JOURNEY INTO WINNER’S ENCLOSURE
Next Gen Racing aims at a young audience
Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the Cheltenham Festival is within touching distance. It is just two weeks until the hallowed turf will be graced by the finest array of National Hunt thoroughbreds that Europe has to offer.
This year will be even sweeter, though, as we won’t have to observe the empty grandstands from living rooms up and down the country. Instead, we will be able to welcome fellow friends and travellers and rejoice at the return of the Cheltenham faithful.
Perhaps you’re mulling over who you should add to your ante-post collection? Well, here are two selections from each of us hoping to beat the bookmakers.
Jack:
Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle Bardenstown Lad
In what appears to be a slightly messy market, it’s almost a bit of an insult that this lad is still available at such luxurious prices. He’s come on leaps and bounds this year, claiming two victories from as many outings. After showing a determined attitude to land the spoils over course and distance when hard pressed by Sean Bowen, the seven-year-old brushed aside his rivals with consummate ease at Musselburgh. He is by no means the most elegant customer out there, but he’s proven he finds plenty off the bridle and remains an appealing each-way price.
Champion Chase – Nube Negra
Of course, this could well turn into a matchup between Shishkin and Energumene as the Clarence House did, but Nube Negra appears to be overlooked once again. If there are two circumstances where the Dan Skeltontrained gelding thrives, it’s when running fresh and at Cheltenham. Possibly one of the unluckiest horses of the 2021 Festival when second in this affair, he showed plenty of improvement when duly bolting up in the Schloer Chase on reappearance. It’s fair to say you can put a line through his outing in the Tingle Creek and hopefully he’ll be able to make amends in extraordinary style.
Sam:
Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle – Journey With Me
I like Journey With Me’s chances for this in what appears a messy race at the minute. He put odds-on favourite Kilcruit to the sword at Christmas and had Minella Crooner chasing him home in second. This looks like a rock solid piece of form considering they have both subsequently bolted up. The Robcour-owned six-year-old was then impressive at Naas, especially considering the sedate early pace of the race, and the extra two furlongs of the Ballymore may suit him down to a tee. At this moment in time he’d be my NAP of the Festival.
Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle Impulsive One
Impulsive One would be my handicap selection after finishing behind the impressive juveniles Knight Salute and Poerticello this term. I hope they avoid a red-hot Triumph and head to this race instead off just 127. Considering nine of the last 12 winners have been rated 125-135, he looks poised to give a good account for Munir & Souede.