Three Eyecatchers from the Cheltenham Festival that didn’t win but have bright futures Another Cheltenham Festival is in the rear-view mirror and while plenty of stars wrote their names into the history books, there were even more who showed their potential of success. Here are three Cheltenham runners who may not have won this year, but showed that they could very well do so in the not-to-distant future. Kabral Du Mathan Kabral Du Mathan really caught the eye in the Stayers’ Hurdle in the way he travelled throughout. He was going best of all approaching the last but was headed on the run-in and weakened quickly. The big question mark was always whether he would have the stamina to see out the trip, and connections had made it clear that wasn’t certain. He went as low as 1.23 in-running to win, so it was ultimately disappointing the way he dropped out of the placings up the hill. Connections will have to decide whether they will send The New Lion who looks like he needs a step up in trip or drop Kabral Du Mathan back down in trip for the Aintree Hurdle in the next few weeks. The flatter track should really suit Kabral Du Mathan, and with connections suggesting Lossiemouth may head to Punchestown, he could take a lot of beating. The Mighty Chelt Another Dan Skelton horse that is worth keeping on side is The Mighty Chelt, who showcased his potential in the McCoy Contractors Juvenile Handicap Hurdle. He was only having his second run for Dan Skelton since arriving from France at Cheltenham. A good third on debut at Haydock behind Manlaga, he was keen that day but still kept on late to suggest he is capable of much more. The four-year-old was keen again at the Festival, but really caught the eye with how he travelled through the race and made good late headway after being dropped out. If he manages to settle as he gains more experience in the UK, there should be a bigger performance in him. Selma De Vary Willie Mullins won’t forget Friday at the Festival in a hurry, and he started the day with victory in the Triumph Hurdle with Apolon De Charnie. The Ricci-owned runner Selma De Vary was another to catch the eye, coming home fourth in that race. A good second on her UK and Ireland debut at the Dublin Racing Festival previously, when runner-up to Narciso Has, she was travelling well two out and making her effort when hampered approaching the last at the Festival. She settled much better and kept on well, suggesting she coped well with the better ground, but her race was effectively over after that late interference. There is still a lot to like about her though as she clearly has plenty of ability, and is certainly worth following on her next start, whether that comes at Aintree or Punchestown.
