The headline race of the 2018 Cheltenham Festival is the Cheltenham Gold Cup, a Grade One steeplechase run over a distance just shy of three miles and three furlongs.

The most successful horse in Gold Cup history is Golden Miller who won the race five times during the 1930's. In the modern era Arkle won the race three times in a row in the 1960’s and the Henrietta Knight trained Best Mate won the race three consecutive times from 2002.

18 runners go to post in this year’s “Blue Riband” event and here is a runner-by-runner guide to the market principles:

Might Bite

The nine-year-old has been the ante-post favourite for some time, understandably so having won six of his nine starts over fences including last season's RSA Chase and the King George VI Chase at Kempton over Christmas.

He has however shown wayward tendencies on more than one occasion, most notably in the RSA 12 months ago.

His trainer Nicky Henderson has also expressed some concern about the conditions Might Bite may encounter on Friday which all points towards him being a very vulnerable favourite.

Native River

Despite missing the first half of the season, Native River showed he should be a major player once again in the Gold Cup after claiming a second victory in last month's Denman Chase at Newbury on his seasonal return.

Having finishing third in the race 12 months ago, on the back of victories in the Hennessy, Welsh National and Denman Chase, the eight-year-old is running here on merit rather than as an afterthought.

Our Duke

Our Duke could quite well provide last year’s winning trainer Jessie Harrington with a follow up winner this year,

Harrington has had this race on the agenda  ever since Our Duke comfortably landed the Irish Grand National last April with an emphatic round of jumping that left his rivals in his wake.

This season has not gone entirely to plan as Our Duke had to undergo some surgery to correct a kissing-spine which was attributed to his unexplainable defeat at Down Royal.

A solid win over Presenting Percy in testing conditions at Gowran Park last time out puts him bang in contention for this race.

Killultagh Vic

Killultagh Vic fell with the Irish Gold Cup seemingly at his mercy last time out, a fact that has not gone unnoticed by the betting public at large.

Prior to that run Killultagh Vic had made a successful return from 714 days off the track with a win in a hurdle race at Punchestown.

The Willie Mullins-trained gelding claimed the notable scalp of Thistlecrack over hurdles at the 2015 Punchestown Festival.

If the nine-year-old can put his tumbles firmly out of his mind a solid case can be made for him.

Road To Respect

Road To Respect was a handicap winner at The Festival last year over 2m5f and has continued to progress since, winning the Leopardstown Christmas Chase in a first-time hood on his latest start.

His ability to stay the Gold Cup distance of an extended 3m2f however has to be taken on trust.

Noel Meade believes his seven-year-old is a superior horse to his previous Gold Cup near misses with Harbour Pilot and Road To Riches.

Definitly Red

Definitly Red emerged as a live candidate for the Cheltenham showpiece when scoring an eight-length victory in the Cotswold Chase in January.

The nine-year-old, who also won the Grade Two Many Clouds Chase over the Mildmay fences at Aintree in December, will be a popular choice for many under jockey Danny Cook.

He is also entered for the Grand National where he is shouldering top-weight in the handicap.

Total Recall

The Willie Mullins trained Total Recall won the Munster National at Limerick on his first start for the stable before landing the Ladbrokes Trophy Chase at Newbury in December. He successfully reverted to hurdling at Leopardstown on his most recent start and is also a leading Grand National fancy.

“Hennessy” form is rated highly in terms of the Gold Cup and former Dessie/Sandra Hughes inmate must have a good each-way chance on Friday.

Edwulf

Miracle horse Edwulf is certainly one of the heart-warming stories of the race.

12 months ago Edwulf's life hung in the balance after he collapsed after the final fence in the JT McNamara National Hunt Chase and there were real concerns he might die.

His unlikely victory in the Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown last month, after being nursed backed to health, was beyond anyone’s wildest dreams.

In what is considered by many to be an open year for the Gold Cup, Joseph O’Brien believes the former point-to-pointer is well entitled to take his chance.

American

Supplemented into the race this week, the eight-year-old was last seen when finishing an eight-length second to Definitly Red in the Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham back in January, having pulled up on his previous start in the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury.

Connections and the trainer Harry Fry were encouraged by the forecast soft conditions this week and will be hoping to get a return on their late entry fee.

Djakadam

Djakadam was runner-up in 2015 and 2016 and takes his place in the field once again.

Willie Mullins’ nine-year-old finished second in the John Durkan Memorial Chase to Sizing John on his seasonal return but was pulled up in the Christmas Chase. In the Irish Gold Cup he was beaten a little over 10 lengths by Edwulf.

Others are likely going to have to underperform for Djakadam to win on this occasion.

Double Shuffle

The Tom George trained Double Shuffle belied his odds of 50-1 to give the strong favourite Might Bite a real scare at Kempton on Boxing Day, going down by just half a length to Nicky Henderson's leading light.

The eight-year-old looks well overpriced given his three admirable runner-up spots so far this season.

Summary

Nicky Henderson is hoping to pull off a historic treble of feature race wins at The Festival this year and the Gold Cup would complete the set should he land it with Might Bite.

Double Shuffle is worth an each-way interest at the prices.

 

*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*

1.30pm: JCB Triumph Hurdle (2m1f)

Nicky Henderson holds a strong hand yet again with his juveniles Apple’s Shakira, a full-sister to star mare Apple’s Jade, who has won three times at Cheltenham this season and bids to go one better than her sister who finished second to Ivanovich Gorbatov in 2016.

