FEET OF A DANCER
Likely target: BetMGM Cup (2.40 Wednesday)
She got caught a little flat-footed but made eye-catching late headway in the Pertemps last year and has progressed nicely since putting it up to Woodhoh for much of the race at Leopardstown at Christmas. She showed a nice attitude running on again that day for a clear second having done most of the donkey work throughout.
Her hurdling had been a little awkward at times last year but she was much slicker at Doncaster when picking up a nice prize in January. She should be well rested come March and, in spite of being entered in the Mares' Hurdle and the Stayers' Hurdle, a bid for the BetMGM Cup may be on the cards and would suit well.
JAGWAR
Likely target: Trustmarque Ultima Handicap Chase (3.20 Tuesday)
He didn’t jump perfectly when winning the Plate last year but has improved in that department. He’s been moving up the weights but is a big powerful horse who looks like he can carry it.
However, his biggest plus could be a step up in trip. Every run this season has pointed that way and this, allied to better ground should make him very difficult to beat. In addition, he comes here refreshed after a nice layoff and a light but targeted campaign.
Connections were a little downbeat following his latest defeat but that was when a Ryanair tilt was on the horizon. Now, with distance, course, ground (hopefully!) and improving jumping in his favour there is a lot to like about his profile.
He has an entry in the Plate but the Ultima looks absolutely made for him.
KATEIRA
Likely target: BetMGM Cup (2.40 Wednesday)
Kateira has snuck into Cheltenham through the long grass having had a couple of ‘quiet’ efforts of late but she has produced form way above her current mark of 141.
She was good enough to win a Grade 3 at Aintree in 2024 beating none other than Jango Baie over 2m4f on spring ground, proving she should handle a big field. Her form in graded company has been good including her fifth in the Long Walk surrounding by horses rated in the 150s and chasing home Woodhoh in a small field Grade 2 over an extended 2m.
She’s entered in the Mares' Hurdle, the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle and the BetMGM Cup, with the latter looking the most likely.
KIM ROQUE
Likely target: Rosconn Group Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup (5.20 Thursday)
Every year Joseph O’Brien seems to get better at targeting specific races at the Festival often with under-the-radar horses. Kim Roque certainly fits the bill if sent up in trip.
All three runs since arriving from France have been at middle distances. Notably, two have been at Cheltenham before a very satisfactory effort when doing the hard graft off the front in a good race at Leopardstown.
His jumping improved again at the DRF and he is clearly on the up. Unlike most French-imports he has a good deal of race experience having run ten times across the channel where everything pointed to a step up in distance – his most promising effort coming in his last race 2nd in a listed 2m6f event at Dieppe.
He has bundles of potential, should improve even more for a trip and looks extremely well treated off 131.
He’s entered in the Ultima, the Novices' Handicap Chase and the Kim Muir – the latter looks ideal.
REGENT'S STROLL
Jack Richards Novices' Limited Handicap Chase (2.00 Thursday)
Regent’s Stroll may have disappointed some people a couple of times, but I think he needs a big field and a strong pace to be seen at his best. He has been mainly campaigned in small field decent quality races but has still shown plenty including beating Kim Muir favourite Jeriko Du Reponet comfortably enough in a match race at Wincanton. Prior to that he was too keen out in front when a beaten favourite behind Brown Advisory fancy Wendigo at Newbury.
He underperformed once more last time, although the winner franked the form nicely since. He’s still just learning how to race and the speed of a Festival handicap should be much more to his liking.
He’s headed for the Jack Richards Novices' Handicap Chase and could produce the display many have expected on his biggest stage yet.
