What was the biggest Cheltenham Festival clue we saw on Saturday?

'She gives a significant form boost to a festival contender'

By James Hill, tipster

By some margin the most informative race for the festival was the William Hill Hurdle. The winner, Joyeuse, was very impressive, although she’s not qualified for the festival handicaps, and what was more interesting was she was giving a significant form boost to the mares’ hurdle she finished second in at Cheltenham last time.

And it wasn’t just her as the fourth horse, Royale Margaux, also scored at Warwick, and with third home Take No Chances also having since won a Grade 2, that is now a race worth following. 

The winner of that event, Wodhooh, has not been seen since, but she’s in the betting for the Coral Cup and Martin Pipe and it’s no surprise to see her price has shortened.

'16-1 could look a big price on the day'

By David Jennings, Deputy Ireland editor

It will be interesting to see what the handicapper does with JPR One. He was beaten nine lengths by a horse rated 3lb inferior to him and Libberty Hunter, rated 5lb worse than him, was a good few lengths ahead of him, too. 

If dropped 2lb or 3lb, he could have a real say in the Grand Annual. On better ground, against handicappers, he will be a different proposition altogether and I was very surprised to see some firms push him all the way out to 16-1. That could look a big price on the day.

'Don't underestimate him if he goes to the festival'

By Maddy Playle, reporter

Navajo Indy would surely be interesting if sneaking into a Coral Cup after his excellent third in the William Hill Hurdle. 

He was roused into action and off the bridle from the word go under Gavin Sheehan, and he also put in some scruffy jumps on the way around, yet responded encouragingly to pressure and motored home after the final flight to finish third.

Even a strongly run two miles wasn't enough to show him to best effect and now looks the perfect time to go up in trip. His brother Navajo Pass won over 2m4f and his sire Nathaniel is known for producing stayers over jumps. So, don't underestimate him if he goes to the Cheltenham Festival.

Read these next...

Joyeuse dismantles rivals to continue Nicky Henderson's superb record - but Cheltenham not on the agenda 

'Real professional' Djelo has odds slashed for Ryanair after dominant victory in Denman Chase 

'The big man is up there watching, he'd have loved today' - L'Eau Du Sud seals poignant Kingmaker success in John Hales silks 

Subscribe to Racing Post + Ultimate and get 25% off your first six months!

Available to new subscribers purchasing Members' Club Ultimate using code ED256 through the Racing Post website. First three payments will be charged at £37.49, subscription renews at full monthly price thereafter. To cancel please contact us at least seven days before subscription is due to renew.