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Ruby Walsh gives a Cheltenham A-Z: 'A filly worth a look at big each-way odds'

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irishracing.com news

Punchestown 11-1-26 Racing TV Pundit Ruby Walsh(Healy Racing)
© Healy Racing Photos

Former jockey and broadcaster, Ruby Walsh, was tasked by Paddy Power to come up with a Cheltenham Festival A - Z. Here's the results - keep your eye on France as well as the Cotswolds!

A — A is for Amen Kate, who is a filly worth a look at big each-way odds.

B — B is for Bambino Fever, who is a great jumper and my pick to get Thursday’s Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle day off to a flyer.

C — C is for Closutton, the yard of Cheltenham legend Willie Mullins, who looks almost certain to land the top trainer title for a 13th time.

D — D is for Dinoblue. Ultra reliable and ultra consistent. If she’s beaten in the Mrs Paddy Power Mares Chase, it’ll only be by the winner.

E — E is for Eiffel Tower, of the world’s most iconic landmarks. Keep your eyes peeled for what that has to do with racing in the coming days.

F — F is for Fact To File, who won the Ryanair so convincingly last year, and can do so again if declared.

G — G is for Galopin Des Champs. It’s such a shame he was ruled out on Friday night. I’d have loved to see him regain the Gold Cup, and he looked to have a bit in the tank after the Dublin Racing Festival.

H — H is for Haiti Couleurs, who comes into Cheltenham in great form after winning the Denman Chase at Newbury back at the start of February.

I — I is for Irish Invasion. It’s a wonderful sight every year seeing the thousands of fans who fly over having a great time at the track — and then late into the evening around Cheltenham too!

J — is for Jango Baie, last year’s Arkle winner, who loves running at Cheltenham, and has an unbeaten record at the track.

K — K is for King Rasko Grey, who looks ready to take a step forward after his run at the Dubin Racing Festival.

L is for Lossiemouth — She’s got a great record at Cheltenham, and will be backed by many in the Champion Hurdle.

M — M is for Majborough, who put in a stunning performance last time to make him all the rage for the Champion Chase, especially with last year's champ Marine Nationale out.

N - N is for No Show - we'll miss Constitution Hill at the Festival but can't wait to see more of him on the Flat.

O — O is for One Horse Town, the 40/1 shot I gave a shout out to on Paddy Power’s Cheltenham Countdown podcast. I think he’s overpriced.

P — P is for Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle, the jewel in the crown of Thursday’s card, and there’s a cracking renewal this year with lots to keep everyone interested.

Q — Q is for the Queen Mother Champion Chase, where I’d stick Quilixios with Majborough in a forecast with Marine Nationale out.

R — R is for Rain, and after weeks and weeks of it bucketing down, I wouldn’t expect a fast track at Cheltenham with Soft and Good To Soft going likely.

S — S is for Silks, which this year are going to another level thanks to a very special Paddy Power collaboration.

T — T is for Teahupoo, the favourite for the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle on Thursday, although I do like the look of Honesty Policy.

U — U is for UK, who I think will begin to claw back Cheltenham winners from the Irish. My Prestbury Cup prediction is 16-12 in favour of the ‘away team’.

V — V is for Victory, of which there’ll be 28 across the Festival for the first past the post.

W — W is for Wonderwall, winner of the Hunters’ Chase last year. Of course, we’ve heard that song plenty of times since then — and there will surely be a rendition in the Guinness Village if he gets the job done again.

X — X is for X Factor - who'll put in the standout performance that'll make them legends for years to come?

Y — Y is for Year — I can’t believe it’s been 12 months since we were last here - but Cheltenham always lives up to the hype. What a four days we’ve got in store.

Z — Z is for Zenith - that's exactly what the Cheltenham Festival is for jumps racing fans!

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