Rewinding 25 years takes us back to the extraordinary moment when Nicky Henderson secured the Stayers’ Hurdle championship.
This triumph was achieved as Mick Fitz encouraged Bacchanal to edge past Limestone Lad by a mere length.
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A significant amount of time has passed since that iconic day under the Seven Barrows bridge, yet today may present a favorable opportunity for Hendo.
When it comes to ratings, the leading candidates for the Grade 1 three-mile event are closely matched.
Cheltenham 2025 – Essential Information
Gordon Elliott’s defending champion, Teahupoo, sits at the top with a rating of 164, but betting on him at the somewhat dull odds of 6-4 is hardly exhilarating.
Interestingly, he has limited experience over this distance, similar to Henderson’s promising horse, LUCKY PLACE (4.00), who will be ridden by Nico De Boinville.
With just eight races under his belt, Lucky Place has competed at Cheltenham three times, achieving a notable fourth-place finish in last year’s fierce Coral Cup.
This season has seen him win at Ascot and Cheltenham, and while he has yet to run this distance, if he adjusts well, he holds considerable potential for growth, making him an appealing wager at around 6-1.
The forthcoming Ryanair Chase promises to be an exciting contest.
Fact to File has had a reduction in distance, as has King George runner-up Il Est Francais, and the defending champion will undoubtedly be a strong challenger.
This champion is PROTEKTORAT (3.20), who had previously done a great service to this column last year.
Having previously placed in a Gold Cup, Protektorat showcased outstanding jumping during his last win at Windsor and is just 4lb short of his highest-ever rating.
Last year, his performance was remarkable, and although he might favor softer ground, he managed well on good to soft conditions during his Gold Cup run.
SIXANDAHALF (1.20) is anticipated to be a leading contender in the opening mares novice hurdle.
A reliable performer on the Flat, she has demonstrated her potential by finishing third in the Irish Ces and remains unbeaten over hurdles following a strong outing at Fairyhouse. My expectations for her are quite high.
CALDWELL POTTER (2.00) could bring happiness to Paul Nicholls in the novice handicap chase.
Co-owned by Sir Alex Ferguson, this horse has faced some criticism this season after being acquired for £740,000 and suffering defeats at both Cheltenham and Windsor.
Nevertheless, he possesses a solid handicap mark of 146 for a Grade 1-winning hurdler and showed promise during his bumper days with Gordon Elliott on yielding ground.
ONE BIG BANG (2.40) is expected to perform well in the Pertemps Final, even with a 7lb increase following his win at Haydock.
He maintains his strength and will thrive running at a quick pace.
With each-way potential for rising star James Owen and jockey Jamie Brace, who adds a valuable 5lb claim, he appears a solid bet.
I’m banking on JAGWAR (4.40) to deliver a commendable performance in the Plate, a two-and-a-half-mile handicap chase.
Although he’s stepping up in weight, he has favorable prospects as an improving horse with Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero. This distance is ideal for him, and he finished strongly at this track last time.
Despite carrying 7lb more now, he appears to be an excellent jumper and has the experience required to perform well under pressure.
In the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup, MIDNIGHT OUR FRED (5.20) is expected to shine.
At eight years old, he is reaching his peak, yet I believe there is still room for growth, having previously secured a commendable runner-up position here in April.
A rating of 132 poses a challenge, but he has promising each-way potential. Best of luck… and Yeeehaaa!
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