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 might be eagerly anticipating the minute the racecourse reopens its gates to spectators for the Competition after a two-year absence because of the worldwide coronavirus pandemic.
Whereas the extra avid punters could have already used their Cheltenham sign-up supply to get the most effective 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 might stand out because the cream of the crop at this yr’s Competition. Learn on to search out out extra!
Honeysuckle
‘The Queen of Knockeen’, there’s little doubt 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 yr.
The Henry de Bromhead-trained horse has prolonged her unbeaten streak to 14 over fences with an extra two top-level wins this yr and the Champion Chase will victory quantity 15 on her glittering CV. You’ll be able to’t be the primary attraction, and never be a standout horse!
Shishkin
Trying to have an equally as huge affect as Honeysuckle on Women’ Day (day two), Shishkin might be hoping that his unbeaten chasing report 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 trying ahead to, with the Nicky Henderson-trained horse and Energumene set to reignite their rivalry after Shishkin gained a implausible renewal of the Clarence Home Chase at Ascot again in January. The eight-year-old proved any doubters incorrect 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 alternatives, and it’s no apart from defending Ryanair Chase champion Allaho!
The Cheveley Park Stud-owned eight-year-old breezed his means across the new course final yr to win the Competition Trophy by a cushty 12 lengths away from Fakir D’ouadairies and the final 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 residence within the Ryanair Chase. It’s a disgrace that these three championship races aren’t trying a bit extra aggressive, however you may 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 stated about Jonbon. The Supreme Novices’ Hurdle appears to be like set to be one of the thrilling races of the Competition, however one of the aggressive on the similar time with so little to separate Structure Hill, Dysart Dynamo, Sir Gerhard, and Jonbon within the ante-post market.
Nevertheless, 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 stage. He’ll rise to superstardom if he can win the Supreme although!