Which Irish horses to back at the Cheltenham Festival? Billy Nash previews the action
Timeform’s Billy Nash runs through the main Irish hopes on day four of the Cheltenham Festival, with an each-way fancy in the County Hurdle.
Cheltenham Festival tips: Day four
Banker: Al Boum Photo
Each-way selection: You Raised Me Up
Triumph Hurdle
There is very little to choose between former stable companions Quilixios and Zanahiyr, both of whom had their form boosted in the Fred Winter on Tuesday. Quilixios has raced only on soft or heavy ground up but that shouldn’t be construed as a negative and I wouldn’t want to put anyone off either of them. Tax For Max was considered good enough to run in a Group 1 on the Flat and is entitled to come on for his hurdling debut, but the really intriguing one is Haut En Couleurs who won a newcomers hurdle at Auteuil on his sole start in October. A market move would be significant on his debut for Willie Mullins.
County Hurdle
Just the 16 (!) Irish-trained runners in this annual lottery. Éclair de Beaufeu, runner-up in last year’s Grand Annual from a 10 lb higher mark, wasn’t beaten far in the Ladbrokes Hurdle last time and has the best chance on Timeform ratings. Of the trio that finished ahead of him at Leopardstown that day, Champagne Gold is the one open to the most improvement. Cayd Boy, the choice of Mark Walsh, is another unexposed one that should go well, and similar comments apply to Ganapathi who clearly didn’t stay two and three-quarter miles last time. Buildmeupbuttercup made the frame in this race last year and has won three times since, but the one I like is You Raised Me Up who appears to have been laid out for this and warmed up for it with a smooth success in a novice hurdle at Naas.
Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle
Stattler heads the market here and looks the pick of the Irish contenders. He was a good third to Gaillard du Mesnil (runner-up in the Ballymore on Wednesday) in a Grade 1 at Leopardstown last time and holds Fakiera on that form. Vanillier beat Stattler in a maiden hurdle at Naas in November but needs to bounce back from a poor effort last time. Torygraph is a thorough stayer but has a bit to find on form, as does Streets of Doyen who does, at least, have course experience having won around here in October.
Gold Cup
A very strong Irish challenge is headed by Al Boum Photo who is bidding to become just the fifth horse to win this race more than twice. He proved his wellbeing in his now traditional curtain-raiser at Tramore on New Year’s Day and is the one to beat again. A Plus Tard coped well with the step up to three miles at Leopardstown last time and rates a big danger to the selection. Kemboy has yet to show his true colours at this track but is well capable of making his presence felt, as is Minella Indo who, in contrast, has a very good record around here and is trained by Henry de Bromhead, whose yard is in excellent form.
Hunters’ Chase
Billaway, runner-up to It Came To Pass in this race last year, seems to have improved a bit since and is the one to beat provided he can keep the mistakes to a minimum. It Came To Pass was a long way behind when unseating on his reappearance, Mighty Stowaway has a bit to find on form and the Enda Bolger-trained pair, Staker Wallace and Stand Up And Fight, have both come up short in this race in the past.
Mares’ Chase
A new addition to the Festival and the Irish, and Willie Mullins in particular, appear to have a very strong hand. Elimay, who toyed with Shattered Love at Naas last time, is the pick on form, but Colreevy, who is still unbeaten over fences, is unlikely to go down without a fight. Magic of Light is another to consider but she probably needs a bit further than this nowadays.
Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle
Let’s hope we have our money made by the time this race rolls around because it looks very difficult. Floueur is relatively unexposed but has plenty on his plate under top weight. Galopin des Champs and Gabynako have both contested Grade 1 novice events this season but neither has been done any favours by the handicapper. Gentleman de Mee could be anything, Commandingpresence is open to further improvement and Fire Attack is another for the shortlist. It is a no bet race for me, however.
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