AFTER months and months of waiting we finally have something every punter loves… racing at Cheltenham!
Racing returns to its rightful home on Friday and Saturday… and already the Irish look to have a strong hand.
But there is a British-trained mare – already odds-on for her race – who might just be the best of the lot.
THE SUN RACING MEMBERS ENCLOSURE
The only place to get Templegate’s tips first – and at the best prices – is by joining Sun Racing’s brilliant Members Enclosure.
Sign up now for just £1* to be part of racing’s best winning team and get…
- Four free racing tickets, four times a year – worth £300
- Templegate’s daily tips at the BEST prices before anyone else
- Tomorrow’s copy of The Favourite at 9pm today
- Exclusive insights from Andrew Balding and Hayley Turner
- VIP competitions from Racing Breaks each month
- New customer offer with Coral
Become a member today for just £1*
*For the first month then £3 per month thereafter.
18+ Ts and Cs apply. First month membership £1, then £3 per month unless you cancel at least 7 days before your next billing date. For more information contact help@thesun.co.uk
Gale Mahler, undefeated in her last six runs, will head to the Grade 2 Novices’ Hurdle (3.00) for Yorkshire trainer Adrian Paul Keatley.
She was last seen in July when she stepped up into Listed company at the Galway festival for the first time, annihilated the oppo and bolting up ten lengths clear.
At 4/5, she looks a sure thing for the 2 mile Novices’ Hurdle (3.00) under pilot Henry Brooke and by the looks of things has scared off any Irish raiders.
Friday’s card has also coughed up another exciting prospect – Irishman Gavin Cromwell’s hot favourite Path d’Oroux in the 2 mile Novices’ Chase (1.50).
The seven-year-old finished up the field in a Listed contest last time out at Punchestown and is a regular at all the big meetings.
He’s pitched against Gordon Elliot’s mare Shecouldbeanything who won a Grade 3 Novice Chase at Tipperary last time out.
The race is shaping up to be pretty steamy as Joseph O’Brien is also set to throw his hat in the ring with San Salvador – another Grade 3 Novice Chase winner on his most recent start.
As for Saturday’s card, Willie Mullins has, true to form, put up some stiff competition – not least Fine Margin who has entries in both the Novices’ Hurdle (1.45) and the Novices’ Chase (4.05).
The seven-year-old had won three races on the trot until she was pulled up in a valuable handicap hurdle at Worcester, and it will be interesting to see if she’s back to her best on Saturday.
The Novices’ Chase (4.05) is shaping up to be an exciting race, with Nicky Henderson’s Hyland taking on Gordon Elliot’s Yeats Star at the forefront.
Yeats Star impressed on his chasing debut last time out at Listowel, bolting up three and a half lengths clear under Sam Ewing after jumping off hot fav.
But Henderson’s shot, Hyland, is rated two pounds higher and has course and distance form.
However, he disappointed last time out at Uttoxeter despite being the preferred ride of stable jockey, Nico de Boinville.
It’s certainly all systems go for the weekend and many people will be delighted to see the ball get rolling for the jumps season.
