With Constitution Hill potentially setting off as the shortest-priced favorite in Champion Hurdle history, the Ultima Handicap Chase is likely to be the focus for many punters on the Festival’s opening day and Happygolucky (2.50) has an excellent chance at around 16-1 to improve on his close second in the same race in 2021.
Kim Bailey has tailored his schedule this year around a return to the Festival, and after finishing unplaced over an inadequate distance last time, he returns to longer distances for the first time with cheekpieces. Any semblance of his best form would likely make him a significant player.
Cheltenham 1.30 An intriguing for-or-against favorite to begin the meeting. Last year’s Champion Bumper winner, Facile Vega, defeated the third-favorite, Il Etait Temps, with room to spare in December. But last month, at the Dublin Racing Festival, he surrendered his unblemished record to the same horse. Pilot error — specifically, Paul Townend taking off too quickly — was offered as a less-than-convincing explanation, so Marine Nationale could be better at around 9-2 odds, having won the Grade One Royal Bond in December by a wider margin than the close margin would suggest.
Cheltenham 2.10 In the Grade One Top Novice Hurdle at Aintree last spring, there was very little separating Jonbon and El Fabiolo, the winner and runner-up, and a similar outcome is probable over fences.
Either could be the favorite if the betting public backs them, but El Fabiolo posted the greatest performance by a two-mile maiden this year in the Irish equivalent at Leopardstown last month, winning by 10 lengths in a fast time.
Cheltenham 3.30 Since last year’s Supreme Novice Hurdle, National Hunt has been anticipating Constitution Hill’s attempt to join the sport’s all-time greats on the Champion Hurdle honor roster.
Even the formidable three-time winner Sir Ken never started at shorter odds than 2-5. And Nicky Henderson’s gelding is only 4-11 to defeat six competitors. State Man would be a deserving favorite in any other year. But Constitution Hill can handle any tempo or even take the lead if necessary, so even a highly tactical race should not pose a problem for him.
Cheltenham 4.10 An outstanding renewal of the Mares’ Hurdle, with two former Champion Hurdle winners facing Marie’s Rock, the defending champion, and several other formidable competitors. Marie’s Rock was originally slated to run in the Stayers’ division. But wet ground necessitated her rerouting here; her final-hurdle acceleration could prove decisive.
