At the outset here an apology – I completely underestimated the very obvious top notch credentials of both Gaelic Warrior and Stateman and for that I apologise. That said, while the notion of a Cheltenham ‘banker’ is generally steered away from, if there was one particular steed whose appearance was anticipated with greatest enthusiasm it was Lossiemouth and she most certainly didn’t let the side down by any means.
Moving on, what has been touted as the banker for most people appears on Wednesday, but hereafter I will lay out my two cents as to what way one expects the conclusion of the first half of the four day test of attrition to pan out,
1.45 – GALLAGHER BROTHERS NOVICE HURDLE (2M, 5F)
Ballyburn appears to have been backed to the exclusion of everything else. The only possible hiccup with it being that simple is that his stiffest competition is likely to emanate from neighbouring stables in his own yard. Il Atlantique could very easily be the forgotten horse in the race, and trading at about 15/2 would actually represent a bit of each way value.
Predators Gold could go into a very similar bracket and, indeed, in a year when there has been eerily little chatter about the Gigginstown horses, I expect the aforementioned to make his presence very much felt. To that end, the performance of the Joseph O’Brien-trained Harsh will have been a big fillip for supporters of the maroon and white. Still, Ballyburn to continue Ronnie Bartlett’s good record in the race.
2.30 – BROADWAY NOVICE CHASE (3M)
Another absolute cracker of a race, if not of much value from a punting perspective. Fact To File has been all the rage for this race and understandably so. However, I just have reservations about whether the Mullins inmate has enough jumping experience for such a cauldron.
One who absolutely has is STAY AWAY FAY and, what’s more, the Paul Nicholls representative certainly won’t lack for jumping experience and what is more, Harry Cobden’s mount brings course winning form.
You can be sure, too, that Team Ditcheat would love to record a poignant success in memory of the late Keegan Kirkby. Outside of that, while it’s not a great race from a betting perspective, don’t be surprised if American Mike outruns his price.
3.15 – CORAL HANDICAP HURDLE (2M, 5F)
Langer Dan looked like being something special as a young horse, but appeared to have lost his way. However, the vibes coming from Skelton HQ about Colm Donlon’s horse have been positive. And that operation have a record of landing plots at this meeting.
Tony Martin absolutely fits in that bracket too and his Zanndabad must be taken with utmost seriousness, even though out of the handicap.
Despite carrying top weight and being something of an enigma, the hugely talented Ballyadam would put it to any of them on a going day. But, one of the great stories in Irish racing of late has been the return of Sean and Bernadine Mulryan to the fold.
They will no doubt be smarting a bit after Embassey Gardens snatched defeat from the jaws of victory in the Maureen Mullins National Hunt Chase, but the aptly named BUILT BY BALLYMORE can get the Roscommon couple back on track.
4.00: BETWAY QUEEN MOTHER CHAMPION CHASE (2M)
A simplistic view of this race could simply say the rest of them are chasing place money behind EL FABIOLO and I will be absolutely honest, that’s exactly what’s expected to happen. But there are plenty of quality opponents afoot if anything were to go off script.
Jonbon would obviously by atop any such list were the Henderson horses not under such a cloud, while the enigmatic but admirable Edwardstone is also worthy of the utmost respect.
But, presuming EL FABIOLO does the needful as expected, with Henry De Bromhead horses just hitting form at the right time, don’t be shocked if it’s Captain Guinness who shows the greatest thirst to pick up the pieces.
4.50 – JOHNNY HENDERSON GRAND ANNUAL HANDICAP CHASE (2M)
Unusually, the son of the man in whose honour the race is named has no representation therein, so it looks as if it will be left to the Evan Williams-trained Libberty Hunter to fly the flag for the home side, and the good run by Matata here yesterday is a fine endorsement of the Welsh raider’s course winning form.
Saint Roi has been tried in all manner of top level races and in handicap company is bound to carry a threat. Madara obviously commands respect on foot of the Leopardstown success, but, with the De Bromhead horses finding form and MASKADA bringing course winning form, a few bob EW will do for me there at about 8/1.
5.30 – WEATHERBYS CHAMPION BUMPER (2M)
My absolute favourite race of the entire week if not the whole jumps season. Unusually, there’s no obvious stand out favourite. What there is though is a phalanx of Willie Mullins-trained runners, with the conundrum being to separate them in some sort of order. On jockey arrangements, Jasmin De Vaux is obviously the pick, but the form of You Oughta Know stacks up very well in silks which have won around Prestbury Park.
In ways, Jalon Doudairies has been the most impressive Bumper horse all season, but sometimes you just get a soft spot for a horse and Gordon Elliott’s The Yellow Clay certainly fits that bill for me. Noel and Valerie Moran’s Yeats gelding is known to by very highly thought of by none other than Jamie Codd and, having been an impressive performer in this sphere initially, he has obviously been put by for a tilt at a race the trainer has a very good record in.
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