You know the Cheltenham Festival is not too far away when Willie Mullins and Rich Ricci start firing their cavalry out and that is exactly what happened the weekend just gone. Read on to find out what happened over the past seven days and see if we can help you find some ante post selections in the process. Follow us on Twitter and our Channel 4 Racing previews are live every Tuesday with tips to follow every Friday evening.
The Supreme Novices’ Hurdle Trial at Ascot looks a mouth-watering affair as the Nicky Henderson duo Jenkins and Lough Derg Spirit are both still entered to run. Jenkins (13/8) has a superb engine, but he really lacks in the jumping department so that could give his stablemate the edge at 11/4. The Long Walk Hurdle is on Saturday, a race that could throw up this season’s World Hurdle winner in Unowhatimeanharry? With Snow Falcon, Nichols Canyon and Vroum Vroum Mag among the entries, it should be a cracker. Follow our free horse racing tips daily to see where our money is going.
The mighty Douvan will be staying over two miles this season according to trainer Willie Mullins, so that rules the star out of the Gold Cup. It makes sense as the Queen Mother Champion Chase is there for the taking, so why take the risk ruining his unblemished record this season when they can go Gold Cup next season when he is tougher and another year older? He was so impressive in the Hilly Way Chase at Cork, winning by 22 lengths and never asked for anything. True, he did not beat much, but it is another awesome display and it is full steam ahead for the Champion Chase in March. Surely it is only the fences that could stop him in his tracks?
Our Road To Cheltenham Series started on 14th November and we will bring you all the latest ante-post Cheltenham Festival news every Monday, bringing you a round up of the previous week’s racing.