Cheltenham Festival news: Friday declarations | Santini declared in Albert Bartlett

11:58 · WED March 14, 2018

Get all the latest news as the final fields for the final day of the Cheltenham Festival are published as Santini is declared for the Albert Bartlett.

JCB Triumph Hurdle

Apple's Shakira is the standout name from just nine declarations for the JCB Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival on Friday.

Nicky Henderson's filly is unbeaten since her transfer from France and is likely to be sent off at short odds for the Grade One.

The Seven Barrows handler has, however, been forced to rule out We Have A Dream, who was reported off-colour earlier in the week.

Unbeaten hurdler Redicean is also prominent in the betting and has been declared by Alan King.

Willie Mullins saddles Mr Adjudicator, Saldier, Sayo and Stormy Ireland, with great rival Gordon Elliott set to unleash Farclas.

Gumball (Philip Hobbs) and Sussex Ranger (Gary Moore) are also involved.

Randox Health County Handicap Hurdle

A maximum field of 26 will line up in the County Hurdle. They are: Bleu Et Rouge, Jenkins, Ivanovich Gorbatov, Tigris River, Lagostovegas, Le Richebourg, A Hare Breath, Sandsend, Remiluc, Sternrubin, Moon Racer, Brelade, Meri Devie, Whiskey Sour, Divin Bere, Flying Tiger, All Set To Go, Chesterfield, Spiritofthegames, Ben Dundee Mohaayed, Smaoineamh Alainn, Duca de Thaix, Brahms de Clermont, William H Bonney, I Shot The Sheriff.

Reserve: Krugermac

Eliminations: Demon d'Aunou, Friday Night Light, Okotoks, Black Mischief, Magic Dancer.

Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle

Nicky Henderson has declared Santini in the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle as well as hat-trick hero Chef Des Obeaux. The Henderson pair are two of 20 contenders with the others being: Ballyward, Beyond The Law, Calett Mad, Chris's Dream, Crucial Role, Dortmund Park, Enniscoffey Oscar, Fabulous Oscar, Kilbricken Oscar, Mr Whipped, Mulcahys Hill, Ok Corral, Paisley Park, Poetic Rhythm, Real Steel, Robin Waters, Talkischeap, Tower Bridge.

Eliminations: Clondaw Native, Dans Le Vent, Game On, Moyross, Samuel Jackson, Warthog.

Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase

Might Bite is one of 18 declarations for the Timico Cheltenham Gold on Friday.

Nicky Henderson's gifted nine-year-old has been the long-time favourite for the main event of the four-day Cheltenham Festival.

Might Bite was a wayward winner of the RSA Chase at the Festival last year but he has looked a much more composed animal this season.

Yet the reigning King George VI Chase champion is likely to face stiff opposition from the soft-ground-loving Native River, who was third in the Gold Cup last spring.

Definitly Red is also a worthy ally for North Yorkshire trainer Brian Ellison, while the Jessica Harrington-trained Our Duke heads a strong Irish challenge.

Harrington's compatriot Willie Mullins has yet to win the Gold Cup and this year saddles Killultagh Vic, the mount of Ruby Walsh, Total Recall, Bachasson and Djakadam, who has twice finished second in the race.

Consistent chaser Road To Respect tries his luck for Noel Meade, with Gordon Elliott set to go into battle with Outlander.

Owner JP McManus is responsible for Irish Gold Cup winner Edwulf (Joseph O'Brien), last year's runner-up Minella Rocco (Jonjo O'Neill) and Anibale Fly (Tony Martin).

American was supplemented for the race by Harry Fry and will be joined in the line-up by Double Shuffle (Tom George), Saphir Du Rheu (Paul Nicholls) and the Nick Williams-trained Tea For Two, who will be partnered by Lizzie Kelly.

Richard Hobson has also declared Shantou Flyer but he finished second to the Kelly-ridden Coo Star Sivola in the Ultima Handicap Chase at Cheltenham on Tuesday.

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

A full field of 24 go in the Foxhunter Challenge Cup: Balnaslow, Barel of Laughs, Burning Ambition, Caid du Berlais, Cousin Pete, Foxrock, Grand Vision, Minella For Value, On The Fringe, Pacha du Polder, Premier Portrait, Saddlers Encore, Shantou Magic, Shotavodka, Sir Jack Yeats, Top Wood, Unioniste, Vincitore, Virak, Volnay de Thaix, Warden Hill, Wells de Lune, Wonderful Charm, Young Hurricane.

Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle

A maximum field of 26 go for the Martin Pipe race: Blow By Blow, Sire Du Berlais, Flaxen Flare, Dream Berry, Early Doors, No Hassle Hoff, Brelan d'As, Tommy Rappwr, Brillaire Momento, Couer de Lion, Carter McKay, Delire d'Estruval, Mr Big Shot, Arthington, Flawless Escape, Diese des Bieffes, Lough Derg Spirit, Burrows Saint, Amour De Nuit, Melrose Boy, Deal d'Estruval, Poppy Kay, Discorama, Brave Eagle.

Reserves: Arthur's Gift, Kildisart.

Eliminations: Coup de Pinceau, Zubayr, Treackle Tart, Dolciano Dici, Brahms de Clermont, Le Patriote, Overland Flyer, Captain Cattistock, Diable de Sivola, Sleep Easy, Maestro Royal, Runyon Rattler, Herewego Herewego, Buckle Street, Dicey O'Reilly, Copper Kay, I Shot The Sheriff, Half The Odds, Court Artist, Jaisalmer, Dysios, Graasten, Slanelough, Whiskey In The Jar, Dieg Man, Didero Vallis, Okotokos, Friday Night Light, Poker Play, Bialco, Django Django, Monotype, Magic Dancer, Stick To The Plan, Affaire d'Honneur, Quarenta, Three Star General.

Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Challenge Cup Handicap Chase

A maximum field of 24 line up in the Grand Annual. They are: Garde La Victoire, Forest Bihan, Rock The World, Gino Trail, Vaniteux, North Hill Harvey, Le Prezien, Don't Touch It, Top Gamble, Valdez, Dolos, Sizing Platinum, Eastlake, Some Plan, Three Stars, Townshend, Dresden, Foxtail Hill, Bouvreuil, The Game Changer, Theinval, Borm Survivor, Bright New Dawn, Doitforthevillage.

Reserves: Bun Doran, Vosne Romanee.

Eliminations: Powersbomb, Cepage, Bentelimar, Patricks Park, Katachenko, Savello, Brelan d'As, Poker School, Calipto, Solar Impulse.