'Five horses I’m definitely backing for Cheltenham after Christmas'

It was a fantastic four days of action across Ireland and the UK over the Christmas period, with some absolutely unbelievable performances. We saw top-class racing, brilliant training performances, and a few horses that really stood out to me. Based on what we’ve seen, here are five horses I’ll definitely be backing for Cheltenham.

Sir Gino - Champion Hurdle

Sir Gino has always looked a horse with immense natural class, and once again he showed it in abundance on December 26th at Kempton Park.

He’s a horse blessed with the kind of ability that allows him to get tight at his hurdles and still pick up impressively afterwards. That was on full display again, even though he made one or two minor errors during the race.

For the first mile and a half, he gave jockey Nico De Boinville a tough time, pulling extremely hard and showing just how fresh he was.

But once they turned for home into the Kempton straight, he picked up like an absolute Ferrari. It was breathtaking.

Golden Ace, a previous Champion Hurdle and Fighting Fifth winner, had absolutely no chance once Sir Gino moved past her. The way he powered clear was spectacular. I genuinely can’t put a ceiling on this horse - his talent is unbelievable.

If he lines up in the Champion Hurdle, which I fully expect before he goes back over fences next season, I would absolutely love to be on him. He has everything you want in a Champion Hurdle horse. A total superstar.

Galopin Des Champs - Gold Cup

We saw the return of Galopin Des Champs in the Savills Chase, and considering the current form of the Willie Mullins yard, I thought his performance was outstanding.

There’s been a lot of talk about some of Willie’s big-name horses being beaten on seasonal reappearances, but Galopin Des Champs ran a huge race. For a horse of his age, making his seasonal debut in such a high-class contest over that trip, it was a phenomenal effort.

He jumped well throughout and still had every chance after the last. Some people have suggested he didn’t travel with his usual ease, but for a first run of the season in a race like that, I think he can be forgiven. He was likely only around 80% fit.

I fully expect a big step forward at the Dublin Racing Festival, and I still see him right at the centre of the Gold Cup picture. At around 6/1 for the Gold Cup, I think that’s extremely fair value. If he wins at Leopardstown, he’ll go off much shorter in March. For me, he ticked all the boxes on his reappearance.

Triumph Hurdle - Narciso Has

Narciso Has came over with a big reputation, and although he was beaten on his first run at Fairyhouse, he was only denied by a very smart mare from Gordon Elliott’s yard, Mange Tout.

I expected him to improve significantly for his second run, and he did exactly that. Not many juveniles can be scrubbed along early at Leopardstown and still stay on so strongly, but that only highlighted the huge engine he has underneath.

He jumped well throughout, dictated his own pace, and made his own fractions. Danny Mullins gave him a superb front-running ride, allowing the horse to use his stride and stamina to full effect.

It was a wonderful performance, and he looks a top-class Triumph Hurdle contender. He’s a horse I’d be very happy to have my money on going forward.

Mossy Fen Road - Supreme Novices’ Hurdle

Mossy Fen Road was absolutely superb the other day at Chepstow and, for me, he looks a serious contender for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.

He jumped for fun and travelled extremely well throughout the race, despite there being a strong pace on. Chepstow is a track where if you make a mistake at the last few hurdles, you can face a very difficult task afterwards, but the way this lad attacked it was a joy to watch.

He seemed to lock onto it, was precise and fluent in the air, and then simply coasted away to an easy eight-and-a-half length success.

The form looks solid too, with the second horse winning impressively at Kelso before the race. That gives the performance real substance.

He looks a brilliant prospect for Harry Derham, who was understandably delighted afterwards. This is a horse with pace, slick jumping, and the right attitude -everything you want for a Supreme contender.

Jordans - Pertemps Final

Jordans was a massive eye-catcher on December 28th at Leopardstown, and he’s firmly on my radar for the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham.

Trained by Joseph O’Brien, he was delivered with patience by Keith Donoghue and stayed on extremely well in the closing stages. His effort really caught the eye, especially considering how strong the field was.

He showed plenty of ability over fences last season, and he’s a horse who will absolutely relish the trip at Cheltenham. Importantly, he looks like the type who would benefit from a stronger gallop, which is exactly what you tend to get in the Pertemps Final.

As we’ve seen time and again, there’s no one better at preparing a horse to peak on the big day than Joseph O’Brien. Jordans looks tailor-made for this race and is definitely one I want onside going into March.