Galopin Des Champs to take on Bob Olinger in Turners epic at Cheltenham

Galopin Des Champs is set to clash with Bob Olinger in a tantalising Turners Novices' Chase (1.30) on Thursday at the Cheltenham Festival after Willie Mullins opted not to declare his star novice for the Brown Advisory on Wednesday.

Both unbeaten chasers are expected to be declared for the Turners in what would be one of the most highly anticipated contests of the festival.

The Willie Mullins-trained Galopin Des Champs won the Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle at the festival last season and is available at evens, the same price offered about Bob Olinger, trained by Henry de Bromhead and successful in last year's Ballymore Novices' Hurdle.

He was absent from the 11 declarations in the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase (2.10) made on Monday morning, but L'Homme Presse was one of those named to take on Bravemansgame in the Grade 1 prize. Venetia Williams was also considering an option on Thursday.

Bravemansgame, who now takes over as favourite for the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase, will also clash with Ahoy Senor and Threeunderthrufive, while Mullins will be represented by Capodanno and Gaillard Du Mesnil.

A total of nine are to line up in the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle (1.30), headed by Sir Gerhard, who was expected to run having not been confirmed for the Supreme.

Leading fancy Ginto was the notable absentee. He appears likely to be aimed at Friday's Albert Bartlett instead, but Journey With Me, Stage Star and Three Stripe Life were among those declared. The expensively bought Classic Getaway was also taken out.

Confirmed runners and riders for the Champion Chase at Cheltenham

A field of 21 were declared for the Glenfarclas Chase (4.10), taking it over the maximum field size for the only cross-country race at the meeting. Two Taffs, Super Citizen, Kilbrook, Mon Prestige and Blast Of Koeman are set to miss out at this stage.

A total of 22 declarations were made for the Weatherbys Champion Bumper (5.30), including leading fancies Facile Vega and American Mike.

Cheltenham Wednesday racecards and betting

Expert view: 'Turners decision is logical'

By Robbie Wilders

Many will be disappointed to see Galopin Des Champs running in the Turners rather than the Brown Advisory because the race is considered surplus to requirements at the festival in some quarters.

However, Galopin Des Champs is perfectly suited by intermediate distances, so the decision to run in the shorter Turners is logical. He has more than enough speed to remain over the trip and those pining for a step up are clinging on to his 3m Grade 1 novice hurdle victory at Punchestown last season.

Galopin Des Champs could go further in future, but that isn't necessary yet. What we do have in store is one of the most eagerly awaited clashes of the week in Thursday's Turners. His meeting with Bob Olinger is in the mould of Shishkin and Energumene's Clarence House epic at Ascot.

Brown Advisory confirmed runners and riders

Ahoy SenorDerek Fox
Beacon Edge Sean Flanagan
BravemansgameHarry Cobden
Capodanno Mark Walsh
DusartNico de Boinville
Farouk D'Alene Davy Russell
Fury Road Jack Kennedy
Gaillard Du Mesnil Paul Townend
L'Homme PresseCharlie Deutsch
Streets Of DoyenSimon Torrens
ThreeunderthrufiveAdrian Heskin

Ballymore confirmed runners and riders

Haxo Sean O'Keeffe
Hemlock Daragh O'Keeffe
I Am MaximusNico de Boinville
Journey With MeRachael Blackmore
ScarfaceBrendan Powell
Sir Gerhard Paul Townend
Stage StarHarry Cobden
Three Stripe LifeDavy Russell
Whatdeawant Danny Mullins

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