Matt
The Cheltenham festival is now just a few months away as excitement continues to build ahead of the big event. Day one looks set to be all about the duel between two previous champion hurdle winners in Faugheen and Buveur D’Air. However there are several other star horses who look banker material ahead of the big day. The first is the novice chaser Footpad and the latest Cheltenham betting has him as a very short favourite to triumph in the Arkle. Footpad ran a solid race to finish in fourth in last year’s Champion hurdle but looks a different horse since going over the larger obstacles.
Another star on day one is wonder Mare Apple’s Jade. She is as tough as they come and has continued to impress in every start. She is likely to head to defend her crown in the Mares hurdle and if so is likely to start as the shortest priced favourite over festival week. With all this top action the festival cannot come soon enough for racing fans! Check this infographic out to see how Faugheen compares to the greatest Champion hurdlers throughout history.
