SUPREME NOVICES’ HURDLE
Ruby Walsh: ‘There’s great strength in it. I’d want something bigger than 2/1.’
Lydia Hislop: ‘There’s plenty of pace on. It’s going to be well run and that’ll put some pressure on Talk The Talk’s jumping.’
Tony Mullins: ‘If you worry about anything’s jumping, El Cairos hasn’t shown any indication that he learned anything from day one to day two. Leader d’Allier was massively impressive the last day at Punchestown. He’s run eight times in his life and he’s only been beaten twice – and that was the twice he didn’t wear a tongue-tie.’
Johnny Dineen: ‘It’s a deep race and at least one or more will be better than Old Park Star.’
ARKLE CHASE
Ruby Walsh: ‘Kopek Des Bordes is the best horse in the race. I think he’ll win.’
Lydia Hislop: ‘At the prices, I’d back Kopek Des Bordes. He’s a good enough horse to win the Arkle off the back of one race. We know it’s not impossible and we know this is a good horse. The four quick early fences in pairs of two could get Lulamba and Romeo Coolio on the back foot. Steel Ally could hit the frame.’
Tony Mullins: ‘Kargese is a favourite of mine. She’s very good and tough. She’s not just a pacemaker, she stays there.’
Johnny Dineen: ‘I’d slightly favour Lulamba. He has that bit more experience. He’s a percentage call. Kopek Des Bordes has had a few niggles.’
JUVENILE HANDICAP HURDLE
Ruby Walsh: ‘The handicapper hasn’t missed Saratoga. He could well win it but I’d want better odds. Winston Junior has a chance but there’s talk of him running in the Triumph. La Luna Artista absolutely bolted up in the Adonis and she’d be the one for me.’
Johnny Dineen: ‘Mustang Du Breuil finished third against older horses in a Grade 2 at Kempton. He ran really well and finished off nicely. It’s in off 129 and has every bit as good a chance as those at shorter prices.’
ULTIMA HANDICAP CHASE
Ruby Walsh: ‘I’ll be with Iroko. It’ll effectively be a limited handicap so he’s not going to be giving too much weight away.’
Lydia Hislop: ‘We know Iroko handles Cheltenham. It’ll be an ideal test. We know he’s a good horse and we haven’t always seen what he’s capable of. He’s going to win it, isn’t he?’
Johnny Dineen: ‘Jagwar and Iroko are smart horses. It’s a weak race and one of these two will win. If they both run, I’d go for Iroko.’
CHAMPION HURDLE
Ruby Walsh: ‘I always saw Lossiemouth as a two-and-a-half-mile mare. Brighterdaysahead will be reliant on the ground. She’ll want a good cut in the ground. There’s the odd issue jumping-wise with The New Lion, but he could be the best horse.’
Lydia Hislop: ‘I’d probably be inclined towards Brighterdaysahead because she’s the best horse in the race given the mares’ allowance. The horse that will run her race is Golden Ace. If you fancy a horse to finish in the first three, surely she does?’
Tony Mullins: ‘I don’t think Lossiemouth will win. I’ve never seen her as a champion hurdler. Golden Ace is the reliable one, but I think Brighterdaysahead will win.’
Johnny Dineen: ‘If I had to back one horse at the meeting at 2/1 or bigger, I’d go for The New Lion. If he avoids back luck, I think he’s a good thing in this race. He’s probably my best bet of the meeting.’
SUN RACING PLATE HANDICAP CHASE
Lydia Hislop: ‘Madara has the form from last season. He’s caught the eye both time this term, but he’s found in the market. Waterford Whispers still has potential to fulfil over fences so I think he’s better than his mark.’
Tony Mullins: ‘I’m hearing about Waterford Whispers coming back into form.’
Johnny Dineen: ‘Madara and Mclaurey are a cut above these. I’ll take a chance on Mclaurey.’
NATIONAL HUNT CHASE
Ruby Walsh: ‘Wade Out’s crying out for a trip. I’ve no worries about him staying. He’d be the one for me.’
Cheltenham Festival Day 1 NAPS
Ruby Walsh: Kopek Des Bordes (Arkle)
Lydia Hislop: Iroko (Ultima)
Tony Mullins: Brighterdaysahead (Champion Hurdle)
Johnny Dineen: The New Lion (Champion Hurdle)
