With free video replays available from all UK and Irish tracks on sportinglife.com, we take a look at the key ones to watch at the 2018 Cheltenham Festival.
Day 1 - Champion Day, Tuesday March 13
Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle
Getabird - 13th January, Sky Bet Moscow Flyer Novices' Hurdle
It was this performance which propelled Willie Mullins' rising star to the head of the ante-post market - as a horse finally emerged to put their stamp on the race. He wasn't exactly leaping out from nowhere - don't forget he was thought to be the stable's leading Weatherbys Champion Bumper hope last season until a late setback - but it underlined his potential star status. Watch it again - will he be able to dominate like this at Cheltenham - potentially with very different underfoot conditions?
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Kalashnikov - 10th February, Betfair Hurdle
Amy Murphy's stable star defied his relative inexperience and horrendous conditions to land the richest handicap hurdle of the season. In doing so he posted figures that would make him a leading contender in any renewal of this race. People ask will he have the gears for a Sky Bet Supreme on better ground? Before Newbury, connections thought he wasn't at home on a testing surface.
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Summerville Boy - 6th January, 32Red Tolworth Hurdle
The Tolworth is always one of the strongest domestic two mile novice hurdles prior to Cheltenham. Summerville Boy was something of a surprise winner but is held in high regard by the Tom George team. On this evidence, will he again have the legs of Kalashnikov?
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Racing Post Arkle
Footpad - 3rd February, Frank Ward Solicitors Arkle Novice Chase
He's looked a complete natural over fences since day one and this performance lit up the Dublin Racing Festival. It left you wondering what can beat him at Cheltenham. Well, plenty of good judges think the runner-up here, Petit Mouchoir, might on better ground. Make up your own mind.
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Sceau Royal - 9th December, Randox Health Henry VIII Novices' Chase
Simon Munir and Isaac Souede have a second significant string to their bow in this race with Sceau Royal. Not far behind Footpad in last year's Stan James Champion Hurdle, this rout of the Randox Health Henry VIII Novices' Chase field at Sandown looked really good at the time. The form has taken a couple of knocks since but couldn't the Arkle be set up like this for him?
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Saint Calvados - 10th February, Betway Kingmaker Novices' Chase
Impressive in his previous two starts at Newbury - this was the moment Saint Calvados truly staked his Arkle claim, destroying his field from the front. Compare his bold, attacking, style to Footpad and it's no wonder people think this might be the race of the Festival. How important is testing ground for this fellow though?
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Unibet Champion Hurdle
Buveur D'Air - 14th March, 2017 Stan James Champion Hurdle
Such is the lack of domestic opposition faced by the reigning champion in three starts to date this term that we have to go back to last year's race for a sense of his true ability. This was the moment he confirmed he was a Grade One two mile hurdler. He'll go to post a red-hot favourite this time around. Can you see any chinks in the armour?
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Faugheen - 3rd February, BHP Insurance Irish Champion Hurdle
Here's the case against the 2015 winner - his surrender at the hooves of Sun Bets Stayers' Hurdle-bound Supasundae in the Irish Champion. Surely proof that the legs which carried him up the Cheltenham hill in this race three years ago - beyond the clutches of the chasing pack - lack the power of his younger days?
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Faugheen - 10th March, 2015 Stan James Champion Hurdle
But what if the genius of Willie Mullins and his team can coax him back? He didn't look a back-number when landing the Unibet Morgiana Hurdle on his reappearance and if you want a reminder of what a peak-form Faugheen can do - here he is skipping clear of Arctic Fire, Hurricane Fly, Jezki, The New One et al.
Day 2 - Ladies Day, Wednesday March 14
Ballymore Novices' Hurdle
Money Back as a free bet with Sky Bet if your selection loses
Samcro - 4th February, Deloitte Novice Hurdle
A devastating display, one which saw Samcro established as firm favourite in the ante-post market for the middle-distance novice hurdle. Gordon Elliott's charge is now 3-3 over hurdles and if there were any remaining doubts as to whether he really is the real deal, they were dispelled with this dominant performance. He treated his rivals with utter disdain as he cruised to the front before easing clear in the closing stages. A star looks to have been born. Watch it again - can anything stop him at Cheltenham?
