The last race on the opening day of the 2024 Cheltenham festival is the 3m 5f National Hunt Chase, featuring seven runners. Embassy Gardens and Corbetts Cross currently head the market. Will it be one of those two who claim victory or an outsider? Find out what we think below.
Anthony Honeyball saddles one runner in the National Hunt Chase with his nine-year-old Kilbeg King. The gelding arrives at the festival having finished second in the G2 Reynoldstown Novices' Chase at Ascot last month to fellow runner Henry's Friend.
Gordon Elliott sends one runner to the National Hunt Chase in the form of Salvador Ziggy. The eight-year-old has been very promising over fences for the Irish trainer, winning three and finishing second in Ireland before heading to Cheltenham for this race.
Willie Mullins saddles one runner in the National Hunt Chase with eight-year-old Embassy Gardens. Mullins has won this race for the last two years running, with Stattler in 2022 and Gaillard Du Mesnil last term. He bids for a hat-trick here with one of the runners who has a big chance in this year's renewal.
Emmet Mullins has one in the National Hunt Chase, with seven-year-old and current market favourite Corbetts Cross. The gelding ran here last term as the favourite for the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle but ran out at the last when well set for a challenge for victory.
Lucinda Russell saddles one in this 3m 5f contest at Cheltenham on Tuesday, with her mare Apple Away. She was impressive over hurdles for Russell, winning three times before being sent chasing this term, producing a number of promising performances ahead of her Cheltenham festival debut.
Sara Bradstock saddles one in the National Hunt Chase in the form of Mr Vango. The eight-year-old is relatively lightly raced compared to a couple here, winning one of four runs over hurdles last term before debuting over fences this season at Wincanton.
The in-form Ben Pauling sends Henry's Friend to the National Hunt Chase on the back of winning his last three starts over fences at Newbury, Hereford and Ascot. The seven-year-old also won more than once over hurdles during 2022/23.
