Newsboy has selected four horses to follow on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival, with a confident verdict for each of Wednesday's contests.
Bossman Jack is the tip in the 1.20, with the six-year-old expected to benefit from stepping up to two miles five furlongs. The son of Jack Hobbs has won his last two starts, including a 13-length success at Chepstow, and Newsboy believes the extra distance will unlock further improvement. No Drama This End and Laurets D'Estruval are second and third choices.
Romeo Coolio is the pick for the 2.00, with Gordon Elliott's horse making his first attempt beyond two and a half miles. A Grade 1 winner over fences at Fairyhouse, Romeo Coolio beat Kargese by a neck in the Irish Arkle last time and is considered a future Gold Cup contender. Kaid D'Athie and Oscars Brother follow in the forecast.
Puturhandstogether is the selection for the 2.40, with Joseph O'Brien's five-year-old returning to the scene of his victory in the McCoy Contractors Juvenile Handicap Hurdle last year. He also won the Irish Cesarewitch on the Flat and is expected to appreciate the longer trip. Kateira and Ballyadam are the other recommended horses.
Vanillier is chosen for the 3.20, with the 2021 Albert Bartlett winner having shown a liking for cross-country obstacles with two wins at Punchestown. Newsboy rates the staying contingent highly as the day's finale approaches.
