The countdown to the Cheltenham Competition is sort of over! There are lower than two weeks to go till the well-known Prestbury Park assembly will get underway within the Cotswolds and jumps racing followers all around the United Kingdom and Eire will likely be eagerly anticipating the minute the racecourse reopens its gates to spectators for the Competition after a two-year absence due to the worldwide coronavirus pandemic.
Whereas the extra avid punters may have already used their Cheltenham sign-up supply to get the perfect worth out of the ante-post markets, it’s not too late to make use of yours. So, with that in thoughts, let’s check out 4 horses who may stand out because the cream of the crop at this 12 months’s Competition. Learn on to seek out out extra!
Honeysuckle
‘The Queen of Knockeen’, there’s little question that Honeysuckle will as soon as once more be the star of the present on Champions Day (day one). The eight-year-old simply oozes pure class and brilliance, as displayed twice on the Competition already — profitable the Grade 1 Mares’ Hurdle in 2020 and the opening card’s characteristic by over six lengths away from Sharjah final 12 months.
The Henry de Bromhead-trained horse has prolonged her unbeaten streak to 14 over fences with an extra two top-level wins this 12 months and the Champion Chase will victory quantity 15 on her glittering CV. You may’t be the primary attraction, and never be a standout horse!
Shishkin
Trying to have an equally as large influence as Honeysuckle on Girls’ Day (day two), Shishkin will likely be hoping that his unbeaten chasing file stays intact after the Queen Mom Champion Chase — the characteristic race on the second day of the Competition. It’s a contest that everyone is wanting ahead to, with the Nicky Henderson-trained horse and Energumene set to reignite their rivalry after Shishkin gained a incredible renewal of the Clarence Home Chase at Ascot again in January. The eight-year-old proved any doubters mistaken that day and a second victory over the Willie Mullins-trained horse will solely assist his inventory rise additional within the chasing division.
Allaho
It was solely a matter of time earlier than a horse from Mullins’ well-known Closutton yard featured as one in all our standout choices, and it’s no apart from defending Ryanair Chase champion Allaho!
The Cheveley Park Stud-owned eight-year-old breezed his method across the new course final 12 months to win the Competition Trophy by a cushty 12 lengths away from Fakir D’ouadairies and the overall consensus is that historical past is about to repeat itself on St. Patrick’s Day (day three) — with the touring Irish roaring Allaho and their beloved Rachael Blackmore dwelling within the Ryanair Chase. It’s a disgrace that these three championship races aren’t wanting a bit extra aggressive, however you possibly can take nothing away from the standard of those horses!
Jonbon
Whereas the three aforementioned horses will definitely come as no shock on this checklist, the identical argument can’t be mentioned about Jonbon. The Supreme Novices’ Hurdle seems to be set to be some of the thrilling races of the Competition, however some of the aggressive on the identical time with so little to separate Structure Hill, Dysart Dynamo, Sir Gerhard, and Jonbon within the ante-post market.
Nonetheless, we’re backing the latter to upset the others and make a reputation for himself regardless of being the fourth favourite. The six-year-old has constructed fairly the fanbase already, profitable all three of his races over hurdles — two of which had been at Grade 2 degree. He’ll rise to superstardom if he can win the Supreme although!
