Andy Holding runs through the biggest Cheltenham betting stories from Dublin, where Facile Vega made himself “hot property” for the Champion Bumper at the Festival.
As expected, a cracking weekend over in Ireland with the Dublin Racing Festival producing many top-class performances and Cheltenham clues aplenty.
Facile Vega hot property for Champion Bumper
Pick of the pile was Facile Vega, who made mincemeat of his opposition in the concluding bumper on day one and is now a hot property for the main event itself on day two of the Cheltenham Festival (best price Evens).
Clocking another smart time figure, Willie Mullins' gelding left the impression there was even more to come and even though he will face his stiffest rival to date in the shape of American Mike in a month's time, he currently holds all the aces.
Blue Lord edges Riviere D'etel dust-up
There were plenty of good head-to-heads over the two days, none more so than Blue Lord and Riviere D'etel in the Irish Arkle. Although the former just came out on top, the latter left the impression she would have won but for a bad mistake at the last. Sure to clash again next month, it wouldn't be the biggest shock in the world if Gordon Elliott's mare were to reverse the form.
Vauban sets up Pied Piper Triumph Hurdle showdown
The big juvenile contest went the way of Vauban, who lowered the colours of long-time Triumph Hurdle favourite Fil D'or, and in doing so, also paid a handsome compliment to his previous Punchestown conqueror, Pied Piper.
His victory sets up a rematch with Pied Piper in a month's time (joint 5/2 favourites) and with the pair seemingly improving along a similar trajectory, it would be a brave man who calls it at this stage.
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A Cheltenham choice of two for Galopin Des Champs?
Day two, meanwhile, followed suit with plenty more top-class performances, the highlight arguably Galopin Des Champs' victory in the Grade 1 Ladbrokes Novice Chase at Leopardstown. He now has a choice of two races at the Cheltenham Festival and whichever connections choose for this exciting prospect, he will command the utmost respect.
The best race on the card, certainly based on the figures, however, was the Grade 1 won by Sir Gerhard and he now sets a poser for connections heading into the Festival. Do they stick in their lane and take on the likes of Dysart Dynamo, Constitution Hill and Jonbon in the Supreme, or do they step him up in trip and tackle the easier-looking Ballymore?
Either way, the fact he managed to run the two miles at Leopardstown in an equivalent time to Honeysuckle despite making several notable mistakes says a lot for his natural ability and he will be a major player whichever option is chosen.
Three Stripe Life boosts Ballymore chances
The runner-up, Three Stripe Life, deserves a special mention with regards to the Ballymore, as he surely won't be asked to take on Sir Gerhard again, let alone the other three stars mentioned.
Despite running exceptionally well over the two miles, he looks to be crying out for further, so the longer journey at Cheltenham is bound to play more into his strengths. The 16/1 Non-Runner No Bet for Gordon Elliott's gelding in the Ballymore would seem a fair investment at this stage.
