Weatherbys Cheltenham Festival Betting Guide Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 14:15 | Winning time: 6m 28.86s

Godot^p²¹

Age: 9| Weight: 12-0| J: Freddie Mitchell| T: A Irvine| OR: 107| C

14/1

Won at Lingfield in December and runner-up three times since, including bouncing back from a poor return at Ascot. Second of 13 in handicap hurdle at Lingfield (18/1) 21 days ago, retained all his ability and responded well to pressure (flashed tail). Two course wins and respected back up in trip.

Form: 3122-P2

Pachacuti^v³²

Age: 9| Weight: 11-12| J: Rian Corcoran⁽⁸⁾| T: D Pipe| OR: 105| D

15/8

Had been disappointing over fences but returned to form when second of 10 in handicap hurdle at Ffos Las (11/2) 32 days ago following a headgear change, though seemed to find that test barely adequate (third has franked form). This step back up in trip should suit but he's up 3 lb.

Form: 20-P3P2

Madajovy^p1⁴⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-9| J: Tristan Durrell⁽³⁾| T: D Skelton| OR: 102

11/2

Supported and showed improvement when second of 11 on handicap bow at Warwick (4/1) 40 days ago, finding more when stepped up to 19f. Shapes as though he'll stay this longer trip and looks open to further progress in first-time cheekpieces.

Form: 4P6572

Blade Runner^p⁴⁵

Age: 10| Weight: 11-7| J: Freddie Gordon| T: C Gordon| OR: 100| C

5/1

Hasn't won since late 2023, better known as a chaser but inconsistent in that code. Fifth of 6 in handicap hurdle at Fontwell (9/1) 45 days ago on return from 20 months off, making little impression. Bit to prove with cheekpieces back on.

Form: PP3P/3-5

Ami Bondhu^p1⁴⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 10-13| J: Tabitha Worsley| T: N J Gifford| OR: 92

15/2

Fairly useful bumper winner yet to find his form this season with two poor efforts since reappearing in October. Third of 4 in handicap hurdle at Fontwell (3/1) 45 days ago, left behind in the straight and eased late on. First-time cheekpieces/significant step up in trip may see him bounce back.

Form: 8342-03

Ferret Jeeter^t⁶³

Age: 9| Weight: 10-13| J: Chad Bament⁽⁶⁾| T: A J Honeyball| OR: 92

11/4

Handicap hurdle winner last June before a 6-month absence/ breathing operation. Ran creditably on comeback when third of 9 at Fontwell Park (4/1) 63 days ago and may sharpen up for that run. One to consider back up in trip.

Form: 69/1F13

Forecasts

Pachacuti (15/8), Ferret Jeeter (11/4), Blade Runner (5/1), Madajovy (11/2), Ami Bondhu (15/2), Godot (14/1)

A tight handicap. MADAJOVY showed improvement when second at Warwick 40 days ago on handicap debut and looks open to further progress with this longer trip sure to suit. First-time cheekpieces are applied and he's fancied to go one better. Ami Bondhu is yet to fire this season, but 3m/headgear may see him return to form, while Godot boasts two course wins and proved he retains all his ability when runner-up at Lingfield most recently.