that I am quickly coming around to, in a race where I’m sure many a pundit/punter/expert has gone around and around with also.
This will be Supasundae’s sixth visit to the Cheltenham Festival, and ultimately having his first go at the Champion Hurdle at the age of 10 smacks of missing the boat, but he looked as if he badly needed the run at Leopardstown in February, as he always does. While, if you think back to the last two runs of last season, he beat Buveur D’Air at Aintree and then chased him home at Punchestown on ground plenty lively enough for him.
Not forgetting he is a 3-time open company hurdle Grade 1 winner, something that none of the other runners can claim.
Champagne Mystery – 28/1 EW (888Sport 5 places)
Hopefully you are on Imperial Aura at 25/1 and Galvin at 20/1 as advised, and they will surely give you a decent run for your money. Deyrann De Carjac wasn’t declared unfortunately, so it might be useful to give ourselves a third arrow here – and that comes in the form of the Nicky Henderson-trained Champagne Mystery.
Wildly impressive on chase debut at Aintree at the start of the season, he has then had two starts since, both eye-catching, and ran in the same Fakenham novice chase that Henderson’s 2018 runner-up Rather Be ran in before coming here. Champagne Mystery was second to Grand Annual favourite Greaneteen at Fakenham, and looks very suited to the rigours of this test.