The master of Seven Barrows also saddles WE HAVE A DREAM who, at the prices, looks the value play. A Grade 1 winner of the Finale at Chepstow, he has proven himself tactically versatile and won nicely at Musselburgh despite his trainer admitting he had left plenty of work still to do with him.

Alan King has a fine record with his juveniles and Redicean has continued to progress at a rapid rate of knots. His jumping was spot on at Kempton and he has vital speed from the Flat which will aid his cause.

Mr Adjudicator and Farclas look best of the Irish challenge but will need to step up on what they have achieved.

 

2.10pm: County Hurdle (2m1f)

Flying Tiger has been well backed over the past couple of weeks and the case is fairly simple. Last year’s Fred Winter winner who caught the eye against potential Champion Hurdle contenders in the Kingwell at Wincanton and the handicapper left him on a mark of 140.

A Hare Breath goes exceptionally well when fresh and has been saved for this having won a handicap hurdle at Sandown in December.

2016 Triumph Hurdle hero Ivanovich Gorbatov is becoming well handicapped once again and drying ground on the Friday will firmly be in his favour.

Whatswrongwithyou could be a very interesting contender with him likely to be aiming for the £100,000 bonus by winning the Imperial Cup and this contest. He looks on a fair mark.

Willie Mullins has won this race four times since 2010 and perhaps one of his more interesting handicap entries of the week is WHISKEY SOUR. A very fortunate Grade 1 winner in Ireland over Christmas, he shaped okay when fourth to Samcro in the Deloitte and he looks fairly treated on his achievements.

 

2.50pm: Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle (3m)

An attritional test for any horse with experience being the key to the race. Every winner of the race has had at least five runs which rules out leading contenders Santini and Duc Des Genievres. Both have shown very good form and are exciting individuals for the future but a race of this nature may prove too much with the pair having only had three runs apiece in their whole lives.

Chef Des Obeaux has been rather impressive since stepped up to 3m and his ability to handle testing ground will always aid him in paying his way through the deep winter ground. Drier conditions would be a slight concern.

Poetic Rhythm won the Grade 1 Challow Hurdle in tenacious style at the expense of Mulcahys Hill and he has to be considered with him possessing enough experience.

At the prices, a chance is taken on WHITE MOON as he looked a very good prospect before having excuses when well beaten by On The Blind Side at Sandown. The step up to 3m is in his favour and ground should pose no issue.

 

3.30pm: Cheltenham Gold Cup (3m2f)

Click here for our FULL preview on the 2018 Cheltenham Gold Cup...

 

4.10pm: Foxhunters Chase (3m2f)

Jamie Codd has been secured for the ride on Burning Ambition, a prolific point winner, who won on Rules debut at Limerick before finishing a good second to Gilgamboa at Punchestown last month. While he looks to possess plenty of ability, there are concerns about his resolution for a finish having been outbattled last time and his stamina for 3m2f.

Foxrock has been to Cheltenham twice before and disappointed both times so has a lot to prove regarding travelling over.

Punchestown Champion Hunter hero Balnaslow needs to improve considerably having pulled up last time in a point but could very easily return to form in a race he outran his odds in last year.

Paul Nicholls has stated that WONDERFUL CHARM is his best chance of a winner all week and, with Sam Waley-Cohen in the saddle, he is likely to be ridden a bit more forcefully than last year when second to stable companion Pacha Du Polder.

 

4.50pm: Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle (2m4f)

Arguably the most difficult handicap of the week with plenty of unexposed novices with Graded aspirations for the future.

Diese Des Bieffes has been well supported in the lead up to this with the likelihood of James Bowen taking the ride. His last couple of runs have been encouraging at Kempton, including when fifth to stablemate William Henry in the Lanzarote, and this stiffer track looks likely to suit.

Deal D’estruval looks well treated on his second to Off You Go at the Dublin Racing Festival and the step up in trip looks in his favour, while other Irish contenders of interest include Dortmund Park and Early Doors, who both have solid Graded form to their name and are relatively unexposed.

Another with more to offer is SPRINGTOWN LAKE who chased home leading Ballymore contender On The Blind Side at Sandown earlier in the season and his tenacious attitude will see him right there at the finish when plenty have cried enough.

 

5.30pm: Grand Annual Chase (2m½f)

The last chance for the get out stakes with the hurly burly of one of the fastest National Hunt races on the entire calendar with little margin for error.

Nicky Henderson will be hoping for a third win in the race named after his father and Theinval is, surprisingly, his only representative. He shaped well when last seen on New Year’s Day and was subsequently dropped 3lb for that effort.

His former inmate at Seven Barrows has also had a preparation towards this contest all season in Vaniteux but his 0-10 record at Cheltenham tempers enthusiasm.

Last year’s winner Rock The World and Don’t Touch It both represent Jessica Harrington and the pair look to have excellent chances with both having been aimed at the race all season.

One who could pose a threat at a bigger price is 2016 Fred Winter winner DIEGO DU CHARMIL. His comeback run after a setback was promising behind Saint Calvados and 143 looks a very tempting mark compared to his hurdles rating.

 

*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*

The footballing world is all giddy about the FA Cup this weekend. We are not falling into such a trap. The Premier League continues– albeit with a depleted schedule – and it’s as important as ever with some matches that could have seismic implications.

Here are a few thoughts and tips on the Saturday matches…

AFC BOURNEMOUTH vs West Bromwich Albion

Bournemouth are doing that thing where they go on a bad run and suddenly look incapable of winning matches. While the Cherries were good against Spurs last weekend, the eventual score line made it look a thrashing.

