Cheltenham is finally here.
Former Ireland International Kevin Doyle sat down with jockeys Paul Townend and Nina Carberry and trainer Dan Skelton as they all made their picks for Day 1 of the Cheltenham festival in association with Ladbrokes.
𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐦 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝟏 - the hour is nigh! 🐎
Can Constitution Hill and Edwardstone give Britain two wins to start the festival?
Can anyone push Honeysuckle?@kevindoyle1983, Dan Skelton, Paul Townend and Nina Carberry answer all the big questions. pic.twitter.com/DT2ONzhHWM— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) March 15, 2022
Supreme Novices
They started off with the first race of the day, the Supreme Novices' hurdle. The panel were pretty conclusive and in agreement that this race will go to the English with Constitution Hill winning.
Dan Skelton;
Constitution Hill has looked very, very good. To do what he did around Sandown, not many horses can do that around that ground. I obviously have a lot of respect for Willy and co but I think this is an exceptional English novice.
Nina Carberry;
I'm going to agree with Dan. I think Consitution Hill, he's got a great attitude on top of his ability as well and he's got the form rocking into Cheltenham. I think he could take to the occasion better than the others so that's my reason for picking him
The Arkle Chase
Then onto the Arkle Chase where there was a bit more of a mixed bag of choice among the panelist with Edwardstone, Riviere D'Etal and Blue Lord being the favourites.
Paul Townend;
There isn't much between Riviere D'Etal and Blue Lord but I Imagine that it will be on Blue Lord
Dan Skelton;
We have all underestimated Edwardstone all year. But what he did at Warwick when he quickened up well, I thought that was a different type of horse and has all the assets to win the Arkle.
Nina Carberry;
The tone for the whole week is going to be set in the first two races for the English in a way, if they get turned over it won't their iun big trouble. I'm a fan of Riviere D'Etal.
She always runs well and jumps impeccably bar the last day.
Champions Hurdle
Then onto the Champion Hurdle where Honeysuckle is the heavy favourite after winning the race last year.
Nina Carberry
No one wants to see a champions be beat and she looks unbeatable at the minute
Paul Townend
(on Appreciate It) Going to be a fiar training performance from Willie to first run outside Novice company to beat Honeysuckle but if there was one to throw into the deep end, he's the type of horse to do it.
Dan Skelton
There's no question coming down to two out, you can have Honeysuckle and Appreciate It there and anyone who can hang their coattails. If they're softened up a different day, different result. I think it's going to be a very interesting race tactically.
In the other races Dan Skelton has got Too Friendly running in the Fred Winter
I've one running later in the Fred Winter who's caled Too Friendly who we've kept specifically for this race. He ran is some good listed and graded back in the season. He's had a wind up since and he's fresh and ready.
SEE ALSO: Cheltenham: Is Another Irish Romp In The Prestbury Cup On The Cards?
