Some big names took a beating at Punchestown on Saturday which was the true sign the national hunt season was properly back in full swing! As such, the Cheltenham Festival antepost markets must have been busy and it could be a similar story after the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle on Saturday! Let’s take a look at the main contenders below.
With Constitution Hill’s career on hold again for the time being, Nicky Henderson has confirmed Sir Gino will take his place in this contest. A winner of the Grade 1 Boodles Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle at Aintree last season, this is a race that Henderson has farmed over the years and it’s all systems go for the antepost favourite.
Supreme Novices’ Hurdle winner Mystical Power is the obvious threat to Sir Gino and Willie Mullins’ star is likely to take his chance. A son of Galileo and Annie Power, he lived up to expectations last season when winning two Grade 1s, and this is a race that will be fascinating tactically. He will likely stalk Sir Gino around and make his move late on.
This is the only other horse worthy of a solid mention. A classy horse on the Flat, he transformed into a top handicapper last season, landing good pots at Newcastle and Haydock before only finding Daddy Long Legs too good at the Punchestown festival. He travelled well for a long way when second to Rubaud in the Elite Hurdle at Wincanton and will have the fitness edge on his side. He’s not without a chance.
It’s a hard one to call at this stage but Mystical Power looked a proper star in the making last season and he gets the narrow vote.
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