Cheltenham

Ballymore Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) (Registered As The Baring Bingham) (GBB Race)

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Impaire Et Passe

Gaelic Warrior

Champ Kiely

IMPAIRE ET PASSE is admittedly more style over substance at this stage, but he couldn't have been much more impressive in winning both his hurdle starts to date and, with the longer trip highly unlikely to hold any fears, he's very much fancied to make his class tell. Hermes Allen produced a scintillating performance in the Challow and has to be considered a big threat, along with last years's Fred winter runner-up Gaelic Warrior, who has progressed plenty more this season. 

Brown Advisory Novices' Chase (Grade 1) (Registered As The Broadway Novices' Chase) (GBB Race)

Sky Bet paying 4 places instead of 3

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The Real Whacker

Gerri Colombe

Bronn

GERRI COLOMBE enhanced his reputation when taking his record under Rules to 7-7 in the Scilly Isles at Sandown last month, jumping soundly and coming out on top in game fashion. Very much the type to be suited by the return to further, he can make a bold bid to keep his 100% record intact. The Real Whacker, an impressive dual winner over fences here already this term, rates a big threat though. Sir Gerhard, twice a winner at the Festival, and Galia des Liteaux complete the shortlist.

Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

Sky Bet paying 8 places instead of 4

Langer Dan

An Epic Song

Camprond

Scaramanga

Any number to consider but RUN FOR OSCAR is just about the most persuasive option having improved into a very useful stayer on the Flat during the second half of 2022. He was also better than the result on both hurdles outings since and, representing a yard with very few peers in handicaps, he looks the way to go with cheekpieces back on. Captain Conby has presumably been saved for this and he's open to lots of progress, with Good Risk At All perhaps the pick of the British contenders. 

Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

Energumene

Captain Guinness

Potentially the race of the week featuring the 1-2-3 from the rearranged Clarence House Chase here in January, EDWARDSTONE getting the verdict to emerge on top this time and master reigning champion Energumene, who posted his first ever below-par effort when 6½ lengths back in third. Editeur du Gite was ridden to perfection that day and Gary Moore's bold-jumping front runner may have to settle for bronze on this occasion, in what promises to be a tactically-intriguing affair. 

Glenfarclas Chase (Cross Country Chase) (GBB Race)

Delta Work

Galvin

Franco De Port

DELTA WORK was impressive in this last season and looks well prepared to make it back-to-back successes. His stablemate Galvin is the other class act in this field and looks a huge threat if he takes to the new discipline, while Franco de Port represents another top Irish yard and has enough ability to make his presence felt. The others all have improvement to find.

Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Challenge Cup Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

Sky Bet paying 6 places instead of 4

Maskada

Dinoblue

Global Citizen

Third Time Lucki

Plenty of exposed sorts in this year's renewal so ANDY DUFRESNE, who was a strong favourite when runner-up off the same mark 12 months ago, is taken to defy top weight and go one place better having been laid out for this again. The Irish could well dominate, with Final Orders, Dinoblue and Coeur Sublime making up the shortlist. 

Weatherbys Champion Bumper (Standard Open NH Flat Race) (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

Sky Bet paying 5 places instead of 3

A Dream To Share

Fact To File

Captain Teague

Willie Mullins fields 10 as he bids for a remarkable thirteenth win and the mare FUN FUN FUN could be the way to go. She was a sensational winner of a Grade 2 mares' event at Leopardstown last month and can follow in the footsteps of Relegate who did the same double for the yard in 2018. A Dream To Share has passed every test so far for John Kiely and sets a very good standard. Encanto Bruno and Better Days Ahead are other interesting runners away from the Mullins' battalion.

Cheltenham Festival Racecards Wednesday 15th March 2023