Cheltenham Festival Day One: Market Movers

The first day of the Cheltenham Festival is just hours away and the money has already arrived for several runners in key races across the card. Here we break down some of the key market movers ahead of the first race at 1.30pm.

Market Movers

14.10pm Arkle Chase - Coeur Sublime  (19 into 16.5)

Second in the 2019 Triumph Hurdle behind Pentland Hills, this highly regarded seven-year-old has performed to a decent level in Ireland this year and has attracted support on his return to Cheltenham.

14.50pm Ultima Handicap Chase - Gericault Roque (18 into 14)

This unexposed six-year-old has never finished outside the top three in seven runs under rules, but he will be running from 5lb without the handicap and is therefore theoretically poorly treated. However, David Pipe has won this race twice in the last six years.

16:10pm Mares' Hurdle - Burning Victory (13 into 11)

One of three Willie Mullins-trained mares in this heat and the winner of the 2020 Triumph Hurdle. She showed great resolution to fend off the reopposing Queens Brook when last seen at Punchestown.

16:50pm - Boodles Juvenile Hurdle - Brazil (15 into 9.5)

When the money is down on a JP McManus-owned runner you have to take note. This son of Galileo has only had four runs over hurdles and looked a completely different proposition when he romped home at Naas last month.

Market Drifters 

13.30pm Supreme Novices' Hurdle - Kilcruit (7.4 out to 10)

Runner-up behind Sir Gerhard in last season's Champion Bumper, Kilcruit has been quiet in the market for the Supreme. Perhaps that's due to stablemate Dysart Dynamo's strength at the top of the betting.

13.30pm Supreme Novices' Hurdle - Mighty Potter (7.4 out to 10)

Lightly raced hurdler who recorded his first Grade 1 success at Leopardstown over Christmas. Described as a 'big baby' by trainer Gordon Elliott, the market believes this race might come too soon.

*Odds quoted in this article were taken at 11am 15/03/2022