At the Cheltenham Festival, the tug-of-war between heart and head is ever-present when picking winners. Few would be more warmly welcomed than Nicky Henderson’s gritty veteran, Jonbon. Yet following a somewhat fortunate victory in the four-runner Clarence House at Ascot—where one rival fell and another pulled up—it felt like this could be the final chapter in a career that has already earned over seven figures in prize money.
Heading into Thursday, Willie Mullins' Fact to File stands as the favourite for the Ryanair Chase. However, much like the surprising triumphs of Kargese in the Arkle Chase and Il Etait Temps in the Champion Chase, it’s wise to consider his ‘second-string’, Impaire Et Passe, as a serious contender. This lightly-raced eight-year-old thrives on good ground, so hoping for a late arrival of Thursday’s forecast rain could prove crucial.
In the novice ranks, Slade Steel’s consistency stands out. The Supreme Novices' winner from two years ago has finished second in all four novice chasing starts, and his solid rating makes him a tempting choice for the competitive Jack Richards Novices' Limited Handicap Chase.
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Gordon Elliott’s Wodhooh is the standout favourite for the Mares' Hurdle, boasting an impressive 10 wins from 11 hurdle starts. Her sole defeat came at the hands of Champion Hurdle winner Lossiemouth, making her as close to a banker as one can find at this Festival. With two wins at Cheltenham over the same course and distance, she looks exceptionally well-placed.
Elliott also fields two strong contenders in the Stayers' Hurdle: Teahupoo, a winner two years ago, and the lightly-raced Honesty Policy. However, Henry de Bromhead’s Bob Olinger, undefeated at Cheltenham with four wins from four starts and defending champion, presents an appealing price and cannot be overlooked.
The Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle may see Sam Thomas claim his first Festival training success with C’est Different. Having an impeccable 4-for-4 record in handicaps, this horse is well-suited to the ground and could outshine the market favourite Supremely West.
Gordon Elliott’s Prends Garde A Toi brings an all-or-nothing edge to the Kim Muir Challenge Cup Amateur Jockeys' Handicap. This race’s demanding nature might just play to his strengths. His December win in a Naas Beginners Chase is notable, especially considering that race has produced stars like A Plus Tard and Lecky Watson. The extended trip at Cheltenham, six furlongs longer than that Naas race, is expected to benefit him.
Selections:
1:40 – Bambino Fever
2:00 – Slade Steel
2:40 – Wodhooh
3:20 – Bob Olinger (nap)
4:00 – Impaire Et Passe
4:40 – C’est Different
5:20 – Prends Garde A Toi