4 Horses to Follow for CheltenhamPosted on Monday 4th March 2019 @ 16.08

The Cheltenham Festival is the biggest meeting in racing by some distance and we are just weeks away from the action at Prestbury Park.

Here are four horses that you should look to follow at the meeting this year.

Glen Forsa to Win Arkle Trophy

Glen Forsa proved his class earlier this month when he was an emphatic winner of the Kingmaker Novices’ Chase at Sandown where he beat Kalashnikov by 19 lengths. Mick Channon’s runner has got better with every start over fences this season in his horse racing results, which could suggest there is more to come from his next month in the 2m novice chase race on day one of the meeting. After his latest success and the defection of Le Richebourg, who is out for the season, Glen Forsa is now 7/2 in the Arkle betting.

Apple’s Jade to Win Champion Hurdle

Apple’s Jade is arguably the most versatile horse in training today, as she has had success at various distances from 2m up to 3m. Her victory in the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown though proved she has the speed to win the Champion Hurdle at the Festival. Gordon Elliott’s runner has to beat the King of the 2m division in Buveur D’Air, who is bidding for a hat-trick in the race this year. However, he was beaten in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton, which suggests he may not be as sharp as he once was. Therefore, the bet here is Apple’s Jade at 2/1.

Tiger Roll to Win Cross Country Chase

A 5/4 favourite and the Cross Country Chase may not be for everyone, but Tiger Roll really looks to be the NAP of the 2019 Cheltenham Festival. The Grand National winner was back in the winners' enclosure at Navan recently in the Grade Two Boyne Hurdle. This is the time of the season where the staying chaser comes good so back him to prevail again in the most unique race of the 28 at the meeting.

Native River to Win Cheltenham Gold Cup

No horse has stood out to cement their place as the horse to beat in the Cheltenham Gold Cup this season, which suggests this is a wide-open contest. The runner who has no doubts when it comes to their stamina in the race is last year’s champion, Native River. The former Welsh Grand National winner should be able thrive again over the 3m2f trip. Presenting Percy currently tops the betting for race, despite not having jumped a fence this season. As a result, there have to be serious doubts about his claims. Native River has not been at his best in the campaign, but he is tried and tested over this course and distance which counts for so much. At 5/1, he is an excellent each-way bet to be in the frame again.

Article Posted on Monday 4th March 2019 @ 16.08