13:20
Cheltenham
Odds correct as of 1:50pm 09th Mar
Willie Mullins is the man that the bookies fear at Cheltenham, especially on Day 1. He almost always has a strong hand to play on the first day and it’s likely to be a similar story this time around too. We’ve combined his four best chances into an accumulator and the bookies won’t want it to land. We’ll be providing free tips for every race at the Cheltenham Festival and you can view them here.
Kopek Des Bordes made a huge impression when winning the Grade 1 Tattersalls Ireland Novice Hurdle by 13 lengths last time out. He did plenty wrong on the day and raced very keenly but still had plenty left at the finish. Clearly this horse has an impressive engine and really could be a superstar if he can learn to settle.
Majborough is already a Cheltenham Festival winner, having won the Triumph Hurdle last year, and appears to be an even better horse this year. He has won both starts over fences, including the Grade 1 Irish Arkle when last seen, and deserves his place at the head of the market.
Lossiemouth has been switched to this race at the last minute and surely she’s going to take all the beating. Mullins’ star mare won this race last year and the ratings suggest she’s by far the best horse in the race. It’s not ideal that she arrives here off the back of a heavy fall but this is much easier than the Champion Hurdle and Lossiemouth can take full advantage.
State Man is the defending champion but hasn’t been at his best so far this season. Connections have decided to try cheekpieces for the first time, which is definitely an interesting move. Willie Mullins is more than capable of getting this horse back to his best and he’s obviously a player on last season’s form.
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.