Cheltenham Festival Contenders

Champion Hurdle: A Four-Way Battle

The Champion Hurdle on March 11 has all the makings of a classic, featuring four genuine heavyweight contenders. Constitution Hill returns as the 8-13 favorite, looking to reclaim his crown after a year that has seen him face some challenges.

While Nicky Henderson's star has returned to winning ways with victories at Kempton and Cheltenham, questions remain about whether he can reproduce the phenomenal form that saw him demolish State Man in 2023. His Christmas Hurdle victory, while impressive, showed him running to a Racing Post Rating of 162 – notably below his previous best of 177.

The emergence of Brighterdaysahead has added spice to the division. Gordon Elliott's mare has been nothing short of sensational this season, securing back-to-back Grade 1 victories and twice defeating last year's champion State Man.

Currently priced at 2-1, she represents the fresh challenge, though there remains uncertainty about whether connections will opt for this race or the seemingly easier option of the Mares' Hurdle.

Willie Mullins holds a strong hand with both?Lossiemouth?(4-1) and?State Man?(13-2). Lossiemouth brings proven Cheltenham form, having won both the Triumph Hurdle and Mares' Hurdle in consecutive years.

Her recent fall in the Irish Champion Hurdle when challenging State Man left unanswered questions, but her earlier defeat of Teahupoo in the Hatton's Grace showed her class.

State Man, while consistent, has struggled against the division's new stars this season, suggesting he may need others to underperform to retain his crown.

Emerging Talents in the Bumper

The Champion Bumper field is taking shape, with Jalon D'Oudairies emerging as an interesting contender at 8-1. Gordon Elliott's six-year-old, not seen since finishing third in last year's renewal, recently impressed in a gallop at Navan. The market currently favors Windbeneathmywings at 5-1, with Bambino Fever (11-2) and Kalypso'chance (6-1) also prominent in the betting.

Form Clues from Recent Runners

Recent performances have offered valuable insights into festival prospects. The William Hill Hurdle has proven particularly informative, with winner Joyeuse delivering an impressive performance that boosts the form of several festival contenders.

The race she finished second in at Cheltenham has become a key piece of form, with multiple winners emerging from it, including Royale Margaux and Take No Chances.

Wodhooh, the winner of that race, has seen her prices shorten for both the Coral Cup and Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle.

In the handicap division, JPR One's recent performance suggests he could be well-treated for the Grand Annual if the handicapper drops him a few pounds. Currently available at 16-1, he could represent value, particularly on better ground against handicappers.

Cross Country Veteran Revival

The Cross Country Chase sees an interesting contender in the 13-year-old Roi Mage, available at 25-1. Despite his age, Patrick and James Griffin's stable star continues to perform at a high level, winning a Listed cross-country race at Craon.

The switch back to handicap conditions has encouraged connections to target this race, with James Reveley booked for the ride. Having earned over ￡950,000 in prize-money from 59 starts, this versatile performer could surprise younger rivals.

Cheltenham Festival Contenders Summary

With just weeks until the Festival, several key questions remain.

Will Brighterdaysahead take on Constitution Hill in the Champion Hurdle?

Can Constitution Hill return to his brilliant best?

Will Lossiemouth bounce back from her Leopardstown fall?

The answers to these questions will shape what promises to be an outstanding Festival.

The meeting appears to have strong depth across multiple divisions, with both established stars and emerging talents set to clash. While some races, like the Champion Hurdle, feature clear market principles, others remain more open affairs that could provide value opportunities for shrewd punters.

As preparations enter their final stages, trainers face the challenge of getting their charges to peak at precisely the right time. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining which horses arrive at Prestbury Park in prime condition for what promises to be four days of outstanding National Hunt racing.

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