These 28-1 and 22-1 tips are capable of huge runs on day one of Cheltenham
HE found himself in a County Hurdle, but was then firmly put in his place by the stunning Constitution Hill.
Today, back in Cheltenham, we finally find out whether Ireland’s star hurdler is more State ‘Boy’ than State Man.
So folks, the time has finally come. Cheltenham 2024 is underway and it’s D-Day for State Man.
With defending champion and last year’s nemesis, Constitution Hill, not making an appearance, many are simply expecting State Man to storm the premier Grade 1 Champion Hurdle over two miles.
Me, too.
But it’s worth pointing out that State Man isn’t a horse that does anything from a distance – he’s more Sea The Stars than Frankel.
All that said, the easy-going hero of the Irish Champion Hurdle should get his moment to shine ahead of Willie Mullins – who is bidding for a fifth Champion Hurdle victory – and Paul Townend, who hopes to secure the prize for the first time .
If you’re looking for an each-way poke with the dead eight lineup, I think NEMEAN LION (3.30) is the bet.
He was fifth in the Greatwood, which earned Iberico Lord a stone, second in Lanzarote and landed the Kingwell last time.
He is consistent and stays ahead of Kerry Lee and Richard Patrick.
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As always, the festival kicks off with the Grade 1 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle over two miles.
There’s an element of guesswork there, but I’ve long been a fan of JERIKO DU REPONET (1.30) and we get an award because Nicky Henderson’s stable is under a cloud.
Jeriko Du Reponet looked a class prospect with two wins at Newbury and then moved up to Grade 2 at Doncaster and stayed on well – after hanging on the left – to deny Lump Sum and Fiercely Proud who maintained the form to some extent at Kempton in the Dovecote.
I suspect Nico De Boinville’s driving is much better than we saw in Doncaster and he will remain strong. I would be very disappointed – provided he is healthy – if he doesn’t finish in the top three.
Another top Grade 1 in the Arkle Novices’ Chase.
Many will be against GAELIC WARRIOR (2.10) because he wants to be right-handed.
However, I have no doubt that he is the most talented horse in this race and he will be hit hard at the front with the bonnet on.
A competitive handicap chase in the Ultima. I have been a long-time supporter of CHIANTI CLASSICO (2.50) for this race and still expect a huge run from the Kim Bailey-trained gelding.
David Bass’s stallion is the most progressive and followed his lasting victories at Chepstow and Ascot with a fine second place at Kempton, where he was wide of the field for much of the race and I got the feeling he would be happier if he would be left-handed.
I liked the way he continued at Kempton against a course specialist and he will get an aggressive Bass ride. An opportunity for both sides.
The Grade 1 Mares’ Hurdle should go to LOSSIEMOUTH (4.10) provided she does not bounce after one run after a long break.
Next up is the Boodles, the Juvenile Handicap of just over two miles.
I’ll be honest, there’s nothing that grabs me here, but I’ll take ROARING LEGEND (4.50) either way for Sean Bowen and Olly Murphy, who took the big Imperial Cup win this weekend with Go Dante.
I hope he gets knocked out and is late as he didn’t do much up front when he suffered a shock defeat at Market Rasen.
Day one concludes with the Maureen Mullins National Hunt Challenge Cup for Amateur Jockeys’ Novices’ Chase over three miles and six furlongs. A small field and none of these are sure keepers.
SALVADOR ZIGGY (5.30) didn’t do anything in America last time, but it’s pretty easy to forgive him for that run and I’m betting on Gordon Elliott and Robert James.
Before the American effort he continued well, finishing second in the Kerry National.
Good luck and Yeeehaaa!
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