The key British formlines you need to follow at this year's Cheltenham Festival

We're less than three weeks out from the Cheltenham Festival, the markets are really starting to take shape and most of the key trials for the four-day extravaganza have taken place – but which races in Britain this season could be worth a second look with the big week in mind? Racing Post handicapper James Norris investigates.

Big-race entries: 2022 Cheltenham Festival

Unibet Greatwood Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3)

Cheltenham, November 14, 2021

Why the race matters

Often a solid piece of form that can contain festival winners, including over fences last year, the Greatwood has worked out better than ever this season and must have a bearing on next month’s meeting.

Here, Dan Skelton once again showed his talent for winning valuable two-mile handicap hurdles with a fresh horse. West Cork overcame a significant absence to hold off the Triumph Hurdle runner-up Adagio and will be primed for a repeat course success in the County Hurdle having not run since December.

Connections have loftier ambitions for Adagio who, along with Christmas Hurdle second and Betfair Hurdle winner Glory And Fortune, will represent this form as an outside prospect in the Champion Hurdle.

Other big-race eyecatchers

Camprond admirably shrugged off a mistake three out and will benefit from the break after a summer campaign, plus the step back up in trip for the Coral Cup. He appeals at this stage, while No Ordinary Joe and Tritonic will renew rivalries with West Cork in the County Hurdle and neither can be ruled out, although soft ground would go against the former.

Even dual subsequent winner Marie’s Rock (seventh here) should not be completely overlooked in an open Mares’ Hurdle.

Howden Kennel Gate Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2)

Ascot, December 17, 2021

Why the race matters

A supposed big four head the market for the Supreme. While each is difficult to take on, if there is one unfairly maligned it is the Nicky Henderson-trained Jonbon.

Prior to a much misunderstood and undeservedly divisive success at Haydock, Jonbon had jumped impeccably and put away classy rivals in races not run to suit without coming off the bridle. His Ascot form should, in particular, be respected.

Runner-up Colonel Mustard had been placed in a Punchestown Grade 1 novice hurdle last April and ran away with a maiden hurdle on his seasonal debut. Since Ascot he has confirmed his ability when third to Sir Gerhard, finishing a mile clear of the Royal Bond one-two.

Other big-race eyecatchers

Elle Est Belle arguably shaped best behind the winner at Ascot and duly won the Listed Sidney Banks Memorial on her next start. Although a drop in trip may not be ideal, this Champion Bumper third would certainly have the class to compete in a Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle.

I Like To Move It, unsuited by the Ascot dawdle, relished the Betfair Hurdle and went down narrowly to Glory And Fortune. Connections seem set on a Jonbon rematch in the Supreme despite being raised just 4lb for that. The County Hurdle looks perfect for him.

Paddy Power Novices' Chase (Registered As The Dipper Novices' Chase) (Grade 2)

Cheltenham, January 1, 2022

Why the race matters

L’Homme Presse is a perfect four from four over fences this season. The third of those wins came at Cheltenham in the Dipper, a race capable of making a significant impact on the festival. L’Homme Presse’s jumping is slick and accurate, he finishes powerfully and remains progressive.

L'Homme Presse: could be the biggest challenger to Bob Olinger in the TurnersCredit: Mark Cranham

He brought his rider Charlie Deutsch a first Grade 1 in the Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase and he could prove a formidable opponent in the Turners. The likes of Bob Olinger and Galopin Des Champs will have to be every bit as good as they look if they are to take this prize back across the Irish Sea.

Other big-race eyecatchers

The Glancing Queen had impressed in mares-only company prior to this comprehensive but nonetheless encouraging defeat. Next month she returns to taking on her own sex and heads straight to the Mares’ Chase, where her chance may be underplayed. At least, until L’Homme Presse runs a day earlier.

Fantastikas shaped nicely in third over an inadequate trip and gave the form a boost when successful next time at Lingfield. He was far more authoritative there than the short-head winning distance suggests and would look well handicapped in a race like the Ultima or Kim Muir.

JCB Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 2)

Cheltenham, January 29, 2022

Why the race matters

A race won by an Irish raider may be against the spirit of this piece but if a form line is going to produce the winners of both festival juvenile hurdles, it could be this course-and-distance Triumph Hurdle trial.

Pied Piper appeared to make a laughing stock of the well-regarded home contingent as he sauntered to the line nine lengths clear. This was one of the most striking performances of the entire season and, with a victory over Grade 1 Spring Juvenile Hurdle winner Vauban already on his dance card, Pied Piper will take some stopping in the big one.

Other big-race eyecatchers

There are understandable questions around what was actually achieved given some disappointments in behind, but Forever William (third) is solid and knits together some of the British form. He finished an identical distance behind Porticello in the Finale Hurdle, on each occasion narrowly losing out on second to a Jane Williams-trained juvenile.

It was Saint Segal at Chepstow and he must be respected with the Boodles in mind, but so should Moka De Vassy, who chased home Pied Piper at Cheltenham. He reversed form with Forever William from earlier in the season and has progressed with each start. He lacks Flat racing experience but should therefore be open to more improvement than most.

Betfair Cheltenham Roarcast Novices' Limited Handicap Chase

Newbury, February 12, 2022

Why the race matters

A top-class novice over hurdles, immaculate over fences, built like a tank – if not ‘The Tank' in Denman–- and with a comfortable defeat of his biggest British-based rival already, it is hard to believe Bravemansgame is not clear favourite for the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase.

At Newbury, despite real concerns surrounding stable form, the Kauto Star winner essentially delivered what most expected. Giving away upwards of 16lb to his rivals, he cruised around in front and from two out the remaining pair of Pats Fancy and Grumpy Charley, each progressive in their own right, simply couldn’t live with his class.

Cheltenham will set a sterner test, especially if Galopin Des Champs takes the staying path. Willie Mullins’ charge has taken to chasing with rare elan, although he did launch himself at a couple of fences during the Dublin Racing Festival and if there is a horse able to force him into a serious mistake it will be Bravemansgame.

Other big-race eyecatchers

Rebecca Curtis has reportedly booked the services of leading Irish amateur Barry O’Neill for Pats Fancy in the National Hunt Chase. They should approach the race with confidence after both this display, shaping like a thorough stayer behind arguably Britain’s best novice chaser, and his previous Chepstow success over Imperial Alcazar, who went on to rout his field on Trials day.

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