'I've had my head buried in the handicaps for a week since the weights came out and this is a Lucky 15 worth having'
The sport's top judges answer the key Cheltenham Festival questions. Next up it's the Racing Post's top tipster Paul Kealy
What's the best bet of the meeting?
Assuming he lines up again, Absurde will surely take some stopping in the County Hurdle for the second year running. Willie Mullins managed to get him so well handicapped last year based on his Flat form that he was able to win looking as though he'd just joined in at the last despite heavy ground. He has since run even better in the Melbourne Cup than the year before and will surely have too much class for his rivals on better ground.
Can anything stop Constitution Hill in the Champion Hurdle?
It all depends on how close he is to the horse he was two years ago as it's that long since he ran within 10lb of his best on RP figures. I hope he wins, as horses of his talent come along so rarely, but I don't think I'll be backing him. Brighterdaysahead is the big danger.
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Published on inThe Ultimate Cheltenham Preview Night
Last updated
Copy- 'Majborough is certainly not bombproof - and this 66-1 chance is an interesting alternative'
- 'This race has been won by Champion Hurdle horses - and it wouldn't surprise me if he was another'
- 'He's better off at the weights and a double-figure price is too good to resist'
- 'I get the impression he's been laser-targeted at this race and his course form is excellent'
- 'I cannot believe this horse's handicap mark - I'd have to give him a second look if he sneaked into the Kim Muir'
- 'Majborough is certainly not bombproof - and this 66-1 chance is an interesting alternative'
- 'This race has been won by Champion Hurdle horses - and it wouldn't surprise me if he was another'
- 'He's better off at the weights and a double-figure price is too good to resist'
- 'I get the impression he's been laser-targeted at this race and his course form is excellent'
- 'I cannot believe this horse's handicap mark - I'd have to give him a second look if he sneaked into the Kim Muir'