It’s now four without a league win. Risk of relegation is minimal, but Eddie Howe’s side would like to end that worry before it becomes a greater concern.

The visiting Baggies continued their slump towards the Championship with their own heavy defeat last time out. Alan Pardew is extremely fortunate to have kept his job this long. It would not be a surprise if West Brom lost all their remaining matches.

I fancy Bournemouth to finally get those crucial three points. West Brom are a mess on and off the pitch this season, the hosts will be as good as safe with victory.

TIP: Bournemouth to win @ 17/20

 

HUDDERSFIELD TOWN vs CRYSTAL PALACE

Crystal Palace head into this desperately needing a result. The Eagles have returned to the bottom three after a poor run lately, but are up against it here. A total of 10 away goals all season and two wins does not suggest a road win.

The hosts were held off by Swansea last weekend despite completely dominating the match with over 80% possession and having a barrage of shots.

A victory would have earned some real breathing space for the Terriers, instead they face Palace with only four points separating them from the drop zone.

The return of Wilfried Zaha is huge for the visitors. The Ivorian’s presence gives Roy Hodgson’s side more than a fighting chance of victory, but this is still so hard to call. I don’t anticipate a heavy victory either way.

TIP: Under 2.5 goals @ 3/5

 

STOKE CITY vs Everton

This match falls into that early-spring, must-win category for Stoke. Paul Lambert’s Potters have the trickiest schedule of any side in serious relegation trouble, and desperately need three points if they are to have any chance of escaping the bottom three.

Since Lambert took over in January, Stoke have won just once. A win here will give the hosts a major lift as the race to avoid relegation heats up.

Everton ended a poor run with a 2-0 victory over Brighton last time out. That was at Goodison Park, however, where the Toffees have been okay. They have the second-worst away record in the league, picking seven points up on the road all season.

Stoke have avoided defeat more regularly under Lambert, but I’m wary of backing them for victory. The 7/5 price is on the short side even with that supposedly ferocious crowd, so I’m hedging a bit.

TIP: Stoke to win or draw @ 4/11

 

LIVERPOOL vs WATFORD

Liverpool are the only top six team in action this weekend. Jurgen Klopp’s side have an opportunity to make up for the disappointment of defeat to Manchester United last weekend.

Watford are the perfect opponents, having lost seven of eight matches away from Vicarage Road. Meanwhile, it has been 17 home league matches since Liverpool suffered defeat.

via GIPHY

Watford have a long injury list. Liverpool are only missing Nathaniel Clyne. Everything seems to be pointing towards the home team, doesn’t it?

I think Liverpool will win this fairly convincingly. There’s no value in backing the Reds, but a goal fest could have some decent returns.

TIP: Over 3.5 goals @ 21/20

 

*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*

1.30pm: JLT Novices’ Chase (2m4f)

The recent rain that has hit Prestbury Park has tempted connections of TERREFORT to take their chance and the Scilly Isles winner comes here with potential for further improvement to come.

For each-way supporters, Kemboy may represent a little bit of value as his form over hurdles looks pretty strong and his jumping, apart from the last when he won at Fairyhouse, has been very solid.

 

2.10pm: Pertemps Final Handicap Hurdle (3m)

Louis’ Vac Pouch has been saved for this since winning an Aintree qualifier in the autumn where he got the better of FORZA MILAN but Jonjo O’Neill’s gelding looks to potentially have more to offer over 3m and ground conditions will be no concern to this full-brother of last year’s Grand National winner One For Arthur.

Others worthy of consideration include Who Dares Wins, runner-up in the Coral Cup last year, and top weight Thomas Campbell who should prove to be happier back in handicap company.

 

2.50pm: Ryanair Chase (2m5f)

The race originally revolved around the star chaser of the north Waiting Patiently and whether he took his chance in this having proven himself to be decent in the Ascot Chase when getting the better of CUE CARD. In the absence of Ruth Jefferson’s horse, the 12-year-old holds a very realistic chance of winning the race for a second time having done so five years ago.

Standing in the way of a fairytale result is last year’s winner Un De Sceaux who arrives here having won both his starts this season but the form of those performances aren’t particularly strong and the Ryanair he won last year has only produced one other winner since.

 

3.30pm: Stayers’ Hurdle (3m)

The Jedd O'Keeffe-trained Sam Spinner is a leading fancy thanks to his victory in the Long Walk, while Nigel Twiston-Davies's stable stalwart The New One is set to tackle three miles for the first time as he makes his seventh consecutive appearance at the Festival.

UNOWHATIMEANHARRY was sent off 5-6 favourite for this race 12 months ago but was touched off in the end by Nichols Canyon. Harry Fry’s ten-year-old can run a big each-way race you feel this year flying just off the radar.

 

4.10pm: Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Plate (2m5f)

Gordon Elliott has been bullish about the chances of THE STORYTELLER and nominated this as the target recently. He was favourite for the Martin Pipe before a setback curtailed his season.

 

4.50pm: Trull House Mares Novices’ Hurdle (2m1f)

The banker of day three looks to be LAURINA who has looked very good in this division having won a maiden at Tramore and a Grade 3 contest at the end of January at Fairyhouse by 11 lengths.

The form of that has worked out subsequently with the runner-up bolting up at the Dublin Racing Festival in a handicap and there is little in the way of opposition to Willie Mullins’ mare.

 

5.30pm: Kim Muir (3m2f)

Several of these will have been laid out for this contest with familiar names like Mall Dini, Squouateur and Pendra all looking likely to do battle against one another again.

