Lossiemouth’s presence in Tuesday’s Champion Hurdle has increased the competition. This sporting decision means that The New Lion is an attractive bet to follow up last year’s novice win at this meeting.
The New Lion’s Chances
The New Lion does not benefit from a 7lb mares’ allowance, unlike Brighterdaysahead, Golden Ace and Lossiemouth. The New Lion has just half a dozen runs, with five wins and just one defeat when he made an uncharacteristic jumping error at Newcastle in December. Brighterdaysahead, Golden Ace and Lossiemouth have 12, 12 and 17 runs behind them respectively.
Lossiemouth was below her best behind Brighterdaysahead at Leopardstown last time and has first-time cheekpieces on Tuesday. Brighterdaysahead ran no sort of race in last year’s Champion. Golden Ace looked a very lucky winner 12 months ago, and The New Lion looked to have her measure when he came down two out at Newcastle.
The New Lion has more scope for improvement than his main rivals. He is around 11-4 to edge Dan Skelton significantly closer to a first trainers’ title.
Other Cheltenham Races
Mighty Park is a lurking presence after a 38-length win in a maiden hurdle. Old Park Star arrives with rock-solid form and a similar profile to Nicky Henderson’s last three Supreme winners: Altior, Shishkin and Constitution Hill. His 18-length success at Haydock in January was backed by an excellent timefigure, and he has looked a natural at his hurdles while progressing by the run.
With the market squarely focused on Kopek Des Bordes and Lulamba, the claims of Steel Ally have perhaps been overlooked. He has beaten thin fields for his two Grade Two wins but posted a strong time for the latest and could well outrun odds of around 14-1.
It is a decade since a British yard won the Fred Winter, but Faye Bramley’s Winston Junior holds strong claims off 131 on his form to date. The booking of Jack Kennedy is also a big plus.
Looking at Leave Of Absence
Drying ground is a major positive for Leave Of Absence, a winner over track and trip in October. He has probably been campaigned with this race in mind ever since.
- Cheltenham 1.20 Old Park Star
- Cheltenham 2.00 Steel Ally
- Cheltenham 2.40 Winston Junior
Other races include Zurich and One Big Bang at Cheltenham, and races at Sedgefield and Wolverhampton.