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Honeysuckle – Champion Hurdle
Hopefully, Henry De Bromhead’s unbeaten mare Honeysuckle (3/1) can get us off to a flying start in the first ‘feature’ race of the week, the Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy, on the opening day. The winner of the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle at last year’s Festival, Honeysuckle won the Grade One Hatton’s Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse, albeit narrowly, on her seasonal reappearance in November. She wasn’t seen in public again until February, when an easy, 10-length winner of the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown and has fewer questions to answer than her nearest rivals in the ante-post market, Epatante and Goshen.Royal Pagaille – National Hunt Challenge Cup
Later that same afternoon, the National Hunt Challenge Cup won’t feature amateur jockeys, but that should be of little consequence to the progressive Royale Pagaille (11/2), who is the highest-rated horse in the field and, even as a novice, has already been mooted as a Cheltenham Gold Cup contender. Remarkably, the 7-year-old failed to beat a rival on his first two starts for Venetia Williams, but subsequently completed a hat-trick with a minimum of fuss, rising 31b in the weights in the process. It will be disappointing if he cannot take another step forward here.Bob Olinger – Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle
The Henry De Bromhead charge has impressed this season and he’s a horse with a serious engine. On his seasonal debut, he finished second behind the exciting Ferny Hollow but I think he was just done for pace there over 2 miles. He stepped up to 2m4f next time out at Navan in a weak maiden hurdle but he won on the bridle and went right through the line. The big test came last time out where he stepped into Grade 1 company for the first time in the Lawlor’s Of Naas Novice Hurdle and he was mighty impressive in winning by over 6l. He showed a great turn of foot as they headed into the straight and again he powered clear running right through the line. His jumping is getting better with every run and the faster they go the more it will suit Bob Olinger. I believe Bravemansgame will give Bob Olinger the perfect toe into the race and Bob Olinger will go past up the Cheltenham Hill. He showed a great turn of foot as they headed into the straight in the Lawlor’s Of Naas Novice Hurdle and again he powered clear running right through the line. His jumping is getting better with every run and the faster the go the more it will suit Bob Olinger.Gold Cup – Al Boum Photo
Last, but by no means least, there appears no compelling reason why Al Boum Photo cannot win the Cheltenham Gold Cup on Friday and, in so doing, join Cottage Rake, Arkle and Best Mate as a three-time winner of the ‘Blue Riband’ event. Still only a 9-year-old, he was, not for the first time in his career, imperious when winning the Savill’s New Year’s Day Chase at Tramore and, although Champ and A Plus Tard have attracted recent support, he remains the one to beat.Cheltenham Festival Lucky 15 Tip
Honeysuckle (9/4 with Betfred) Royale Pagaille (6/4 with Betfred) Bob Olinger (11/4 with Betfred) Al Boum Photo (5/2 with Betfred)Why use Betfred?
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