Cheltenham Festival: Three horses that would love soft ground on Day 1

There are a number of unknowns to consider ahead of next month’s Cheltenham Festival. One key one is the ground conditions, as the forecasts are offering mixed messages. If the ground ends up soft on Day 1, you’ll want to rule out the fast ground horses and look at those with proven records in slower conditions. We’ve picked out three such horses for you to consider. Why not check out our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.

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Ultima Handicap Chase

Lucinda Russell has won this race for the last two years with Grand National-winner Corach Rambler and could make it three-in-a-row with Giovinco. His best form over fences undoubtedly came when second to Stay Away Fay at Sandown on soft. He has form on most ground types but his record suggests that the softer the conditions are, the better his chances will be.

Champion Hurdle

Irish Point has a terrific record on soft and heavy ground which in itself would be a big plus. The other helpful aspect of testing conditions is that it’ll be harder for the proper two-milers to pull away from him when the screws are turned. Gordon Elliott’s six-year-old has top form over three miles and could potentially get outpaced over this trip. If the Champion Hurdle becomes a major test of stamina, that will surely suit this horse.

Mares’ Hurdle

Love Envoi has never been out of the first two in soft or heavy ground, winning six times in eight starts. She was a valiant second to Honeysuckle in this race last year and clearly stays the trip well. Her major hope for beating Lossiemouth is that Willie Mullins’ mare doesn’t stay the trip. So with that in mind, Love Envoi’s connections will surely be hoping for a severe stamina test and soft ground will help.

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