The trio all have concerns to overcome. Mall Dini is yet to win a race over fences and shaped in this last year as though a step up in trip would suit better, Squouateur has been sent off favourite for a couple of big handicaps but has ultimately disappointed each time, while Pendra has a 365 day absence to overcome and threw this race away last year.

One horse who definitely catches the eye in this is MISSED APPROACH.

He possesses valuable Festival form with his second to Tiger Roll in the National Hunt Chase, has been running consistently throughout the season, and has had a wind-op since his last start which could bring about further improvement.

 

*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*

1.30pm: Ballymore Novices' Hurdle Race (2m 5f)

SAMCRO is the headline act in the opening race on Ladies’ Day and understandably so.

Gordon Elliott's exciting six-year-old extended his unbeaten record to six with an eye-catching display in the Deloitte Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown last month. Bookmakers rate him an 8/11 chance to take top honours.

The Alan Spence-owned On The Blind Side, who is three from three over hurdles, having also won his bumper and a point-to-point, has not been seen out since landing a Grade Two race at Sandown in December. Nicky Henderson will be hoping his runner can lower the colours of the hot favourite.

2.10pm: RSA Steeple Chase (3m 1/2f)

BLACK CORTON and Bryony Frost are definitely the story of the season and they could well round off their remarkable campaign together with victory in the RSA.

Since setting out together in the summer, the pair have faced the starter eight times together and only met with defeat once, at Newbury in December.

Monalee is also prominent in the ante-post market for the Henry de Bromhead team.

2.50pm: Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle (2m 5f)

A fiercely competitive race and an absolute minefield for most punters but the race is a lot less “plotty” than it was years ago.

Paul Nicholls’ Topofthegame is an interesting type in this race and his Sandown victory last time was most impressive. The six-year-old is likely to be arriving on the premises late.

Nicky Henderson’s WILLIAM HENRY could be a Grade One horse in the making. He won the Listed Lanzarote Hurdle in January and could quite easily be quite a few pounds ahead of this field.

Max Dynamite could also have what it takes to strike for Willie Mullins in the Coral Cup. The smart Flat performer also has good form over jumps and could be too classy for his rivals here.

3.30pm: Queen Mother Champion Chase (2m)

ALTIOR will be bidding to stretch his unbeaten record to 13 races in this year's Champion Chase and is regarded by many as the banker of the meeting - 888sport's full preview on this race can be viewed here.

Ordinary World was in the process of running a great race in the Coral Dublin Chase before making a juddering mistake at the last. He could easily outrun his odds in this.

4.10pm: Glenfarclas Cross Country Steeple Chase (3m 6f)

Cause Of Causes will be bidding for a remarkable fourth Festival success and back-to-back wins in this race before going onto Aintree for a tilt at the Grand National.

The 152 rated ten-year-old is naturally going to be very hard to oppose, however his veteran stablemate BLESS THE WINGS may represent better value in the race.

The thirteen-year-old saw off several of these rivals in the December version of this race and he expertly knows how to plot his way around this course and could do it blindfolded.

4.50pm: Boodles Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap (2m 1½f)

LISP trained by Alan King looks well overpriced at 20/1 to take the spoils in a very open looking Fred Winter Juvenile.

After wins at Plumpton and Fontwell Lisp headed to Haydock for the Victor Ludorum Hurdle where he came a creditable third despite a serious mistake at the second last.

That was a good race by four-year-old standards with the first and second horses looking like useful yardsticks.

Scottish Triumph Hurdle runner-up Act Of Valour is also of interest given Paul Nicholls’ fine record in this race.

5.30pm: Weatherbys Champion Bumper (2m ½f)

Anthony Honeyball’s ACEY MILAN looks a prime contender for the closing race on the card on Wednesday.
The four-year-old has won three of his NH flat races to date, the latest in Newbury’s Listed Bumper. That came on the back of his win at the same level at Cheltenham. He looks like he should run yet another big race.

Willie Mullins’ Tornado Flyer has Hurricane Fly blood in his pedigree and will be a popular choice amongst the Irish punters in the lucky last.

*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*

The great and the good of the horse racing world gathered at St Andrew’s Stadium, Birmingham, last week to discuss all things Cheltenham Festival 2018 at the 888sport Cheltenham Festival Preview night in association with Birmingham City Football Club.

Host Derek Thompson was joined by 888sport racing ambassador and broadcaster Emma Spencer, leading jockey Andrew Thornton, former rider Carl Llewllyn and Grand National-winning trainer Oliver Sherwood as they put out their tips for the four day extravaganza.

DAY ONE:

Supreme Novices’ Hurdle:

The Willie Mullins-trained, Ruby Walsh-ridden Getabird is hot favourite for the Cheltenham Festival curtain-raiser, but Emma is sweet on the chances of recent Betfair Hurdle winner Kalashnikov, who will appreciate the soft conditions.

Andrew Thornton has concerns for Getabird going left-handed, while Carl Llewllyn also doesn’t like the favourite and joined Emma in her support of Kalshnikov.

Did you know we’ll be INDUSTRY BEST PRICE on ALL runners in the first race of every day ten minutes before the off? Make sure YOU get the late value!

Arkle Chase:

Another Willie Mullins/Ruby Walsh fav goes for glory in the Arkle, Footpad, and Emma once again is opposing the fav here, fancying Saint Calvados to make it four out of four over fences for trainer Harry Whittingdon, a point of view also supported by Thornton, who says the heavy conditions will to the gelding’s liking.

