The final race on Wednesday is the Champion Bumper, the only flat race at the Cheltenham Festival and always an exciting and unpredictable contest. 24 horses line up in this year’s renewal, won last year by A Dream To Share, and there are plenty among the field with strong chances.
The market is headed by three horses from three top yards – Willie Mullins’ Jasmin De Vaux, the Elliot yard’s Jalon D’oudairies, and Teeshan from the Paul Nicholls stable. Each has strong claims and with Jasmin De Vaux at 11/2 we think that a great price.
However, in a race with such a big field – and a flat race at that – it’s always worth casting an eye down the list and looking for higher priced runners. Gordon Elliot also saddles Romeo Coolio, a 9/1 shot with plenty of obvious potential, while Rachael Blackmore is in the saddle on Mullins’ promising Junta Marvel who is at 12/1.
Kingston Pride, currently available for 20/1 from the Henderson yard, is an eye catcher who could provide a surprise, and we would not dismiss 40/1 shot Tripoli Flyer, a likely improver from Fergal O’Brien’s stables.
If we had to pick a winner here we would go for The Yellow Clay. Impressive recently at Leopardstown, the Gordon Elliot charge could be one for a surprise at 17/2.
A great race to close Wednesday at the Cheltenham Festival, look for our previews for the Thursday cards.
13:30 Ballymore Novices Tips
14:10 The Brown Advisory (RSA Chase) Tips
14:50 Coral Cup Tips
15:30 Champion Chase Tips
16:10 Glenfarclas Tips
16:50 Grand Annual Tips
17.30 Champion Bumper tips
An open race, then, and one for the enthusiastic punter.