‘It will be a surprise if he doesn’t go Ryanair’ – three horses to avoid at Cheltenham

We are just over a week from the greatest show on turf and punters will be in full flow now making sure the portfolio is ready for the war against the bookies! I have picked out three horses who should be avoided at the Cheltenham Festival next week!

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CLAIM

Kopek Des Bordes – Arkle

He certainly has the ability to win an Arkle, of that there is no doubt, but Willie Mullins’ star hasn’t had the ideal preparation for the Arkle and it will take a hell of a performance to win it. Lulamba looks a proper beast and has the benefit of a February run, while his stablemate Kargese will relish this test and will be super fit off the back of a brilliant second to Romeo Coolio at the Dublin Racing Festival. At quite short odds, I couldn’t back Kopek Des Bordes on what will be just his second start over fences.

Brighterdaysahead – Champion Hurdle

Gordon Elliott’s mare was brilliant at Leopardstown last month when seeing off Lossiemouth in style and on that run would have a chance in the Champion Hurdle. However, I am not convinced Cheltenham is her track. She was turned over by Golden Ace in the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle in 2024 and was battered in the Champion Hurdle last year. I can’t have her at all.

Fact To File – Gold Cup

I will be amazed if Fact To File doesn’t line up in the Ryanair. An excellent winner of the Irish Gold Cup last time, he has every right to take his chance at the big one, but I have fancied Inothewayurthinkin form this race since he won it last year and can see Gavin Cromwell’s runner potentially going off favourite on the day. JP McManus also has Spillane’s Tower as back up. Given his options, it will be a surprise if Fact To File doesn’t go Ryanair.

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.