16 Mar Course and distance specialists to keep an eye on at the Cheltenham Festival
When studying the race card ahead of one of the Cheltenham Festival’s 28 thrilling contests, you might spot the letters ‘CD’ next to a horse’s name. This means that the runner has course and distance form at Prestbury Park, and is often a good sign that they are in with a good shout for the race — especially if they are talking about a lot in the racing tips for tomorrow.
That said, there will be plenty of horse’s with CD next to their form. So, let’s take a look at some of the course and distance specialists worth keeping an eye out for at this year’s renewal of the Cheltenham Festival.
Delta Work – Cross Country Chase
The NAP of the Festival for many pundits and punters alike, Delta Work is the 11/10 favourite to win the Cross Country Chase on day two. The Gordon Elliott-trained 10-year-old caused a stir last year when he won the gruelling three-mile and six-furlong race from stablemate and fellow GigginstownHouse Stud-owned star Tiger Roll — ruining the two-time Grand National winner’s swansong.
Delta Work had a run over course and distance again in January, finishing third behind Back On The Lash and Deise Aba in a Cross Country Handicap Chase. However, he was carrying the second most weight (11-7) and a lot more than the horses who finished ahead of him. That won’t be an issue this time out as this contest isn’t a handicap.
Marie’s Rock – Mares’ Hurdle
While Honeysuckle has never lost a race at Cheltenham, winning the Mares’ Hurdle before back-to-back Champion Hurdles in the last three years, she doesn’t look like the superstar mare she was once as her powers appear to have dwindled this season — losing her 16-race unbeaten streak in the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle before finishing second to State Man in the Irish Champion Hurdle.
That’s why we’re siding with Marie’s Rock for the Grade 1 Mares’ Hurdle — if she is to compete in the day one contest that is, as connections Middleham Park Racing and trainer Nicky Henderson are at loggerheads between this race and the Stayers’ Hurdle.
The Mares’ Hurdle appears to make more sense though, with Marie’s Rock winning the contest last year before landing the Grade 2 Relkeel Hurdle outside of mares company over half a furlong more than the 2m4f on New Year’s Day.
Hermes Allen – Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle
Not many novices will be heading to the Festival with course and distance form on their side, as for many youngsters this will be the first time taking to the hallowed turf of Prestbury Park. But one of the standout beginners who does is Hermes Allen.
The Paul Nicholls-trained six-year-old was the favourite for the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle on day two right up until a week or so out from the meeting, with Impaire Et Passe leapfrogging him at the fore of the market for the day two opener. However, Hermes Allen is three for three over hurdles this season — including in the Grade 2 Hyde Novices’ Hurdle over course and distance here in November.
Flooring Porter – Stayers’ Hurdle
This year’s Stayers’ Hurdle is a hard one to predict, with no horse really standing out from the rest in the penultimate Championship contest. Favourite Blazing Khal has course and distance form after winning the Grade 2 Bristol Novices’ Hurdle in December 2021, but he had a 428-day layoff after that success and while he returned with victory at Navan last month, his preparation hasn’t gone to plan since.
That doesn’t make him the most convincing and this race appears to be wide-open, which is why we believe Flooring Porter could still go against the odds and win the Stayers’ for a third-straight year. The Gavin Cromwell-trained horse has finished fourth in both his outings this season and is therefore a 5/1 chance, but the Stayers’ is always the ultimate goal for his connections and there’s something about this race that the horse loves. Rule him out at your own risk.
