Ruby Walsh: My early Lucky 31 on Paddy Power’s five NRNB Cheltenham races

It’s January, and as ever at this time of year, it feels as if Cheltenham is only just around the corner. So I’ve turned my attention to the Festival with a Lucky 31 from the four championship races and the Ryanair Chase, as Paddy Power have just gone Non-Runner Money Back on each of them.

Champion Hurdle – 13 March 15:30

I think the current price on Faugheen is very generous. If he lines up, he’ll be 100% for this one.

Faugheen is currently 11/4 to win the Champion Hurdle, Non-runner Money Back, on PaddyPower.com. If the horse doesn’t run, you’ll receive your stake back (Ts&Cs apply).

Champion Chase – 14 March 15:30

This is a difficult one. A fit and healthy Altior in ten weeks time is probably only a bit better than 4/5, so as the race is Non-Runner No Bet, I’d look at Un de Sceaux. If it turns up soft, he’ll run; if it’s not soft, he won’t.

Un de Sceaux is currently 9/2 to win the Champion Chase, Non-runner Money Back, on PaddyPower.com. If the horse doesn’t run, you’ll receive your stake back (Ts&Cs apply).

Ryanair Chase – 15 March 14:50

I’d take Coney Island here. Nuff said.

Coney Island is currently 8/1 to win the Ryanair Chase, Non-runner Money Back, on PaddyPower.com. If the horse doesn’t run, you’ll receive your stake back (Ts&Cs apply).

Stayers Hurdle – 15 March 15:30

I must say that I thought Sam Spinner was excellent at Ascot. But I’d go with Apples Jade at her current price. I don’t know if she’ll run, but I’d love to be holding 3/1 if she does.

Apple’s Jade is currently 3/1 to win the Stayers Hurdle, Non-runner Money Back, on PaddyPower.com. If the horse doesn’t run, you’ll receive your stake back (Ts&Cs apply).

Cheltenham Gold Cup – 16 March 15:30

I really fancy Might Bite, and I thought he was good in the King George at Kempton. But I just feel he lacked a bit of the spark that I’ve seen in him before. He looked like he was going as fast as he was able all the way. Thistlecrack seemed to jump very well behind him, and with a run under his belt he could be on his way back to being a major player.

Thistlecrack is currently 10/1 to win the Gold Cup, Non-runner Money Back, on PaddyPower.com. If the horse doesn’t run, you’ll receive your stake back (Ts&Cs apply).