Cheltenham Tuesday preview

The opening day of what should be another wonderful National Hunt Festival at Cheltenham has just about something for everyone and one can only hope that some of the big names live up to their billing.

First into the fray is Dunguib, brilliant winner of the Champion Bumper here twelve months ago and unbeaten in four starts over timber. Philip Fenton’s superstar hasn’t always been the most fluent over his jumps but the likely stronger pace here should help in that regard and provided Brian O’Connell keeps it simple he should see off unbeaten Get Me Out Of Here and Blackstairmountain.

Captain Cee Bee looks the pick of a strong Irish challenge for the Arkle, where the likes of Sports Line, Sizing Europe and Somersby will all have their supporters.

The Champion Hurdle itself has a very open look to it this year, with Go Native – chasing that £1 million bonus – and Solwhit heading the market. Choosing between them is not easy, especially given the latter’s late scare and doubts over where the pace will come from. 2009 hero Punjabi looks certain to go well again though.

Garde Champetre is expected to continue his love affair with the Cross Country Chase by landing the spoils once again for Nina Carberry, while Voler La Vedette and last year’s heroine Quevega surely have the concluding Mares Hurdle between them.

Categories: Horse racing