The wait is over, the Guinness is flowing, and the Prestbury Cup posturing has reached fever pitch. Tuesday’s card is a high-speed collision between Irish dominance and British hope. Here is the lowdown on the Day One heavy hitters:
• The Supreme Opener: It’s all about Old Park Star. Nicky Henderson usually has the keys to this race, and this one looks like it came off a supercar conveyor belt. High cruising speed and slick jumping, expect the “Cheltenham Roar” to be accompanied by a lot of torn-up betting slips from those who tried to take him on.
• The Arkle Speedsters: Kopek Des Bordes is the name on everyone’s lips. If he handles the fences with his usual panache, the others might just be playing for place money.
• The Handicap Plot: Keep an eye on Madara in the Plate (later in the week, but the buzz starts now). For Tuesday specifically, the Ultima is a stamina-sapping puzzle where Quebecois has been “considerately” handicapped. That’s racing code for “he’s got plenty under the hood.”
• The Main Event: In the Champion Hurdle, it’s often a case of “don’t overthink it,” but if you’re looking for an each-way swing against the giants, Poniros is the trendy “insider” pick to fill a frame.
Timeform Best Rated & NAPs (Tuesday)
• The Day One NAP: Old Park Star (Supreme Novices’ Hurdle). He sits at the top of the weight-adjusted ratings and looks the most solid “banker” to start the week.
• Best Rated Handicap Choice: Quebecois (Ultima Handicap Chase). Timeform loves the way he shaped on Trials Day; he’s technically “well-in” if you trust the figures over the official assessor.
• The “P” Mark to Follow: Kopek Des Bordes (Arkle). Carrying that Timeform ‘p’ (for improvement), suggesting his ceiling is still somewhere in the stratosphere.
Sunday at Naas: The Leinster National Preview
While the world looks to the Cotswolds, there is a serious bit of business at Naas today, featuring the staying power of the Leinster National.
• 14:00 Maiden Hurdle: Colcannon is the one they all have to beat. Timeform has him as the clear standard-setter in a race where most of the field are still learning which way is up.
• **14:30 Kingsfurze Novice Hurdle (Grade 3): A tactical affair. Blake is the Timeform top-rated horse here, likely to lead from the front. However, Le Labo was looking like a winner before an “expensive” fall last time—compensation could be on the cards.
• 15:30 Handicap Hurdle: Ataboycharlie is the “big shout” horse. He fell when looking dangerous at Fairyhouse and stays on a workable mark. He tops the Timeform figures for this competitive heat.
• 16:37 Novice Chase: Ballygunner Castle is the class act. He’s short in the betting for a reason—the ratings suggest he’s a different level to these.
• 17:12 The Bumper: Willie Mullins saddles Poetisa. Usually, when Patrick Mullins gets on a well-bred mare in a bumper, the best advice is to look for the “Winner” enclosure.
Timeform Best Rated (Naas)
• Top Rated: Colcannon (14:00) – Should be the day’s most straightforward winner.
• Handicap Best Bet: Ataboycharlie (15:30) – A massive chance to atone for that late tumble last time out.
• The Class Edge: Ballygunner Castle (16:37) – His figures are significantly clear of the field.
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