The Cheltenham Festival is just around the corner, and the excitement is building! But which horses could boost their chances with a win this Sunday? Here's a look at five runners to watch:
Pure Steel - Owned by JP McManus, this six-year-old has become the odds-on favorite for the 2m½f novice chase at Punchestown. Trained by Jimmy Mangan, he achieved a Racing Post Rating of 136 in December but struggled in Grade 3 company last time out. With odds of 12-1 for the Jack Richards Novices' Handicap Chase at Cheltenham, can Pure Steel defy the odds and make a statement?
Fantasy World - Making his hurdling debut at Musselburgh, this four-year-old is one to watch for the Triumph Hurdle. Formerly trained by Andrew Balding on the Flat, he won a 1m6f Listed contest at Ascot and was sold for a whopping 600,000gns. With a best price of 12-1 for the Triumph, will Fantasy World live up to the hype?
Kiss Will - Trained by Willie Mullins, this six-year-old is seeking his first win over fences at Punchestown. With two wins from three starts over hurdles, he finished seventh in the Turners at the festival. Despite being a beaten favorite in his chase starts this season, he holds an entry for the prestigious Brown Advisory Novices' Chase, priced at 100-1.
Heads Up - The Listed Sheila Bourke Novice Hurdle at Punchestown has a history of producing Cheltenham Festival pointers. Last year's winner, William Munny, went on to compete in the festival opener. Heads Up, who finished second to No Drama This End at Cheltenham's November meeting, could be one to watch for the Turners Novices' Hurdle, priced at 66-1.
Heldam - Trained by Willie Mullins, Heldam aims to solidify his position among the Champion Bumper contenders at Punchestown. Mullins has dominated this race, winning the last four runnings, including with Ballyburn in 2023. After failing to meet expectations in his stable debut, can Heldam bounce back and secure his place at Cheltenham?
And here's a twist: some pundits argue that a win on Sunday might not be enough for these runners to secure their Cheltenham spots. With fierce competition and limited spaces, every performance matters. But will these horses rise to the occasion and prove their worth? Only time will tell. What do you think? Are these runners destined for Cheltenham glory, or will they fall short? Share your predictions in the comments below!
