GB - Cheltenham - Race 1

Thoroughbred

20 Runners

16.8f

Group 1 Hurdle

Turf

Good to Soft (Soft in places)

206.0K

VIEW

Verdict

Willie Mullins saddles nearly half of the field but the British-trained MINELLA STUDY may trump them all for his small yard having created a very favourable impression over C&D in December. The runner-up that day did plenty for the form of that race on Tuesday and his limit hasn't been reached. Highland Crystal beat the Fred Winter winner last time so she demands respect, with Proactif perhaps the pick of the Closutton battalion.

numberFire Picks

Horse Stats

#/Silk	Horse#/Horse	Power Rating	High Speed	Win %	Top 3%	Win Prob
11	Unbeaten in 3 hurdles (trained by John Nallen in Ireland for first win) making all in listed Wensleydale at Wetherby in October on first run for Adam Nicol. Improved again to comfortably see off a useful one over C&D in December and that form right up there with best on offer. 1st Pick 11 Minella Study Jockey: Ryan Mania Trainer: Adam Nicol J: Ryan Mania T: Adam Nicol	100	-	-	-	15%
Analysis Unbeaten in 3 hurdles (trained by John Nallen in Ireland for first win) making all in listed Wensleydale at Wetherby in October on first run for Adam Nicol. Improved again to comfortably see off a useful one over C&D in December and that form right up there with best on offer.
17	Looked a filly with a bright future when making a winning debut at Punchestown in November and continued theme of big race-by-race progress when completing the hat-trick at Naas last month. Runner-up that day emphatically boosted the form on Tuesday so she's on the shortlist. 2nd Pick 17 Highland Crystal (Ire) Jockey: J. W. Kennedy Trainer: Gordon Elliott, Ireland J: J. W. Kennedy T: Gordon Elliott, Ireland	99	-	-	-	25%
Analysis Looked a filly with a bright future when making a winning debut at Punchestown in November and continued theme of big race-by-race progress when completing the hat-trick at Naas last month. Runner-up that day emphatically boosted the form on Tuesday so she's on the shortlist.
15	Big-field winner at Auteuil and acquired by leading connections after, he looked potentially smart when delivering a very professional performance at Fairyhouse in January, 2¾ lengths too good for Macho Man. Demands respect. 3rd Pick 15 Proactif (Fr) Jockey: M. P. Walsh Trainer: W. P. Mullins, Ireland J: M. P. Walsh T: W. P. Mullins, Ireland	98	-	-	-	25%
Analysis Big-field winner at Auteuil and acquired by leading connections after, he looked potentially smart when delivering a very professional performance at Fairyhouse in January, 2¾ lengths too good for Macho Man. Demands respect.

Upcoming Races

Horse Racing Basic Terms

Dead Heat

Two or more horses finishing so close at the wire, that they were unable to be separated on a photo finish and deemed to have tied.

Main Track Only

A horse entered for main track only (MTO) is one hoping the weather forecast or track conditions will move the race off the turf course and onto the main track. They are scratched the morning of the race if the conditions stay dry.

Filly

A female horse that is four years of age or under.