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On The Blind Side - 8th December, Winter Novices' Hurdle
While he might have looked a little laboured when winning at Cheltenham on his previous start, this was a performance that oozed class. Heavily backed beforehand, the five-year-old travelled like a dream and jumped his way to the front with a couple of flights of hurdles to go before drawing further clear up the Sandown hill. He looks to be improving at a rate of knots but must now take on Samcro.
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Next Destination - 7th January, Lawlor's Of Naas Novices' Hurdle
Still unbeaten in three starts over hurdles, this was the acid test for Willie Mullins' gelding and he was made to work pretty hard to register his first Grade One success. He always appeared to be doing enough, though, and his good run in the Champion Bumper last year tells you that Cheltenham holds no fears for him. Highly regarded in his powerhouse yard, and one who might not have peaked just yet.
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RSA Insurance Novices' Chase
Non-Runner, No Bet with Sky Bet on all 28 Festival races
Presenting Percy - 17th February, Red Mills Chase
A winner at the Festival last year when landing the Pertemps Final, this classy operator has taken to fences really well and ran a screamer when only just losing out to Gold Cup contender Our Duke at Gowran Park. A horse who loves spring ground and is sure to have been primed for the big day by his shrewd handler, he rates a worthy favourite. Watch his fine Red Mills Chase run again here.
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Monalee - 4th February, Flogas Novice Chase
A generally sound jumper whose only blemish over fences came when falling at Leopardstown over Christmas. Back on song when producing a sterling display to beat a strong field last time and the return to quicker underfoot conditions wouldn't bother him in the slightest. His trainer is a proven past-master with his young chasers and his no-nonsense style of racing could expose any flaws in his opposition.
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Black Corton - 17th February, Sodexo Reynoldstown Chase
A very hardy sort with a terrific attitude and plenty of class. Began his chasing career as a summer jumper but has made astonishing progress since, his relationship with Bryony Frost a key feature of his development. Claimed a much-deserved Grade One success at Kempton over Christmas and was even more impressive when trouncing his three rivals in the Reynoldstown. Has more experience than most and with course form already in his locker, who would bet against him claiming a few more major scalps?
Queen Mother Champion Chase
Non-Runner, No Bet with Sky Bet on all 28 Festival races
Altior - 10th February, Game Spirit Chase
Nicky Henderson's superstar already has two Cheltenham Festival victories to his name, the 2016 Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle and last year's Racing Post Arkle Chase. He made it a magnificent seven from seven over fences when returning from a breathing operation to slam Politologue at Newbury and will be a warm order to confirm himself king of the two-mile division. That Game Spirit success was particularly impressive and is certainly worth another visit.
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Min - 3rd February, Coral Dublin Chase
All the rage when sent off favourite for the 2016 Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle but proved no match for Altior on that occasion. Like his old foe, he has taken to fences really well and produced his best performance to date when winning the Dublin Chase with ease. A horse who has always been held in the highest regard by his master handler, Willie Mullins, he jumps beautifully and looks to be peaking just at the right time.
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Douvan - 15th March 2016, Racing Post Arkle Chase
If anyone is under any doubt about just how good Douvan is, it is worth watching back his demolition of Sizing John in the 2016 running of the Racing Post Arkle. That performance was a display pure brilliance, a sensational round of steeplechasing and finishing kick that left his rivals for dead. Not seen since injuring himself in last season's Champion Chase, doubts remains over his participation this year but recent vibes have been more encouraging and he would add a fascinating dimension to the race if given the green light.
