Four Low-Key Races That Could Steal the Show at Cheltenham 2020
With just days to go until the Cheltenham Festival (10th-13th March), there will be no end of discussion surrounding the big events like the Gold Cup, Champion Chase and Champion Hurdle. While it’s natural that those events get the most media coverage, the nature of the festival means that great drama can be delivered from any of the 28 races. Below we have picked out four low-key events that might just steal the show. We say “low-key”, but, of course, any race at the festival is worth winning, but these four events could deliver some golden action:
Ryanair Chase – Thursday 12th March at 2.50 pm
The Ryanair Chase has only been around for 15 years, but it has quickly become one of the best races of the festival. This year sees a brilliant line up, with the excellent A Plus Tard (5/2, William Hill) and the wily campaigner Min (3/1) heading the betting markets. Choosing a winner from the pair is really difficult, and there is also the added spice of having last year’s winner, Frodon, in the mix at 6/1. It’s all setting up nicely for a cracking three-way tussle to light up St Patrick’s Thursday.
Mares’ Hurdle – Tuesday 10th March at 4.10 pm
Another race where the word low-key is misleading, as the Mares’ Hurdle is a Grade 1 event with a storied history. Regardless, it often gets overshadowed by the Champion Hurdle being on the card forty minutes earlier. But there is a bit of extra significance this year because many believe that the two favourites for the Mares’ Hurdle, Benie Des Dieux (4/5, Ladbrokes) and Honeysuckle (3/2), should be supplemented for the Champion Hurdle. Both would have a good shot at the bigger prize, but as it stands, we are going to see two super mares square off in a pulsating duel.
Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle – Wednesday 11th March at 1.30 pm
The opening race on Ladies Day is always a good showcase for future superstars, having had winners like Istabraq and Faugheen in the past. Envoi Allen is the name on everyone’s lips at the moment, and he leads the way at 6/4 with Coral. So much buzz is swirling around Envoi Allen that those odds will likely go down the closer we get to the festival, but you can prepare in advance for your Cheltenham free bet to take the best price now. Competition comes from the likes of Sporting John at 4/1 and The Big Getaway 5/1, but this feels like we will be crowing a new hero in the shape of Envoi Allen.
Marsh Novices’ Chase – Thursday 12th March at 1.30 pm
In a similar manner to the Ballymore, this race can be an indicator of future greatness, something that is hoped for the two race favourites, Itchy Feet (5/1) and Allaho (11/2, odds from William Hill). However, it is a horse twice their age that might gain all the headlines – Faugheen. One of the most beloved horses to have appeared in the last decade, the former Champion Hurdle winner has reinvented himself as a chaser at the age of 12. 8/1 are the odds for what seemed an unlikely fairytale just a few months ago. Can Faugheen do it one last time? It will be the biggest cheer of the week if he does.
