Our Road to Cheltenham ante-post series continues and we’re focused on the closing race on Day 1, the National Hunt Chase. Sometimes it’s not worth taking on the favourites and this race is a good example. Willie Mullins could be on his way to winning this race for the third year running with this 5-2 shot. The Cheltenham Festival isn’t far away now and now would be a good time to use Betway’s excellent free bet offer. Check out our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.
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Embassy Gardens is the current ante-post favourite for this race and it’s easy to see why. Willie Mullins’ eight-year-old has made the perfect start to his chasing career. He was an impressive winner on his debut over the larger obstacles at Punchestown in December and his jumping was particularly noteworthy.
Winning just as easily in a Grade 3 at Naas over 3m1f next time out, he looks tailor-made for this unique test over 3m6f. His trainer said as much after that performance and there seems little doubt as to his target at next month’s festival.
Further progress seems likely on what would be just his third start over fences and he looks very difficult to oppose. You may also want to consider putting him into a Willie Mullins Cheltenham Festival multiple with El Fabiolo (Champion Chase) and Fact To File (Turners Novices’ Chase) as this 11-1 treble would qualify for the Betway Free Bet Club offer.
Embassy Gardens @ 5-2 (National Hunt Chase) NRNB (2pts win)
Ballyburn (Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle) @ 7-1 (2pts win)
Blazing Khal (Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase) @ 20-1 (1pt win)
Wrappedupinmay (Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle) @ 33-1 (1pt win)
Captain Bellamy (Champion Bumper) @ 25-1 (1pt win)
Jeriko Du Reponet (Supreme Novices’ Hurdle) @ 25-1 (1pt win)
Corach Rambler (Cheltenham Gold Cup) @ 33-1 (1/2pt each-way)
Ashroe Diamond (Mares’ Hurdle) @ 7-1 (2pts win)
Appreciate It (Ryanair Chase) @ 14-1 (1pt win)
Apple Away (Mares’ Chase) @ 20-1 (1pt win)
Highwind (Triumph Hurdle) @ 20-1 (1pt win)
Fact To File (Turners Novices’ Chase) NRNB (2pts win)
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.