Happy New Year and let us all hope that 2021 sees things return to something like the norm we all took for granted before the ongoing global pandemic. The countdown to Cheltenham 2021 began back in April fuelled by the lack of the Aintree and Punchestown Festivals and the opening Supreme Novices’ Hurdle is one of my favourite races of the meeting, although I would say that with Shishkin’s remarkable success of 2020 so vivid in my memory.
The Irish have trained five of the last eight winners with Willie Mullins saddling four and Gordon Elliot landing the prize courtesy of the enigmatic Labaik back in 2017. Elliot is likely to be represented by Ballyadam – 8/1 with Betfair – who did not impress everyone at Fairyhouse in the Grade 1 Royal Bond but always appeared to have the race under control. The five-year-old son of Fame And Glory has won three of his four starts under Rules and has gone off odds on in all his outings.
Esta historia es de la edición January 2021 de Racing Ahead.
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Esta historia es de la edición January 2021 de Racing Ahead.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
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SHARK'S GOT A BIT BETWEEN HIS TEETH
Alex Gifford reckons Hewick will be ready and refreshed for the National after his Gold Cup absence
THEY'RE BACKING LOSERS AND WE'LL PAY THE PRICE
Rolf Johnson blasts unelected officials meddling with gambling regulations while the 'impotent' BHA stand aside
THERE'S BOUNTI IN IT FOR BOUGHEY
Dave Youngman does the rounds on the gallops at headquarters and spotlights a promising new crop
SUMMER DAYS FOR ALL WEATHER TRIO
It's cash bonuses all round for the stars of rubber and sand, writes Ian Heitman
FOLLOW THE VAN
Paul Jacobs is keeping faith with Gavin Cromwell and last year's Grand National runner-up
IT'S SAFETY FIRST BUT NOBLE'S MY WINNER
Sky Racing frontman Robert Cooper casts a wistful eye back on old-school Nationals - but he's fixed on Yeats
GET SET FOR AN EASTER CRACKER!
Karl Hedley picks out runners and riders who can shine in the aftermath of Cheltenham
COR BLIMEY! WHAT A CRACKING CLIMAX
Ben Morgan looks to Cheltenham stars Slade Steel and Corach Rambler to star on Aintree's biggest day
BANBOU TAKES A BOW
Frero can top 'em in the Topham for Venetia Williams
DAWNING TO OPEN FOR IN-FORM DAN
Ben Morgan sees the Skelton brothers getting off to a winning start on Day 1