'He's better off at the weights and a double-figure price is too good to resist'
The sport's top judges answer the key Cheltenham Festival questions. Next up it's commentator Richard Hoiles . . .
What's the best bet of the meeting?
In terms of beating the odds, Iceo Madrik in the Cross Country Chase. The French form in this discipline looks to have been consistently under-appreciated by the handicapper, which didn't really matter when you had the likes of Galvin and Delta Work lining up at level weights, but that has changed. Iceo Madrik was sent off as short as 11-2 behind Stumptown at Cheltenham in December and is better off at the weights this time. A double-figure price is too good to resist.
Can anything stop Constitution Hill in the Champion Hurdle?
Probably only himself as he has seemed rather accident prone since his demolition job two seasons ago. In full flight he is a spectacular watch and I really hope he can show what we missed last year and regain his crown.
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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'
- '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'
- 'This race has been won by Champion Hurdle horses - and it wouldn't surprise me if he was another'
- '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'
- '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'
- 'This race has been won by Champion Hurdle horses - and it wouldn't surprise me if he was another'
- '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'