Hollywoodbets Brand Ambassador Daniel Muscutt shares all of his selections from Day 1 of the Cheltenham Festival 2024.
The first day of the Cheltenham Festival gets underway today with an impressive line-up of equine and human contestants in a thrilling chase for the silverware, the glory, and the bragging rights, over a fabulous four days of jump racing at its very best!
Danny Muscutt, our Hollywoodbets-sponsored All-Weather Champion Jockey and winner of the WSB Cape Town Met in South Africa earlier this year, has marked our card and gives us his selections.
SkyBet Supreme Novice Hurdle gets the show on the road at 13h30.
Tullyhill is currently the favourite with Dan selecting MYSTICAL POWER to win. Both horses are trained by Willie Mullins, and look like strong contenders. Mystical Power’s dam Annie Power, a top-class hurdler, may give him the edge.
The My Pension Expert Arkle Challenger Trophy Novices’ Chase is off at 14h10.
Gaelic Warrior is the favourite to take this Gr1 Chase, but Dan suggests that the Rachel Blackmore-ridden QUILIXIOS can win. Henry de Bromhead’s German charge may have more to come here on his previous showings.
At 14h50 the Ultimate Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) is set to start.
This three-mile contest sees Weveallbeencaught at the top of the boards.
Dan has gone for the interestingly named THE GOFFER. Coming off a win at Punchestown, just shy of a month ago, The Goffer is trained by Gordon Elliott and is a serious contender.
The Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy runs at 15h30 and State Man from France is the favourite.
Dan’s choice is IBERICO LORD, who also hails from across the channel. Nico de Boinville will be in the saddle and this fellow comes in off a win at Newbury in February. De Boinville has currently ridden more Grade 1 winners than any other active British jockey. The big race on the day looks to be a competitive event, with trainer Nicky Henderson hoping for a win.
The next race will be the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle at 16h10.
Dan has chosen LANTRY LADY to win this one. Another French runner from the Henry de Bromhead yard, she is a relative of the legendary Annie Power and this is a step up in trip for her. She must go close.
German-based Lark in the Mornin is the favourite for the next race, the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle, which is off at 16:50.
Dan has gone for NDAAWI as his first choice. A winner on the flat, he is tipped by a number of pundits as the one to beat.
Closing off Day 1 is the Maureen Mullins National Hunt Challenge Cup Amateur Jockey’s Novices’ Chase, which is carded for 17:30.
This Gr2 event sees Embassy Gardens chalked up favourite. Dan has gone for SALVADOR ZIGGY. From the yard of Gordon Elliot, the Irish gelding won his first three starts and looks to bounce back from a form slump in October.
