‘I wouldn’t go near him’ – Three Cheltenham Festival favourites to take on

The Cheltenham Festival kicks off in under two weeks now and that’s reason enough to get excited. As is the case every year, there are a number of favourites which fail to live up to expectations and flop. We’ve picked out three horses that are currently favourites for their respective races and could be ones to avoid. Check out our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.

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Mares’ Hurdle

Whilst there’s little doubt that Willie Mullins is likely to win this race yet again, odds-on favourite Lossiemouth could be worth taking on, especially at those odds. It can be a difficult transitional year for the previous season’s juveniles and she can be opposed for that reason alone. Obviously she’s a very talented mare but she could perhaps do with another summer under her belt.

Ashroe Diamond is currently second favourite for this race and she appears to be a rock-solid alternative. Already a Grade 1 winner over 2m4f, she won nicely at Doncaster last time out and is unlikely to be far away.

Turners Novices’ Chase

The news that Fact To File is being aimed at the Brown Advisory has left Ginny’s Destiny at the head of the market. His handicap form is solid enough but he looks a vulnerable favourite for a Cheltenham Grade 1. I personally wouldn’t go near him and there are some better options available at better prices.

A step up in trip could be just what Facile Vega needs as he seems to lack the speed for the top two-mile races these days. He’s available at a decent price with non-runner no bet offers included and has the class to bounce back here if lining up.

Ryanair Chase

Banbridge is a very talented individual and is a previous Cheltenham Festival winner but he could be worth opposing. If the ground was to come up soft or worse by Day 3 there would be serious doubts about his participation.

Stage Star goes on any ground and he was a good winner of the Turners in 2023. He began the season in fine form with victory in the Paddy Power here. That race is often a good form pointer for the Ryanair and you can put a line through his latest effort. Paul Nicholls’ gelding is a very viable alternative.

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.

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