TRIUMPH HURDLE – ZANAHIYR
Undeniable travelling ability especially over an undulating course.
Biggest margin of victory came at Fairyhouse when beating Saint Sam in 2nd by 14 lengths.
For comparison, market rival Quilixios beat Out Sam by 51/2 lengths at Leopardstown last time out and this was in February.
The race was run at a very strong pace and this horse coped with ease.
Last seen at Leopardstown where he won after a race ran at a slow pace which tells us he is adaptable.
Each Way Mention: Adagio has drifted in the market to 16/1 at the time of writing. Has previous form on the course and came from behind to beat Nassalam at Chepstow by 21/2 lengths. This performance showed a finishing gear, the previous form at Cheltenham will only help and with three places up for grabs is worth a go each way.
COUNTY HANDICAP HURDLE – FIFTY BALL
Clearly has a lot of stamina, is normally in the picture late on and will appreciate the good ground.
Finished 2nd in a grade three, 3 lengths behind Soaring Glory so can perform in a big field.
Also ran out a 13 length winner at Sandown in December and although the opposition was poor finished convincingly uphill.
Will play it late as runners drop off near the end of the race and be in with a good chance.
ALBERT BARTLETT NOVICES’ HURDLE – THREEUNDERTHRUFIVE
three from three over hurdles and beat Fantastikas last time out at Musselburgh by 3/4 of a length. This was over the three mile distance.
Fantastikas subsequently won his next race and had previous form in 2nd by a neck behind Barbados Buck’s who also runs here.
Paul Nicholls’ horses have been unusually quiet so far and this horse has shown good finishing ability so far.
The good ground will also suit this horse and you can expect him to be in with a great chance late on.
THE CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP – A PLUS TARD
Defending champion Al Boum Photo, has replicated his previous Gold Cup preparation with a decisive warm up run at Tramore.
However, A Plus Tard has excellent form claims going into this.
Last time out at Leopardstown beat Kemboy (2nd, 1/2 length), Melon (3rd, 11/2 lengths) and impressive Ryanair winner Allaho (4th, 20 lengths).
Came back to win from behind after Melon tried stretching the field far from home. This showed great stamina.
A Plus Tard also has rare form, in that he beat a genuine two miler over two miles, Chacun Pour Soi but has the ability to win over three miles, a sign of class.
It is very possible Al Boum Photo will complete a hattrick of Gold Cups, but after a close finish last time and a guaranteed strong pace set by Frodon, the race may play into A Plus Tard’s hands.
FOXHUNTERS’ CHASE – BILLAWAY
Runner up in this race last year to It Came to Pass by 10 lengths.
This season has notched up 2 wins and finished 2nd once to Stand Up and Fight.
This form was reversed when Billaway ran home a wide margin winner at Down Royal.
Main rival Bob and Co’s best form has come on softer ground and Hazel Hill who won this race in 2019 is getting on at the age of 13.
Billaway could easily get the job done as favourite here.
MARES’ CHASE – ELIMAY
Three out of four over fences and her only lost came to impressive Ryanair winner Allaho by only 3 lengths
Elimay beat Shattered Love by 51/2 lengths in February at Naas.
Will face tough competition from rival Colreevy but the other Mullins runner would prefer a bit of cut in the ground, a lot like most of her other rivals.
It could be close but Elimay should edge it.
MARTIN PIPE HANDICAP HURDLE – FRONTAL ASSAULT
Was 2nd place behind very impressive grade one winner Energumene by 13/4 lengths in a bumper at Thurles last January.
has also picked up two wins in his last three runs over hurdles, both at undulating courses so Cheltenham should suit.
Is carrying 11 stone 3lbs and although there are some decent horses at the top of the weights there aren’t many recent wins between them.
This horse could sneak into a place or even clinch the final race on Gold Cup day.
Hawkinsport 