After her exploits at last year’s Cheltenham Festival, the name Rachael Blackmore inspires an all-consuming dread for the bookmakers. They will no doubt be running for cover when the Queen of Prestbury Park returns next month fearing a repeat performance from her. With favourites in two of the championship races, Rachael Blackmore accumulators will be all the rage. Liam Bramall has highlighted four of her rides forming a 157-1 accumulator which is sure to panic the bookies. You can add the accumulator directly to your betslip below!
Honeysuckle (1-2)
Champion Hurdle
3.30 Cheltenham (Tuesday 15th March)
The equine Queen of Cheltenham; last year’s dominant Champion Hurdler has shown an unbelievable amount of class and consistency throughout her 14 race career in which she is yet to taste defeat. It would take a brave person to bet against her as she has been in imperious form in two starts this season. Teahupoo and Appreciate It look best placed to challenge her but they have a lot to find to compete with this super-mare who is fully expected to retain her crown.
Telmesomethinggirl (10-3)
Mares Hurdle
4.10 Cheltenham (Tuesday 15th March)
Punters have latched onto her previous festival form and she has been propelled into favouritism. She was victorious in the Mares Novices’ hurdle last year and she was well backed due to the Rachael Blackmore effect. This race is looking very open this year with no outstanding candidate to take the crown. Telmesomethinggirl looks to be slowly returning to form and will no doubt be at her peak for the big day. She was beaten by Royal Kahala last time out who could re-oppose. Her rival was receiving 5lb from her and racing off level weights should help Telmesomethinggirl turn the tables.
Journey With Me (11-2)
Ballymore Novices Hurdle
1.30 Cheltenham (Wednesday 16th March)
Journey With Me has the right profile for this race and is unbeaten in a point and three rules starts. The form of his maiden hurdle win is particularly appealing as he had Minella Crooner and Kilcruit in behind who have both gone on to look like good prospects themselves. He will need to step up on the form of his victory at Naas which wasn’t particularly impressive especially in the context of his previous start. There is no doubt that there is plenty of improvement to come and he looks to have a good chance.
A Plus Tard (11-4)
Gold Cup
3.30 Cheltenham (Friday 18th March)
A Plus Tard has been the standout candidate for Cheltenham’s Blue Riband event for the majority of the season. His bloodless victory in the Betfair Chase in November propelled him to the top of the market and he’s been there since. He disappointed somewhat at Leopardstown over Christmas but the De Bromhead yard wasn’t firing at the time and he’ll undoubtedly be in peak condition for the big day.
If you back any of our selections you can watch them live on the free Racing Post app or racingpost.com. Simply log in to one of your bookmaker accounts and click ‘Watch live’ on the racecards.