Cheltenham tips: Paddy Power trader Frank Hickey takes you through the card on day one at Cheltenham

Frank was speaking on the latest episode of our From the Horse's Mouth podcast.

Frank Hickey

SUPREME NOVICES HURDLE 13:30 – CHANTRY HOUSE

I do think Asterion Forlonge is the one to beat. I think he’ll be very difficult to get the better of. But if was having a few quid each/way I’d probably pick Chantry House.

There’s a bit of buzz about him. I don’t think there’s much between him and Shishkin. I think Chantry House will be difficult to keep out of the frame.

ARKLE 14.10 – BREWIN’UPASTORM

Brewin’upastorm is my best bet of the day and I think he’ll win this one despite some decent competition.

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ULTIMA HANDICAP CHASE 14.50 – DISCORAMA and COMMENT

The two I like the claims of are Discorama and No Comment.

Discorama has been to the Festival before. He’s had a wind op since his last run and runs off 147 here. He looks well handicapped.

The other one I like is Philip Hobbs’ No Comment. He ran a cracker at Cheltenham last year, finishing fifth in the Kim Muir.

He’s had a strange preparation, running over two miles and getting an eye-catching fifth and then he fell in the Paddy Power at the Dublin Racing Festival when he was going well enough. I think Richard Johnson will be the key to him. He’s ridden him four times as he’s run really well every time.

WHO WILL WIN THE CHAMPION HURDLE? PADDY POWER EXPERTS DEBATE DAY ONE’S FEATURE RACE

Cheltenham Festival - Gold Cup Day

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MARE’S HURDLE 16.10 – BENIE DES DIEUX

I’m very keen on Benie Des Dieux. Probably the way to look at this is the ‘without’ markets. There’s a couple of interesting ones.

Honeysuckle could drift out and in the without market that could be interesting if people fancy her.

NOVICES’ HANDICAP CHASE 16.50 – BEAKSTOWN

If it’s not proper soft on the course, I think Beakstown has a cracking each/way chance.

He was very impressive when winning at Warwick back in January last year. He did disappoint in the Ballymore at Cheltenham in 2019, being pulled-up that day. But proper soft ground is probably not what he wants. After a few decent showings I’d say he’s been aimed to peak at the Festival.

I could see him running a massive race at a double-figure price.

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NATIONAL HUNT CHASE 17.30 – CAREFULLY SELECTED

With Champagne Classic injured and Copperhead moving to another race, I think if Carefully Selected puts in a fluid round of jumping I just can’t see what will beat him.

He’s such a class above the field here and it’s just a matter of whether Patrick Mullins can get him in the rhythm.

And if he does I can’t see him beaten.

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