‘He Won’t Be Out Of The Frame’ – Four Horses to Follow at the Cheltenham Festival

[Wandering Eyes]

It might not be Royal Ascot, but even us die-hard Flat racing fans at TDN Europe are not immune to Cheltenham Festival fever, with four days of top-class sport lying in wait for those preparing to make the annual pilgrimage to Prestbury Park.

This year, the action on the track looks as competitive and enthralling as it has been for some time, starting on Tuesday with the Supreme Novices' Hurdle where at least half of the 12-strong field can be given some sort of chance.

In fact, the Supreme has caused a difference of opinion among our team of TDN experts, with two of our horses to follow at the meeting coming in the curtain-raiser…

EL CAIROS

Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle, 1.20 Tuesday

At least I will know my fate early because El Cairos is one of my strongest fancies of the week. Gordon Elliott has a decent record in the Supreme Novices Hurdle and it's hard to think that El Cairos is not as good, if not better, than some of the horses the trainer has had placed in the race in recent years.

A classy, strong-travelling sort, he already boasts course form when an eye-catching fifth in the Champion Bumper here 12 months ago. Okay, you could question his jumping, given he fell on his hurdling debut and made a mess of the last when winning at Thurles.

However, that is factored into his price and you'd imagine that, with a clear round, he won't be out of the frame. He's a strong each-way fancy and, if you're feeling greedy, double him into Backmeorsackme in the National Hunt Challenge Cup. Brian Sheerin

MIGHTY PARK

Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle, 1.20 Tuesday

Not looking beyond the opening contest, I'm siding with the hugely promising €105,000 Derby Sale graduate Mighty Park to secure a ninth Supreme Novices' Hurdle for the Willie Mullins stable.

Now is the hour for the 38-length Fairyhouse winner and half-brother of former Festival mainstay Might Bite to step forward. His stable companion Leader d'Allier is not out of the reckoning.

Ante-post favourite Old Park Star seeks a sixth edition for Nicky Henderson, who last won this with Constitution Hill in 2022, and is the one to include for the trifecta option. Sean Cronin

COLONEL MUSTARD

BetMGM Cup, 2.40 Wednesday

I'm no punter and this is probably the reason why: heart always rules head. Occasionally it's a strategy that works, and Golden Ace helped me out in that regard last year.

On Wednesday, my favourite National Hunt horse in training, Colonel Mustard, returns to the Festival for the fourth time. Don't let the fact that he's now 11 put you off an each-way bet at 33/1. He's never run a bad race at Cheltenham, his jumping is rock solid, and he's been in the form of his life this season with two wins over hurdles, including the G2 Lismullen Hurdle.

Back down to a more suitable trip here, he's been a real star for the very capable Lorna Fowler – one of the few trainers in action this week who has actually ridden a winner at Cheltenham – and he goes very well for three-pound claimer John Shinnick. If any horse will give you a run for your money, it's this one. Emma Berry

BOB OLINGER

Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle, 3.20 Thursday

Bob Olinger at Cheltenham – what's not to like? He's four from four at Prestbury Park and his decisive defeat of Teahupoo in this race 12 months ago is arguably the strongest piece of form on offer.

Okay, Teahupoo comprehensively reversed those placings at Leopardstown last time, but there is no finer man to get a horse to peak for Cheltenham than Henry de Bromhead, and Bob Olinger has almost certainly been trained with one day in mind.

Last year, he took a massive step forward from Leopardstown to Cheltenham, so here's hoping he can do the same again despite his advancing years. Currently trading at nearly three times the prices of Teahupoo, he certainly appeals as the value play in a race which could pan out similarly to 12 months ago, with no obvious pace angle at this stage. Adam Houghton

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