ITV racing expert Matt Chapman has unveiled his seven selections for the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival, with a 10-1 shot among his tips. The 102nd edition of the festival is underway, drawing hundreds of thousands of attendees to the Cotswolds for four days of top-class jumps racing.
In the Supreme Novices' Hurdle, Chapman prefers TALK THE TALK over the more hyped Mighty Park and Old Park Star. He notes that Talk The Talk produced a taking turn of foot to win at the Dublin Racing Festival, a performance he believes deserves upgrading. The horse's form lines with Skylight Hustle, Ballyfad and El Rasko Grey will be tested this week.
For the Arkle Challenge Trophy, Chapman selects LULAMBA for the home team, despite the five-year-old statistic (0-12 since allowances changed) to overcome. He highlights Lulamba's win in the Game Spirit at Newbury and his strength in the finish up the hill. The Arkle features an Anglo-Irish clash with Irish pair Kopek Des Bordes and Kargese, both previous Festival winners.
In the Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle, Chapman tips MANLAGA for owner JP McManus. He first noticed the horse at Newbury gallops morning in November and was impressed by his win at Haydock, beating re-opposing Pourquoi Pas Papa and The Mighty Celt. Munsif, one of the leading fancies, is first reserve and needs a withdrawal to run.
Chapman's final selection is JAGWAR in the Ultima Handicap Chase, also for McManus. Despite the surprise decision to run Grand National favourite Iroko in the same race, Chapman believes Jagwar has plenty going for him. The horse was winner of the Plate at last year's Festival and steps up in trip for the first time, with a top-four finish qualifying him for the Grand National.
