Cheltenham Tips: Jane Mangan’s Picks for Day 1 of the Festival

Racing broadcaster Jane Mangan gives us her best Day 1 Cheltenham Picks.

By / Cheltenham Festival, Horse Racing Tips / 2 years ago

Jane Mangan’s Cheltenham Tips

13:30 – Facile Vega, Inthepocket (each way)
14:10 – Jonbon
14:50 – Fastorslow
15:30 – Constitution Hill
16:10 – Epatante
16:50 – Tekao, Sir Allen (each-way)
17:30 – Gaillard Du Mesnil (Nap)

DAY 1 IS DONE! BUT DON’T WORRY, OUR MOB ARE BACK FOR WEDNESDAY:

13:30 – Facile Vega, Inthepocket (each way)

Can a horse who won two Champion Bumpers and a Grade 1 novice hurdle at Christmas suddenly become a bad horse with one disappointing run? We know FACILE VEGA is a monster and we know he went too fast early at the Dublin Racing Festival. Expect a change in tactics, perhaps reverting to those patient plans deployed by Patrick Mullins in his bumpers. If he relaxes, he wins. An each way bet? INTHEPOCKET has solid claims for Rachael Blackmore and Henry de Bromhead.

14:10 – Jonbon

Expect Dysart Dynamo and Danny Mullins to set a scorching pace for Jonbon and El Fabiolo to follow but I don’t fancy him to stay there. The pace they go at will set up a duel between the latter pair and  I’m siding with JONBON based on his jumping accuracy and the fact he’s probably more suited by the track. I don’t think siblings have ever won the same Grade 1 at the Cheltenham Festival before but I’m hopeful Jonbon can follow in his brother Douvan’s footsteps in the Arkle.

14:50 – Fastorslow

A huge field and Corach Rambler deserves to be top of the market based on his win at the Festival last year – but don’t write off Martin Brassil’s FASTORSLOW. He’s been campaigned in Grade 1 company this season and this isn’t nearly as hot as when he took on Gentleman De Mee over an inadequate 2m1f at the Dublin Racing Festival. Up in trip, he has a big chance under JJ Slevin.

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15:30 – Constitution Hill

Not since Bula in 1971 has a horse completed the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle/Champion Hurdle double in consecutive years. That said, there haven’t been many horses reach a rating of 173 after just five runs. I wouldn’t bet against Batman being a superhero so best enjoy CONSTITUTION HILL. Only seven runners, so my trifecta selection is Constitution Hill – State Man – I Like To Move It.

16:10 – Epatante

Can I really abandon Honeysuckle in her final race? Unfortunately, yes. My heart is with the mare that carried Ireland through Covid lockdowns and put a certain Rachael Blackmore on the main stage, but racing doesn’t care about fairytale endings. Just ask Tiger Roll and Delta Work! Conditions look ideal for both Marie’s Rock and Epatante but I’m leaning towards the latter considering she has beaten the boys over this trip and has held her form well this year. A champion in her own right,  EPATANTE can prevail in an ultra-strong Mares’ Hurdle.

16:50 – Tekao, Sir Allen (each-way)

Risk Belle did her best to break Mark Walsh when she fell heavily at the Dublin Racing Festival but we know she has a good level of ability. That said, Mark Walsh has abandoned her in preference for TEKAO who was third behind Gala Marceau and Lossiemouth in the Grade 1 Hurdle at Leopardstown. A reproduction of that run will see him go very close to winning this. Something at a bigger price? Don’t forget about SIR ALLEN who is two wins from three starts this season.

17:30 – Gaillard Du Mesnil (NAP)

Similar to last year when Stattler won comfortably by eight lengths, I predict a similar display from GAILLARD DU MESNIL and Patrick Mullins. He’s experienced, is a Grade 1 winner and stays the trip. Barring accident, he’s the banker of the day.

Jane Mangan’s Tuesday Cheltenham Picks

13:30 – Facile Vega, Inthepocket (each way)
14:10 – Jonbon
14:50 – Fastorslow
15:30 – Constitution Hill
16:10 – Epatante
16:50 – Tekao, Sir Allen (each-way)
17:30 – Gaillard Du Mesnil (Nap)

*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.

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