Carl Llewllyn is in the Petit Mouchoir camp, and believes Footpad is ‘poor value’.

Did you know we’re PRICE BOOSTING every single Ruby Walsh ride at the Festival ten minutes before the off!

Ultima Handicap Chase:

Llewllyn brought out an interesting stat: just three favourites in the last 54 Cheltenham Festival handicaps have gone in, bad news for anyone backing Coo Star Sivola.

Did you know we’re FALLER INSURANCE on EVERY Cheltenham Festival race!

Champion Hurdle:

 

 

For many, last year’s winner Buveur D’Air is their Festival banker of the week, and the panel were in unanimous agreement: Nicky Henderson’s star hurdler will do the business once again.

Did you know we’re going 1/4 odds on ALL each-way runners at the Festival!

OLBG Mares’ Hurdle:

Emma is very sweet on the fav, Apples Jade, while Andrew Thornton has one at a massive price, Midnight Tour. Oliver Sherwood is another going against the favourite and has picked out Warren Greatrex’s Le Bague Au Roi, who will appreciate the testing going.

Remember, we’re BOG on every Festival race!

National Hunt Chase:

The Jamie Codd-ridden Jury Duty was a big positive for the panel, who say past Festival form is a plus for Gordon Elliot’s Irish raider.

Oliver Sherwood likes the look of English horse Duel at Dawn, another runner who will relish the sticky ground.

Close Brothers Handicap Chase:

The Irish are apparently very keen on the chances of the Ted Walsh-trained Any Second Now, with Carl Llewllyn revealing trainer Ted Walsh, who rarely backs his own runners, has lumped on the horse.

 

DAY TWO

Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle

Samcro has been one of the best backed horses of the Festival, with the panel unanimous that he’ll justify likely odds-on favourtism to win this.

RSA Chase:

Last year’s Pertemps Hurdle winner Presenting Percy will be ‘tough to beat’, according to Emma Spencer, with Carl Llewllyn calling the Patrick Kelly-trained seven-year-old a ‘worthy favourite’.

Coral Cup:

Unsurprisingly, the panel were torn on what is one of the most fiendishly tough handicaps of the week.

Emma Spencer says Le Breuil is ‘really fancied’ by the Ben Pauling team, while Andrew Thornton likes the chances of the Henderson-trained Burbank. Carl Llewllyn reported that jockey Brian Hughes rates Mount Mews his best chance of the week.

Did you know only three favourites have won in the last 54 Cheltenham Festival Handicaps?

Queen Mother Champion Chase:

Despite a late injury scare, only ‘an act of God’ can stop last year’s winner Altior taking this again, according to our panel.

With the Willie Mullins pair Douvan and Min in opposition, it promises to be one of the races of the week, but the panelists were unanimous: Altior cannot be beaten!

Cross Country Chase:

Cause of Causes goes for an incredible fourth win at the Festival in the but the panel are split on his chances.

Emma Spencer is firmly in his camp but Andrew Thornton likes the chance of stablemate Tiger Roll, while Oliver Sherwood fancies Kim Bailey’s The Last Samurai.

Champion Bumper:

Spencer says she was told owners Gigginstown don’t like having runners in the Bumper but have made an exception for their Felix Desjy.

Thornton says punters should ignore the poor form of Phillip Hobbs and have an each-way squeak on his Crooks Peak, while both Llewllyn and Sherwood said they are backing Acey Milan to do the business for Anthony Honeyball.

DAY THREE

JLT Novices’ Chase

Emma and Carl like Paul Nicholls’ Modus on the strength of his past Festival form, with Llewllyn also a fan of Gordon Elliot’s Shattered Love, which could be ‘great value’.

Oliver Sherwood says first time blinkers could work the oracle for Colin Tizzard’s Finian’s Oscar.

Pertemps Final:

Sherwood has been lobbying owner JP McManus to run his The Organist in this race, which he says has a ‘cracking each-way chance’, with Llewllyn agreeing the horse is a ‘good mare’.

Ryanair Chase:

Spencer likes the chances of Galway Plate winner Balko de Flos, but the rest of the panel are firmly in the Un De Sceaux camp, yet another favourite for Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh, although Sherwood gives a slight sneak to Cloudy Dream, who would be a factor if the ground dries.

Stayers’ Hurdle:

Carl Llewllyn is convinced The New One can finally win a championship race at the Festival, having failed several times to land the Champion Hurdle.

Llewllyn, assistant to the horse’s trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies, says he has been lobbying his boss to run the popular ten-year-old over the Stayers’ three mile trip for several seasons and believes the distance can help bring about a long overdue victory.

Brown Advisory Plate:

Thronton is keen on the chances of former Festival winner Tully East, who is on an inviting handicap mark.

Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle

One of Tommo’s bets of the week is the seven-timer chasing Maria’s Benefit, but the rest can’t look beyond Laurina, who Thornton compared to the wonder mare Quevega. ‘Point steer, don’t move… and win as far as you like,’ was his verdict.

DAY FOUR

Triumph Hurdle:

Apple’s Shakira is a hot favourite for Nicky Henderson, but Andrew Thornton reckons the trainer’s other runner in the race, We Have A Dream, will take all the beating.

“When this one passes the line, it’s going quicker than at the last – it’s a thorough, through stayer and I think it’ll win,” said the jockey.

Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle:

Thornton branded Santini ‘one of the worst favourites of the week’ and instead plumped for Chris’s Dream, going for the hat-trick for trainer Henry de Bromhead. Llewllyn and SherwoOd are both Chef Des Obeaux fans on account of his jumping and the conditions.

Cheltenham Gold Cup:

The panel were unanimous: favourite Might Bite will not win the Gold Cup. Sherwood called it his ‘lay of the meeting’ and Thornton said it was a non-stayer.

Spencer and Llewllyn are both on Our Duke, while Sherwood says Definitely Red is a definite each-way chance.

Grand Annual:

Thornton is a big fan of Gordon Elliot’s Dr Phoenix, who bolted up in a Grade 3 last time out, while Sherwood says Paul Nicholls’ Tommy Silver will prevail.

 

Wednesday night will see two sides advance to the quarter-finals and fans from all over Europe will be expecting another dramatic evening of Champions League action.

In Turkey, there probably won’t be any shocks – Bayern take a five goal lead into the second leg but Bestikas will want to play for pride in front of their home supporters.

But in the other last-16 clash, there is still everything to play for. Barcelona head into the second leg as favourites to progress but if anyone can mastermind Chelsea to a surprise win, it is Antonio Conte.

The tie is firmly in the balance at 1-1 and an early goal for the visitors could see Barca get nervous. Here are my thoughts on Wednesday’s double header:

 

BESIKTAS vs BAYERN MUNICH

Besiktas are now just three points behind Super Lig leaders Galatasaray and Senol Gunes’ side may decide to rest players in favour of their domestic efforts.

Having said that, the Turkish outfit know that victory over Bayern would be huge for morale and they will want to put on a show for the ardent Besiktas faithful.

Jupp Heynckes is a fantastic football manager and he has transformed Bayern into genuine Champions League contenders this season.

The Bavarians may also rest a couple of key men ahead of their clash against RB Leizpig. As is the norm, Bayern are clear at the top of the Bundesliga table but Heynckes will be taking no chances.

Predicting a result either way is tough so I’ll go with ‘NO’ in the both teams to score market at a very appealing 31/20. The gulf in class between the two sides was clear for all to see in the first leg and Bayern may go for the jugular here.

In some ways, Bayern have been Europe’s forgotten team this season; Manchester City, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain have been in the limelight.

This is the ideal opportunity for Heynckes’ side to send out a real message to their Champions League rivals.

TIP: Both teams to score - NO @ 31/20

 

BARCELONA vs Chelsea

Still widely regarded as one of the best club sides on the planet, Barcelona are hard to look past in this contest. When you've got Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez in attack, you are usually difficult to oppose.

Clear at the top of La Liga, the Spanish giants are still very much in the hunt for another Champions League crown (9/2) – it would be foolish to back against them on current form.

via GIPHY

Chelsea may come to rue Andreas Christensen’s mistake in the first leg. The Blues were 1-0 up with less than 15 minutes remaining when his individual error gifted Barcelona a way back into the tie.

Since then, Antonio Conte’s side lost successive Premier League fixtures against the two Manchester clubs but got back to winning ways against Crystal Palace. At the very least, Chelsea will be confident of scoring.

An exciting encounter awaits at Camp Nou and the travelling Chelsea supporters may be disappointed with the result.

Barcelona aren’t the invincible force that they were under Pep Guardiola but they are still very difficult to beat at home and Conte’s men will find it tough to stay focused throughout.

The EVS available for Barcelona to win a relatively high-scoring fixture represents solid value and punters should snap that price up. Goals are usually on the cards when these two teams go up against each other…

TIP: Barcelona to win and three or more goals in the match @ EVS

 

*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*

Liverpool, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Juventus are already in the Champions League quarter-finals. This week we will find out which four teams will complete the draw.

Both of these ties are perfectly poised heading into Tuesday’s European action. So, here are a few thoughts on the matches.

MANCHESTER UNITED vs Sevilla

The first leg of this tie was one of the worst matches all season. The Manchester United performance was similar to so many they have produced this season. Set up to avoid defeat rather than win, Jose Mourinho’s side leant on reflex magic from David De Gea to stay level.

Chances were almost non-existent for Manchester United at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan a couple of weeks ago. With the tie goalless after 90 minutes, though, they are still favourites to progress but will be under severe pressure should they give up the first goal at Old Trafford on Tuesday night.

Sevilla’s flickering hopes of a top four finish were as good as extinguished at the weekend as they fell to defeat to Valencia. The La Liga side have been up and down this season, which has – for a large part of the campaign – been down to their poor finishing. Their first leg struggles in front of goal were no shock.

Away form has hardly been great, either. Sevilla have taken 18 points from 14 La Liga matches on the road this season, losing eight of them. A draw would at least force this one to extra time, but the signs are not good.

I would be surprised to see United knocked out. The failure to score in Seville could make this a tricky evening, but I think the hosts will just have enough to make it through.

TIP: Manchester United to go through @ 1/2

ROMA vs SHAKHTAR DONETSK

The comeback victory for Shakhtar in the first leg leaves them 2-1 up heading to the Italian capital. Cengiz Under’s first half strike keeps Roma well in the tie, however, with the away goal meaning even a mere 1-0 victory would put the Serie A side into the last eight.

Shakhtar will be comfortable sitting deep on Tuesday. Their attacking players are all capable of carrying the ball in transition and are a threat on the counter. The advancing full-backs of the hosts are vulnerable to pace on the break. Bernard and Marlos will be looking to get behind Aleksandar Kolarov and Alessandro Florenzi down the flanks at every opportunity.

