The 2023 Cheltenham Festival is merely days away and with it comes anticipation, excitement and expectation. Everybody loves a winner but what horse to back and at what price is always the golden question. Thankfully we have somebody here to help provide an answer. Paul Townend exclusively told Ladbrokes of his tips for next weeks big event.
There'll likely be many British winners. Ireland may not have it all their own way
The Irish bring a huge team across the water and although we won the Prestbury Cup well last year, I think the British have a lot of live chances that we need to be fearful of.
Among my best chances of the festival is Facile Vega. I won’t give up on him. To win the first race on the first day would be just brilliant. I have forgiven him for Leopardstown and I hope he has forgiven me. The feeling I get off him is so special and I hope we can get off to the right start.
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He's a horse with a big future and I think he'll love Cheltenham
Another horse I like and I feel has been forgotten about is Impaire Et Passe, who runs in the Ballymore. He deserves attention. I loved what he done in the Moscow Flyer. He is a relaxed horse, so the venue won’t get to him. He will love Cheltenham and I think he is a horse with a huge future.
Keep an eye on Constitution Hill
There doesn’t seem to be any fault in Constitution Hill. He has a lovely temperament, jumps brilliantly, has speed, and stays. Nico De Boinville was trying to slow him down coming down the hill last year, he was that fast. Speaking to the riders who have ridden against him, he just blows everyone away. I fell in the Supreme last year but I know just how fast we were going. We will go out and make a plan but I think State Man is the best of the Irish. Unfortunately, we could just be running into an absolute superstar. I have to ride the race with Constitution Hill in it but at the same time you can’t just ride to beat one horse. Sometimes it can distract if you get caught up trying to beat one horse.
The Clarence House Chase was a big indicator for the Champion Chase. I think we very much underperformed on the day and I wasn’t happy from the time he [Energumene] turned at the top of the hill. I don’t think Editeur Du Gite will get it his own way in front here and I can see him getting taken on more on the other track at Cheltenham. I thought Edwardstone probably came out of the Clarence House Chase with the most credit even though he didn’t win. We learnt a lot from that race and we know what Energumen is capable of.
Having an open and unpredictable race is brilliant
I think the ground will play a big part in the Stayers’ Hurdle. Teahupoo has taken a big step forward this year but all on soft ground. Obviously he downed Honeysuckle at Fairyhouse earlier in the year. Klassical Dream hasn’t been seen since then but his racing has been a lot more relaxed this year and towards the end of last year. There is a lot of question marks about the horses coming here. There isn’t a standout horse but it’s brilliant to have such an open race.
Galopin Des Champs, the Gold Cup and unfinished business
The Gold Cup is the biggest race of the year and it’s got a serious spice to it. Galopin Des Champ is the novice coming through and we have some unfinished business from last year. He is such a genuine horse and I wouldn’t swap him for anything.
I don’t think it matters if the race is run fast or slow. From a riders point of view, you don’t want a slow race because when it’s a good even gallop the best horse normally wins and I think I have the best horse in the race. I can’t look beyond him.
A Plus Tard was unbelievable in the race last year but his prep this year hasn’t been ideal. Obviously Henry De Bromhead has the knack of getting them ready for these big races.
This race is open and there is a lot of good horses in there. My horse is probably too short for a Gold Cup but having been there and done it is a nice feeling; knowing that you will get the trip.
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