Day 3 - St Patrick's Day, Thursday March 15
JTL Novices’ Chase
Invitation Only – 4th February, Flogas Novice Chase
A cracking run last time in one of the strongest novice chases run on both sides of the Irish Sea so far this season. A horse who has always been held in the highest regard by master trainer Willie Mullins, he has taken a bit of time but looks much closer to the finished article now. 2-4 over fences, he is improving all the time and that latest run gives him strong form claims in this event. Watch it again here.
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Modus – 9th February, Matchbook VIP Graduation Chase
Smart performer who has taken his form to a new level since sent over the larger obstacles, his only defeat coming when falling at Exeter two starts ago. Looked very good when back on song with a slick success at Kempton last month and he might still be progressing. Faces a much sterner test here, and has the prospect of a bigger field to contend with, but his jumping was very slick on that latest start and is well worth another watch.
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Terrefort – 3rd February, Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase
French import who hasn’t put a foot wrong since arriving on these shores, winning easily at Huntingdon before beating a smart performer in the Grade One Scilly Isles last time. Surely still on the upgrade and with soft ground seemingly his preferred racing surface, current weather forecasts will be music to the ears of his connections. Can he make the step up?
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Ryanair Chase
Un De Sceaux – 20th January, Clarence House Chase
This was another breathtaking display from Un De Sceaux who was winning the Clarence House Chase for the third year in succession. A fearless jumper who doesn’t mind doing things the hard way, he has looked as good as ever this season and like always, can be expected to return to the Cheltenham Festival in perfect shape. Too strong for his rivals when landing the Ryanair Chase 12 months ago, who would bet against him repeating the feat with underfoot conditions coming in his favour?
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Waiting Patiently – 17th February, Ascot Chase
One of the most promising chasers in training who remains unbeaten over the larger obstacles. Beat the high-class Politologue last season and has been brought along steadily this term, winning at Carlisle and Kempton before slamming Cue Card with a brilliant display in the Grade Ascot Chase last month. With the possibility of soft ground another tick in his box, he looks set to prove a serious rival to Un De Sceaux. Have another look at his Ascot Chase success here.
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Yorkhill - 16th March 2017, JLT Novices’ Chase
Something of an enigma, Yorkhill has plenty to prove having disappointed in two starts so far this season. However, he is a supremely-talented animal who comes alive in the spring, as his two previous Cheltenham Festival victories illustrate. When running out a convincing winner of the JLT Novices’ Chase at this meeting 12 months ago, he looked a star in the making and it is surely too soon to write him off given Willie Mullins will have left no stone unturned in his preparation. Still unsure? Watch is magnificent JLT win here.
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Sunbets Stayers’ Hurdle
Supasundae – 3rd February, Irish Champion Hurdle
Has already tasted Festival success having won last year’s Coral Cup in convincing fashion and has looked an ever better animal so far this season, running well behind the brilliant Apple’s Jade twice. It was his most recent performance that suggested he could be a top-notcher, though, his defeat of the mighty Faugheen over an inadequate two miles in the Irish Champion Hurdle easily the finest hour he has enjoyed to date. With the return to this longer trip expected to suit even better, can anything really stop him?
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Sam Spinner – 23rd December, Long Walk Hurdle
The big hope of the north, Sam Spinner has won a host of admirers this season with his bold jumping and willing attitude. His wide-margin Haydock romp was spectacular but he hadn’t convinced everyone that he could make the leap from handicap company until he slammed a strong field in the Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot. Still only a six-year-old, the apple of Jedd O’Keeffe’s eye looks to have the world at his feet and could take plenty of catching from the front. Watch his Ascot win again here.
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Yanworth – 8th April 2017, Liverpool Hurdle
Hugely talented-performer who was sent off favourite for the Champion Hurdle this time last year. Things didn’t work out for him on that occasion but he beat Supasundae at Aintree the following month and despite his detractors, won the Grade Two Dipper Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham on New Years’ Day. A strong stayer with a huge engine, his late return to hurdles might have caught a few of these by surprise but another watch of his defeat of Supasundae is a clear reminder of just how dangerous he can can be.
Day 4 - Gold Cup Day, Friday March 16
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.
