Sporting Life

Key video form for day two of 2018 Cheltenham Festival, including Might Bite in the Gold Cup

Horse Racing
Fri March 09, 2018 · 7y ago

With free video replays available from all UK and Irish tracks on sportinglife.com, Richard Mann takes a look at the key ones to watch out for on day four of the Cheltenham Festival.

JCB Triumph Hurdle

Apple’s Shakira – 27th January, JCB Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle

Another highly-proficient display in the Triumph Hurdle Trial, taking her record on these shores to 3-3. Might not be the most flashy but she continues to get the job done with the minimum of fuss and has built up valuable course experience. Wouldn’t mind plenty of cut in the ground and with this race always proving a good test, she looks to have plenty of the attributes required.

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Redicean – 24th February, Betdaq #ChangingForTheBettor Adonis Juvenile Hurdle

Well-touted juvenile when with Peter Chapple-Hyam but didn’t quite fulfil his obvious potential on the Flat. Has looked a natural since switching codes, however, and he brushed aside some useful rivals at Kempton, jumping like an old pro and quickening clear in the manner of a smart performer. Still improving and his speed should be a valuable asset here.

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We Have A Dream - 4th February, bet365 Scottish Triumph Trail Juvenile Hurdle

Of all his impressive performances since arriving on these shores from France, his Musselburgh romp was arguably his most striking. Barely came out of second gear on that occasion and it is worth remembering his won in Grade One company at Chepstow on his previous start. Reported to have thrived recently and he is not to be underestimated. Watch his Musselburgh victory again here.

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Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle

Santini – 27th January, Ballymore Classic Novices’ Hurdle

Classy operator who was always doing enough when beating the smart Black Op over 2m4f at this course on his prep run. Had previously slammed stablemate Chef Des Obeaux at Newbury and the way in which that one has progressed subsequently certainly gives merit to his form. Should have a huge future, particularly over fences, but does he have enough experience for this?

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Chef Des Obeaux – 17th February, Prestige Novices’ Hurdle

Progressive performer who took his form to a new level when trouncing his rivals in Grade Two company at Haydock, galloping on relentlessly in the closing stages to win by a wide margin. Looks tailor-made for a test such as this, although it must be remembered that he was no match for stablemate Santini when their paths crosses at Newbury earlier in the season.

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Duc Des Genievres – 4th February, Deloitte Novice Hurdle

Yet to break his duck since joining Willie Mullins but his form reads very well, his third behind Next Destination followed by a fine runner-up finish to Samcro last time. Would be taking a big step up in distance here but connections clearly think he can handle it and he remains open to considerable further improvement. Watch his run behind the mighty Samcro again here.

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Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup

Might Bite – 26th December, 32Red King George VI Chase

Came of age when landing the King George at Christmas, producing a polished display of steeplechasing to win with a bit left in the tank. Proven on the track having ran his rivals ragged when winning the RSA Novices’ Chase at this meeting last year, despite running around on the run-in, and he looks much more the finished article twelve months on. A few question marks still remain over his temperament but with Sizing John now missing, can anything really stop him?

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Native River – 10th February, Betfair Denman Chase

Enjoyed a remarkable season last term, landing the Hennessy and Welsh National before finishing a fine third in this very race. Kept off the track since until beating the high-class Cloudy Dream in the Denman Chase at Newbury where he jumped with all his old verve and galloped on strongly to the line. Soft ground would be a big plus to his chances and he comes here on the back of a lighter campaign this time around.

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Our Duke - 17th February, Red Mills Chase

Appeared to have the world at his feet when romping home in the Irish Grand National last spring but a bad mistake cost him all chance of winning when finishing fourth in the Unibet Irish Gold Cup in February. Was right back to his best when edging out Presenting Percy in the Red Mills Chase last time, however, and he might just be peaking at the right time for last year’s winning trainer Jessica Harrington. Watch his Red Mills Chase success again here.

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