The onus while the score is level is on Roma to find the net. That’s not been an issue for them, though, having scored seven in their last two Serie A outings. The 3-0 thumping of Torino at the weekend was the perfect preparation for what is the biggest match of their season to date.

Chances were pretty even in the first leg. It took a wonder goal from Fred to put Shakhtar’s noses in front heading to Rome, and it might have to be a moment of individual magic to turn the tie again.

Early goals could provoke a high-scoring affair. As Roma chase the game, this could become end-to-end, and that’s why I like the price on over 3.5 goals.

TIP: Over 3.5 goals @ 31/20

 

*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*

The 2018 Champion Hurdle will take place on Tuesday, March 13th at 3:30pm. It is a Grade One National Hunt hurdle, run over two miles and half-a-furlong, for horses aged four years and upwards. 13 runners go to post:

Buveur D’Air

He is the defending champion and from what we have seen of him so far this season he is going to take some beating.

He won the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle on his opening race of this season, despatching a weak field at odds of 1/6 and not even coming off the bridle at any stage.  Similar wins in both the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton and a Listed contest at Sandown advertised his dominance once more.

With Faugheen’s frailties well documented, he is the clear favourite to claim his second crown on Tuesday and is rightfully going to be one of the shortest priced favourites of the week.

Ch'tibello

Dan Skelton’s seven-year-old kicked off this season with a decent fourth place behind My Tent Or Yours, The New One and Melon in the International Hurdle at Cheltenham. He then went down by half a length to The New One at Haydock in their Champion Hurdle Trial. Last time out he found Elgin two-and-a-half lengths too good in the Kingwell Hurdle.

The forecast soft (possibly heavy) ground would certainly play into his strengths at large odds.

Charli Parcs

The J.P McManus-owned Charli Parcs has thus far failed to hit the heights connections were expecting of him and he really is up against it in this race on all known form lines.

He finished sixth behind Defi Du Seuil in the Triumph last year and his best placing this term was second at Newbury first time up.

Elgin

Elgin was supplemented into this race at a cost of £20,000 at Wednesday's confirmation stage.

Alan King's six-year-old has enjoyed an excellent season thus far, landing a competitive handicap at Ascot, the Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham and the Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton from five starts.

He will certainly give the Elite Racing Club a great day out whatever the result.

Faugheen

Faugheen will be bidding to regain his Champion Hurdle crown and would be one of the most popular winners of the week if he did so.

Injury forced the 2015 hero on to the sidelines for the best part of two years, but he looked as good as ever when making a successful comeback in the Morgiana Hurdle.

He blotted his copybook when he was mysteriously pulled-up at Leopardstown, but then ran respectably when second to Supasundae in the Irish Champion Hurdle.

At ten-years-old however, you have to wonder whether his best racing days are behind him.

Identity Thief

Henry de Bromhead's Identity Thief comes here on the back of finishing second to Forge Meadow at Gowran Park in the Red Mills Hurdle.

Identity Thief’s last visit to Cheltenham was in 2016 when he could only manage sixth place in this race behind Annie Power.

The eight-year-old looks much better suited to chasing these days.

John Constable

John Constable won twice over hurdles during the summer, including a runaway victory in the Swinton Handicap Hurdle at Haydock Park in May, and has run creditably in his two starts this winter.

He finished a close sixth in the International Hurdle at Cheltenham in December before coming home second, beaten a length and three quarters, behind Buveur D’Air in the Listed Contenders Hurdle at Sandown Park in February.

He looks like an interesting each-way outsider.

Melon

Melon started off this season with a fluent win at Down Royal. He was far too keen for his own good when beaten in the International Hurdle at Cheltenham, leaving very little in the tank for the finish and was disappointing again in the Irish Champion Hurdle.

Melon ran well in the Supreme last season and has been competing in the top level contests but he has not quite lived up to the hype. This would be the perfect stage to silence his critics.

Mick Jazz

Mick Jazz took advantage of Faugheen's Christmas flop but was firmly put in his place in the Irish Champion Hurdle when Supersundae and Faugheen powered clear of the chasing pack.

Gordon Elliott’s seven-year-old has always acquitted himself well in this grade but will probably need some of his rivals to underperform to have any realistic chance of winning.

My Tent Or Yours

Nicky Henderson’s veteran hurdler is no stranger to Cheltenham and this race having been run out of it three times up the famous hill.

He finally got his just reward for consistency when beating a decent field here in the International Hurdle in December.

Younger legs will probably find him out again this year but who would bet against him being in the shake up for the places?

Wicklow Brave

The nine-year-old is officially the third highest-rated horse in the race, behind odds-on favourite Buveur D’Air and 2016 winner Faugheen and many pundits are touting him as a potential dark horse in this.

A Grade One winner on both the flat and over hurdles, he took the Punchestown Champion Hurdle in April as well as being a previous winner of the Country Hurdle at the Festival.

He ran well in this race last year after planting himself for a few seconds so supporters will be hoping he jumps off on terms on Tuesday.

Yorkhill

The Willie Mullins-trained eight-year-old is talented, but has not found things going to plan over fences this season, having won the JLT Novices' Chase at Cheltenham twelve months ago.

A previous winner of the Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle in 2016, the switch back to the smaller obstacles may spark his season back into life but makes him a risky horse racing betting proposition in this race.

Verdana Blue

Verdana Blue is the only mare in the race and she will need to run a career best to trouble the judge in this feature.

She was well beaten in the Betfair Hurdle last time out and has shown no kind of form that would put her up there as a serious contender in this.

