‘Defeat is out of the question’ – Gordon Elliott’s four best Cheltenham Festival chances

Gordon Elliott has the unenviable job of providing the strongest competition to the dominant Willie Mullins but he has plenty of nice horses in his own right. It would be shocking if he was to draw a blank at the Cheltenham Festival next month but that’s unlikely to happen. Here we take a look at his four best chances across the four-day event and one of which has to be considered his banker of the meeting. Check out our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.

Romeo Coolio

Kopek Des Bordes shot right to the head of the market for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle after his demolition job at the Dublin Racing Festival but Romeo Coolio shouldn’t be discounted here. He shaped like a Supreme horse when winning the Grade 1 Future Champions Novice Hurdle over Christmas and there could be more to come.

Brightersaysahead (banker)

It looks like connections are going to aim for the Mares’ Hurdle, which is an understandable decision. Brighterdaysahead‘s form so far this season suggests that defeat is out of the question if she lines up in this race. More than capable of running well in the Champion Hurdle, there won’t be many willing to take her on here.

Kalypso’chance

Kalypso’chance quickly established himself as a leading contender for the Champion Bumper, making a nice impression at Punchestown on debut. The five-year-old followed up in Listed company at Navan and deserves his place near the top of the market. Connections decided to swerve Leopardstown last week and that means he’ll arrive fresh and ready to go.

Teahupoo

There’s not much serious competition in the Stayers’ Hurdle so Teahupoo is well set to win it again. He takes the same route as last year, having run in the Hatton’s Grace, and that’s proven to be a successful approach. There are a couple of unexposed rivals to consider but Gordon Elliott’s gelding is the one they all have to beat.

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