With only a few days remaining until the famed Cheltenham roar begins, the fields for this 28 race event have already taken shape. The contenders for this major horse racing event are already evident and the handicaps entries have been revealed.
If the 2021 Cheltenham Festivals are any indication to go by, we can expect to get some major shocks this year as well as several well-orchestrated punts in this highly competitive horse racing event. Here’s a brief guide to the first two days of the Cheltenham Festival this year.
Ultima Handicap Chase (15th March) – 82 Entries
The Ultimate Handicap Chase has remained a major “home banker” in the last decade, with the last 15 champions trained in Great Britain. However, the 2022 Irish challenge is looking stronger than ever with over 40 horses coming from over the Irish Sea.
That said, you can expect one of these Irish horses to spoil the party for British riders on the first day of the Cheltenham festival. Lots of punters who are embracing the Sky Bet sign-up offer to beat on the festival are looking at Death Duty, a horse that has been a great market mover in the week leading to the event.
Shan Blue and Aye Right are two other competitors worth looking at during the Ultima Handicap Chase. However, Does He Know will also be looking to take on every Irish raider this year, looking to continue with his promising start over the fences this year.
Favorite Pick: Does He Know
Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (15th March) – 20 Entries
Irish trainers have dominated the last four runs in the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle and will be looking to claim another victory once again. The three-race maiden, Gaelic Warrior looks like the candidate lead following his great performance in France. However, the Boodles Juvenile Handicap favorite can expect tough competition from The Tide Turns, the Joseph O’Brien trained racer Champion Green and Fairyhouse winner BRITZKA.
Favorite Pick: Gaelic Warrior
Coral Cup (16th March) – 10 entries
With the bookies’ favorites having no good records in the last several years, the Coral Cup is among the toughest races for punters to predict in the 2022 Cheltenham Festival. The Grade 3 handicap hurdle featuring five furlongs across two miles features favorites like Good Risk At All, Langer Dan Gowel Road, Unexpected Party, and Camprond. However, Good Risk At All seems like the most likely winner after his impressive victory at the Ascot handicap Hurdle this year.
Favorite Pick: Good Risk At All
Johnny Henderson Grand Annual (16th March) – 38 Entries
The Grand Annual Chase will welcome some of the best racers in this Grade Three National Hunt race, with some of the top competitors including Buddy Rich, Amarillo Sky, Brave Seasca, Embittered, Coeur Sublime, and Before Midnight.
Some of the dark horses in this two and half miles furlong include Editeur Du Gite, Poseiden, Red Rookie, For Pleasure, and Exit Poll. However, most punters are backing Buddy Rich as last year’s winner Sky Pirate will need to carry a 12lb burden to get the chance to repeat his feat.
Favorite Pick: Buddy Rich
