See the Matt Chapman Cheltenham Festival ante post fancies as the Paddy Power blogger puts up 18 selections across the four days of action, using the “non runner money back” offer.
Matt Chapman Cheltenham Festival Ante Post 2024
Tuesday 12th March
Supreme Novice’s Hurdle – JERIKO DU REPONET (15/2)
“If Ballyburn goes here in the 2024 Cheltenham Festival opener obviously he’ll have a huge chance. But with NRMB I’m happy to bet JERIKO DU REPONET each-way for Nicky Henderson. The unbeaten JP McManus horse was not overly impressive at Doncaster last time but I suspect he’s miles better than we saw that day and it wasn’t a bad effort in any case.”
Arkle Novices’ Chase – MARINE NATIONALE (9/4)
“On what will probably be decent ground MARINE NATIONALE remains the one to beat even though he flopped at the Dublin Racing Festival. He just lacked experience and I suspect it will have done him good. If he turns up then he’s the most talented horse in the race. If he doesn’t the non runner money back offer works in our favour.”
Champion Hurdle – CONSTITUTION HILL (1/4)
“I’d love to suggest something other than CONSTITUTION HILL but he’s already thrashed State Man here and while the latter is better than he showed in 2023 he’s not as good as the defending champion Constitution Hill! Might only be three or four runners.”
Mares’ Hurdle – LOSSIEMOUTH (8/15)
“Like so many races this year this is very easy. LOSSIEMOUTH would not look out of place in the Champion Hurdle and she should dispose of these with ease. The Triumph Hurdle heroine returned with a romp at Cheltenham the other day. I’ve no doubt about her stamina.’
National Hunt Chase – CHIANTI CLASSICO (16/1)
“I’ll chance CHIANTI CLASSICO for Kim Bailey who kept on really well in defeat at Kempton last time. I suspect he will be much better going left handed and he’s a huge price with the non runner money back provison in case connections have another plan in mind.’
Wednesday 13th March
Baring Bingham Novices’ Hurdle – GIDLEIGH PARK (7/1)
“GIDLEIGH PARK did not impress everyone when he scored at Cheltenham the other day and I felt he held his tail a bit high on that occasion. That said he’s clearly very talented and looks like a horse that will improve with each run. Goes for Harry Fry.”
Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase – STAY AWAY FAY (3/1)
“I’m very happy to stick with last year’s Albert Bartlett winner STAY AWAY FAY who ran well in open company at Cheltenham last time. He’s a sound jumper and stays forever for Paul Nicholls. Very hard to keep out the frame.”
Champion Chase – APPRECIATE IT (25/1)
“I’d be pretty sure El Fabiolo will win this but he’ll likely be odds on. I’ll chance APPRECIATE IT for Willie Mullins. The last two times he ran at 2m he won and he’s been over further and not getting home for a long time. At huge odds if he ran he might slip into the frame on his half length second to Fastorslow at Punchestown. Again, non runner money back is our friend if he swaps to another race.”
Cross Country Chase – GALVIN (10/3)
“GALVIN is the each-way bet here for Gordon Elliott. He’s got solid enough form in this type of race recently with Minella Indo and Latenightpass and at the age of 10 he should still be able to give most of these a run for their money. Was second to Delta Work last year.”
Thursday 14th March
Turners Novices’ Chase – GINNY’S DESTINY (5/2)
“GINNY’S DESTINY jumps and stays and will be a tough nut for anyone to crack for Paul Nicholls. It’s impossible to know what Fact to File achieved last time but Ginny’s gets better with each run and has loads of form mixing with the talented Grey Dawning.”
Ryanair Chase – ENVOI ALLEN (7/2)
“Defending champion ENVOI ALLEN is the most likely winner for me with two fair runs this term for Henry de Bromhead. The third at Gowran on the comeback in September was all right and his second to Gerri Colombe at Down Royal over 3m was also all right. This is his trip and he has every chance to score again.”
Stayers’ Hurdle – TEAHUPOO (3/1)
“I’m amazed TEAHUPOO is not a shorter price for Gordon Elliott. Last year’s unlucky third did well on his only run so far this season over 2m 4f at Fairyhouse and at the age of seven should be reaching his peak. He interests me with Crambo as an each-way alternative.”
Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle – BRIGHTERDAYSAHEAD (9/4)
“I’m keen on BRIGHTERDAYSAHEAD for Gordon Elliott and Gigginstown. The sponsors will want to win this and my selection has looked very useful in four wins including a Grade 3 at Down Royal where she won well. Could be anything.”
Friday 15th March
Triumph Hurdle – SIR GINO (8/11)
“I’ve backed Burdett Road at 33-1 and there’s still some hope. That said, SIR GINO looked special in thrashing him at Cheltenham and he looks very hard to stop for Nicky Henderson.”
Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle – Captain Teague (10/1)
“Last season’s Champion Bumper third CAPTAIN TEAGUE might surprise a few for Paul Nicholls. He’s looked slow this season and suffered a crushing defeat on his second start. That said, he’s lazy and crying out for this trip. There might be a bit more in there than we have seen.”
Gold Cup – CORACH RAMBLER (16/1)
“I told anyone who read my columns online to back GALOPIN DES CHAMPS for the Gold Cup after his defeat first time up this season over an inadequate 2m 4f at Punchestown behind Fastorslow. I thought it was a great run but bookmakers dismissed. As a result I have him at 11/4 and after two brilliant wins since then, the 2023 hero is the one to beat. CORACH RAMBLER comes good at Cheltenham and last season’s Grand National winner might just hit the frame if everything went right. An each-way NRMB bet to nothing.”
Hunters’ Chase – ITS ON THE LINE (11/4)
“ITS ON THE LINE will take all the beating for Emmet Mullins. Runner-up in 2023 the relative youngster has been in great form since and beaten a few of these on the road to here. He’ll be hard to stop.”
Mares’ Chase – DINOBLUE (4/5)
“DINOBLUE was no match for El Fabiolo the other day but should be too good for this field. Last year’s second has been in great shape this season and is young enough to still have plenty of improvement.”
2024 Cheltenham Festival Info
See the full Cheltenham Festival schedule and running order here.
📅Date: Tuesday 12th- Friday 15th March 2024
🕙Time: First Race 1:30pm, Last Race 5:30pm each day
🏇Racecourse: Cheltenham
📺 TV: Racing TV / ITV
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