THE BERNIE THE BOOK COLUMN NOW THEN, HERE’S
THE TOP 10 FOR CHELTENHAM
The annual pilgrimage is on, the roar is about to happen and the Irish are cash-rich and Guinness- fuelled for the battle with the rails bookies. Yes it’s the highlight of the jumps season - the Cheltenham Festival from March 10 to 13. This year, I originally thought I would give you my Top Ten (hence the Alan Freeman theme... remember him?, but then I thought I would grade my selections in strength. Hence I have allocated an imaginary pot of 100 units to spend over the week, with the belief and knowledge that this will return a profit. Results next month. So, to the wagers:
IN AT 10... (pronounce as the DJ would..) Top Jockey MARK WALSH 5/2 MEETING 15 units..
In his final year as JP’s retained jockey, I think Mark Walsh gives a whole week’s interest at a spicy 5/2. Due to be replaced by Cobden from next year, I think he is being harshly treated. More pertinently, he has the pick of JP’s Irish battalions that transcend all the top yards, (including Willie) from the perennial leading owner (so certain to be top owner that the bookies aren’t even betting on that eventuality!)
AT 9... GAELIC WARRIOR GOLD CUP 8/1 NRNB Fri 10 units
Gallopin’s crown has slipped and I think the winner will come from this year’s King George and staying on best of all was Rich Ricci’s star. Will he be redirected to the Ryanair? Back NRNB for safety
AT 8...
BRIGHTERDAYSAHEAD CHAMPION HURDLE 3/1 Tue 15 units
Redemption is at hand for last year’s flop, this year he will serve it up in spades.
AT 7... IRELAND 17-11 PRESTBURY CUP 12/1 MEETING 5 units
There is no doubt, the Irish have bossed the annual Cup between Ireland and England for festival winners in the last few years, but this year it will be a whole lot
PHTM MARCH 2026
closer and I think the score will be 17-11 or 16-12, with slight preference to the former at 12/1.
AT 6… KOPEK DES BORDES ARKLE 11/4 Tue 10 units
Reports from across the sea have the one time ante post favourite for the Arkle sparkling again, and that being the case, I think this Willie Mullins star will put Lulamba in his place in Tuesday’s novice feature.
TO THE TOP 5 AND IN AT 5 IS...
MIGHTY PARK TURNERS 4/1 WEDNESDAY 15 units Speaking of whispers, I believe that Mighty Park is the shrewdies choice for the Grade 1 two-and-a-half miler on the Wednesday. Another J P hotpot and ridden by Walsh, 4/1 represents unbelievable value. AT 4...
BOB OLINGER STAYERS 6/1 THURSDAY 10 units
Can he relive last year’s mugging of his ownermate? You better believe it and in a Cheltenham swansong, take Henry de Bromhead’s stable star to outlast Teehupoo et al at a juicy 6/1
TO THE TOP 3...AND AT 3… SELMA DA VARY TRIUMPH 7/1 Fri 10 units
Despite inexperience at last month’s DRF, Rich Ricci’s import served it up to the Triumph favourite and I think he can turn the tables on the New Course on Friday
AT 2... MAJBOROUGH CHAMPION CHASE 7/4 Wed 6 units
The big-face off between Marine Nationale and Majborough will be won by the younger horse AND STRAIGHT IN AT NO 1..
Leading trainer (ex Mullins) HENDERSON 3/1 MEETING 4 units
In the race for Silver, have an interest on Nicky, the wily old fox at 3/1 - until next month
Good punting
Bernie the Book 73
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