2m1f (2m179y) (New) JCB Triumph Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (4yo)
A race that’s been dominated by Willie Mullins with four winners in a row. His main hope Narciso Has was well-fancied to claim this but with his injury he is relying on an enviable bench who could be good enough and the likes of Selma De Vary, Proactif and Macho Man could all run well.
However the best Irish form may actually be held by HIGHLAND CRYSTAL who has won three on the bounce including dispatching of Tuesday’s Fred Winter winner, Saratoga. She holds an official rating of 138 but gets 7lbs from the boys here and will like any rain that falls overnight. Gordon Elliott has not had huge luck this week, but his horses have run ok in general and she is a tough filly that stays well.
Another could go in for the Skeltons here and I like the look of MAESTRO CONTI. He won in France on heavy ground before putting a poor looking field to the sword at Kempton on quick ground. He showed his overall versility for both track and going when claiming the Grade 2 Triumph Juvenile hurdle trial in January beating a decent-enough field including Minella Yoga who beat Turners second Act Of Innonence and La Luna Artista who won a Grade 2 at Kempton next time out. Maestro Conti should progress again, but the fact he already has course form and a wide range of victories under different conditions means he is a confident selection.
1pt win Maestro Conti @15/2, 13:20 Cheltenham, Friday
1pt win Highland Crystal 10/1, 13:20 Cheltenham, Friday