Weatherbys Cheltenham Festival Betting Guide Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 15:00 | Winning time: 5m 10.85s

Nemean Lion^t⁴⁸

Age: 9| Weight: 11-8| J: C O'Farrell| T: Kerry Lee| OR: 151| CD

15/8

Likeable sort who landed this race last season prior to taking the Grade 2 National Spirit at Fontwell in February. Shaped as if retaining all ability when 1¾ lengths third of 5 to Golden Ace in Fighting Fifth and step back up in trip will suit. Tongue strap on for 1st time.

Form: 2111P-3

Potters Charm²⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-8| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 149| D

2/1

Won his first 4 starts over hurdles last season, including a Grade 1 novice at Aintree (17f). Limitations perhaps exposed at the top level since, though he's emerged with credit from both completed outings this term, most recently when fourth in the Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot. Player back in trip.

Form: 115-F34

Take No Chances⁴⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-1| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 145| D

7/2

Winner of listed race at Wetherby and mares' Grade 2 at Ascot last term. Just touched off by Strong Leader back at Wetherby in November and shaped better than result from a long way back when third to Impose Toi in Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury (24.3f, good to soft) later that month. Shortlisted.

Form: 335-623

Altobelli^p,t²⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 11-0| J: Bryan Carver| T: H Fry| OR: 146

5/1

Took his form to a new level last term, landing a brace of 19f Ascot handicaps during the winter. Unable to land a blow in 3 Graded events since, though looked stretched by the longer trip when sixth of 11 to Impose Toi in Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot last month. This looks more suitable.

Form: 2118-56

Royal Infantry^t³⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: Tristan Durrell| T: D Skelton| OR: 137

18/1

Useful hurdler, reaching the frame in competitive handicaps at Chepstow (19.5f, good to firm) and Cheltenham (21f, soft) in recent months. Disappointing last of 3 at chase debut last month, though, and a career best is likely required to take this.

Form: 452-343

Forecasts

Nemean Lion (15/8), Potters Charm (2/1), Take No Chances (7/2), Altobelli (5/1), Royal Infantry (18/1)

A tricky event, with the versatile mare TAKE NO CHANCES fancied to build on a most encouraging run behind Impose Toi at Newbury last month. Potters Charm has proven himself a reliable sort at a high level and this looks his best opportunity to score since he was awarded a Grade 2 novice at Cheltenham this time last year. Last season's winner Nemean Lion is also much respected, the step back up in trip sure to suit after a positive return in the Fighting Fifth.