Episode 7 of “Upping The Ante,” featuring David Jennings and Johnny Dineen, discusses key contenders for the upcoming Cheltenham Festival. The duo shares insights into their favorite horses while analyzing their performances leading up to this prestigious event.
Dineen and Jennings Predict Cheltenham Favorites
Key Horses to Watch
- Koktail Divin: Emerging as a strong contender, expected to challenge established horses in the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase.
- Narciso: Now favored for the Triumph Hurdle, with Jennings suggesting he might be undervalued given his performance.
- El Cairos: Despite an unfortunate fall, his impressive speed marks him as a serious contender for the Supreme.
Expectations for Other Contenders
- Its On The Line: Dineen believes this horse will improve on his previous close finishes, making him a strong candidate for the Hunters’ Chase.
- Bob Olinger: Jennings highlights the value in his odds for the Stayers’ Hurdle, anticipating a strong comeback.
- Skylight Hustle: Positioned at 50-1 for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, noted as a long-shot with potential.
Upcoming Races on New Year’s Day
Races to Monitor
On New Year’s Day, several races attract notable attention:
- Relkeel Hurdle (2.35): Dineen sees Kabral Du Mathan as a favorite, citing an impressive previous performance.
- Betfair Exchange Handicap Chase (2.00): Jennings favors Riskintheground, while Dineen prefers Twinjets.
- 2m4½f Novices’ Chase (12.50): A split choice with Dineen backing Regent’s Stroll and Jennings opting for Califet En Vol.
- 3m1½f Handicap Chase (1.25): Inch House is selected by Jennings, with Dineen leaning towards Excello.
Looking Ahead to Cheltenham
The Grade 1 Ballymore Novice Hurdle at Naas offers an excellent opportunity for a standout Irish novice to emerge. Dineen identifies Sortudo as a potential favorite in this category.
As the Cheltenham Festival approaches, the insights from Jennings and Dineen provide a valuable overview of the horses to watch. Their expert assessments will help fans and bettors alike navigate the exciting lineup of races ahead.