My selection: Buveur D’Air (nap) Wicklow Brave (nb).

 

*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*

1.30pm: JCB Triumph Hurdle (2m1f)

Nicky Henderson holds a strong hand yet again with his juveniles Apple’s Shakira, a full-sister to star mare Apple’s Jade, who has won three times at Cheltenham this season and bids to go one better than her sister who finished second to Ivanovich Gorbatov in 2016.

The master of Seven Barrows also saddles WE HAVE A DREAM who, at the prices, looks the value play. A Grade 1 winner of the Finale at Chepstow, he has proven himself tactically versatile and won nicely at Musselburgh despite his trainer admitting he had left plenty of work still to do with him.

Alan King has a fine record with his juveniles and Redicean has continued to progress at a rapid rate of knots. His jumping was spot on at Kempton and he has vital speed from the Flat which will aid his cause.

Mr Adjudicator and Farclas look best of the Irish challenge but will need to step up on what they have achieved.

2.10pm: County Hurdle (2m1f)

Flying Tiger has been well backed over the past couple of weeks and the case is fairly simple. Last year’s Fred Winter winner who caught the eye against potential Champion Hurdle contenders in the Kingwell at Wincanton and the handicapper left him on a mark of 140.

A Hare Breath goes exceptionally well when fresh and has been saved for this having won a handicap hurdle at Sandown in December.

2016 Triumph Hurdle hero Ivanovich Gorbatov is becoming well handicapped once again and drying ground on the Friday will firmly be in his favour.

Whatswrongwithyou could be a very interesting contender with him likely to be aiming for the £100,000 bonus by winning the Imperial Cup and this contest. He looks on a fair mark.

Willie Mullins has won this race four times since 2010 and perhaps one of his more interesting handicap entries of the week is WHISKEY SOUR. A very fortunate Grade 1 winner in Ireland over Christmas, he shaped okay when fourth to Samcro in the Deloitte and he looks fairly treated on his achievements.

2.50pm: Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle (3m)

An attritional test for any horse with experience being the key to the race. Every winner of the race has had at least five runs which rules out leading contenders Santini and Duc Des Genievres. Both have shown very good form and are exciting individuals for the future but a race of this nature may prove too much with the pair having only had three runs apiece in their whole lives.

Chef Des Obeaux has been rather impressive since stepped up to 3m and his ability to handle testing ground will always aid him in paying his way through the deep winter ground. Drier conditions would be a slight concern.

Poetic Rhythm won the Grade 1 Challow Hurdle in tenacious style at the expense of Mulcahys Hill and he has to be considered with him possessing enough experience.

At the prices, a chance is taken on WHITE MOON as he looked a very good prospect before having excuses when well beaten by On The Blind Side at Sandown. The step up to 3m is in his favour and ground should pose no issue.

3.30pm: Cheltenham Gold Cup (3m2f)

We will have a full preview of Cheltenham's feature race available later this week. More to follow...

4.10pm: Foxhunters Chase (3m2f)

Jamie Codd has been secured for the ride on Burning Ambition, a prolific point winner, who won on Rules debut at Limerick before finishing a good second to Gilgamboa at Punchestown last month. While he looks to possess plenty of ability, there are concerns about his resolution for a finish having been outbattled last time and his stamina for 3m2f.

Foxrock has been to Cheltenham twice before and disappointed both times so has a lot to prove regarding travelling over.

Punchestown Champion Hunter hero Balnaslow needs to improve considerably having pulled up last time in a point but could very easily return to form in a race he outran his odds in last year.

Paul Nicholls has stated that WONDERFUL CHARM is his best chance of a winner all week and, with Sam Waley-Cohen in the saddle, he is likely to be ridden a bit more forcefully than last year when second to stable companion Pacha Du Polder.

4.50pm: Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle (2m4f)

Arguably the most difficult handicap of the week with plenty of unexposed novices with Graded aspirations for the future.

Diese Des Bieffes has been well supported in the lead up to this with the likelihood of James Bowen taking the ride. His last couple of runs have been encouraging at Kempton, including when fifth to stablemate William Henry in the Lanzarote, and this stiffer track looks likely to suit.

Deal D’estruval looks well treated on his second to Off You Go at the Dublin Racing Festival and the step up in trip looks in his favour, while other Irish contenders of interest include Dortmund Park and Early Doors, who both have solid Graded form to their name and are relatively unexposed.

Another with more to offer is SPRINGTOWN LAKE who chased home leading Ballymore contender On The Blind Side at Sandown earlier in the season and his tenacious attitude will see him right there at the finish when plenty have cried enough.

5.30pm: Grand Annual Chase (2m½f)

The last chance for the get out stakes with the hurly burly of one of the fastest National Hunt races on the entire calendar with little margin for error.

Nicky Henderson will be hoping for a third win in the race named after his father and Theinval is, surprisingly, his only representative. He shaped well when last seen on New Year’s Day and was subsequently dropped 3lb for that effort.

His former inmate at Seven Barrows has also had a preparation towards this contest all season in Vaniteux but his 0-10 record at Cheltenham tempers enthusiasm.

Last year’s winner Rock The World and Don’t Touch It both represent Jessica Harrington and the pair look to have excellent chances with both having been aimed at the race all season.

One who could pose a threat at a bigger price is 2016 Fred Winter winner DIEGO DU CHARMIL. His comeback run after a setback was promising behind Saint Calvados and 143 looks a very tempting mark compared to his hurdles rating.

 

*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*