There were no major shocks at the confirmation stage for Tuesday’s races, with all the leading players in the major contests such as the Champion Hurdle and Arkle still on course to line-up.
The Festival opener, the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, could see a relatively small field, with only 18 left in at this stage and several of those having alternative options in either Wednesday’s Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle or one of the handicap contests. Betfair Hurdle winner Soaring Glory stood his ground, but trainer Jonjo O’Neil said yesterday he is only “lukewarm” about the prospect of running at the Festival.
Meanwhile, Longhouse Poet, who had been well-supported in recent weeks in the betting for the National Hunt Chase, has been withdrawn and will instead be aimed at Fairyhouse. Antepost favourite Royal Pagaille remains in that race, though we are still waiting for confirmation that he will line up on Tuesday, rather than in Friday’s Gold Cup.
No decision over Shunter target
Emmet Mullins says he will make a late decision over The Shunter’s Festival target, with five options still available.
The horse, who could run over fences or hurdles, won the Morebattle at Kelso last weekend and as a result is in line to win a £100,000 bonus if he triumphs in any race at Cheltenham.
He has got the five entries, but I couldn’t tell you what discipline he is going to run in, let alone which race,” Mullins said.
“We will wait as long as we can before deciding and keep a close check on the forecast. I could have a favoured race for him today, then it flip tomorrow.”
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