‘Decisive speed advantage’ - Irish Bankers for the Cheltenham Festival

Cheltenham becomes the focal point of the sporting world for four days each March with the arrival of the Festival and this crucial week for racing fans is set to kick off on Tuesday 10th March with a host of action through until Friday 13th March.

George Bonds has a trio of selections for the week including one in the Arkle on the Tuesday, one in the Brown Advisory on the Wednesday; and one in the Mares Chase on the final day of the Festival.

Cheltenham tips

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• Arkle (10/3) - Kopek des Bordes
• Brown Advisory (11/3) - Western Fold
• Mares Chase (13/3) - Dinoblue

Arkle - Kopek des Bordes

Kopek Des Bordes was one of the most exciting winners at last year's Festival, announcing himself as a top-class novice hurdler with a thrilling success in the Supreme last year.

While he was well beaten at Punchestown, that effort was quickly forgiven when he made a hugely impressive return this season, this time over fences.

However, since then it's clear that Kopek des Bordes has had his issues with injury and will turn up to Cheltenham on Tuesday with just that sole run over fences.

Despite this being a potential weakness to his game, Willie Mullins has been no stranger to praising his effort in the build-up.

The six-year-old's prospects are significantly boosted by the likelihood that his main competitors, Lulamba and Romeo Coolio will be better suited to a longer distance.

The Mullins-trained horse possesses a decisive speed advantage over these rivals, which should allow him to prevail on the opening day.

Brown Advisory - Western Fold

The Brown Advisory market was sent into disarray following Final Demand s no show at the Dublin Racing Festival.

At one point this race looked to be an open and closed affair, but now looks to be a competitive renewal. One horse that caught the eye at the DRF was Western Fold, when finishing second and beating Final Demand in the process.

Gordon Elliott ’s seven-year-old returned to novice company for the first time since November following his strong third behind Envoi Allen and Affordale Fury in the Down Royal Champion chase.

While he could only manage second at the DRF he put in an eye-catching performance to stay on well from off the pace.

The slight step up in trip and the drying conditions should work out in his favour and he should have every chance come Wednesday.

Mares Chase - Dinoblue

The JP McManus owned Dinoblue was an emphatic winner of the Mares' Chase last year and looks poised to make it two wins in a row.

With the likes of Spindleberry Panic Attack and other classy mares setting their sights on this race, this year looks to be a far more challenging renewal for the nine-year-old to defend her crown. However, her preparation has been near perfect in the build-up.

Her one blip came at the hands of Found a Fifty at Navan in November, but that was due to a bad mistake costing her any chance.

Since then she's won her races with minimal effort and still looks to retain her ability. She holds a fantastic Cheltenham record and the Mullins charge looks to be the one to beat in this contest once more.

Cheltenham tips

• Arkle (10/3) - Kopek des Bordes
• Brown Advisory (11/3) - Western Fold
• Mares Chase (13/3) - Dinoblue