Cheltenham

JCB Triumph Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

Sky Bet paying 4 places instead of 3

SKY BET EXTRA PLACE RACE

Poniros

Lulamba

East India Dock

James Owen continues on the rise in the training ranks and his likeable front-runner EAST INDIA DOCK can showcase his undoubted talents further by gaining his biggest prize yet and extending his unbeaten run to four. Nicky Henderson has an excellent record in this and his unexposed French recruit Lulamba could emerge as the biggest danger. although Irish-challengers Hello Neighbour and Lady Vega Allen both bring very solid form to the table and can also have a say in a fascinating Triumph. 

William Hill County Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

Sky Bet paying 6 places instead of 4

Kargese

Ndaawi

Absurde

Ethical Diamond

This could be run to suit the strong-travelling KARGESE who would benefit from a similarly ice-cool ride as Absurde was given when landing this race 12 months ago. It's a vote of confidence that Paul Townend switches allegiances and she can give Willie Mullins an unprecedented eighth County Hurdle. 2024 Boodles winner Lark In The Morning looks primed to run another huge race at the Festival, while Valgrand may fare best of the home team.

Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Chase (Registered As The Liberthine Mares' Chase) (Grade 2) (GBB Race)

Dinoblue

Brides Hill

Shecouldbeanything

DINOBLUE would likely have defied her Grade 1 penalty in this last year had she not conceded first run to Limerick Lace and she's fancied to make amends having looked as good as ever this season. Allegorie de Vassy pushed her stablemate close at Naas 5 weeks ago so rates the main threat, while Brides Hill looks the pick of Gavin Cromwell's trio with last year's winner Limerick Lace arriving on the back of a couple of lacklustre efforts.   

Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) (Registered As The Spa Novices' Hurdle) (GBB Race)

Sky Bet paying 5 places instead of 3

Jasmin De Vaux

The Big Westerner

Derryhassen Paddy

This looks wide open but Henry de Bromhead last won this with his Gold Cup hero Minella Indo and his smart mare THE BIG WESTERNER can use her 7 lb sex allowance to telling effect and retain her unbeaten record over hurdles. Gordon Elliott's Wingmen found only Final Demand too good in a Leopardstown Grade 1 last time and heads the list of dangers, although Jasmin de Vaux (choice of Paul Townend), Wendigo and Ballybow all command plenty of respect too. Derryhassen Paddy completes the shortlist.  

Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

Inothewayurthinkin

Galopin Des Champs

Gentlemansgame

GALOPIN DES CHAMPS landed a third Irish Gold Cup last month and can cement his place among the greats by repeating that feat in chasing's blue riband event. Banbridge is a top-class chaser in his own right and December's King George hero has the potential to give the reigning champion plenty to think about with ground conditions likely to be ideal for him. Inothewayurthinkin, who was supplemented for £25,000 last weekend, can complete his Grand National preparations by staying on for third.

St. James's Place Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters' Chase

Wonderwall

Its On The Line

Willitgoahead

ANGELS DAWN is the class act and her Cheltenham Festival form under Patrick King stacks up, having been successful in the 2023 Kim Muir over C&D and in the process of running well when departing 2 out bidding for the follow-up last year. She ticks all the boxes and can come out on top. Willitgoahead is unexposed and very interesting for Gordon Elliott after his Thurles success. C&D winner Fairly Famous is a player at bigger odds while Its On The Line, second in 2023 and 2024, must be feared.

Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

Wodhooh

Act Of Authority

Raglan Road

Taponthego

NO ORDINARY JOE has shaped well in the last 2 runnings of this and is selected to make it third time lucky. His ownermate Kopeck de Mee is very much an unknown quantity and it would be no surprise were he to be well ahead of his mark. Park of Kings completes a very strong hand for J P McManus and is next on the list ahead of the unbeaten Wodhooh and the selection's stablemate East India Express. 

Cheltenham Festival Racecards Friday 14th March 2025