The McManus factor: assessing the big owner's Cheltenham Festival chances

JP McManus is the most successful owner in the history of the Cheltenham Festival and his green and gold silks will be a familiar sight once again next week. Here we take a look at six of his leading contenders at the meeting . . .

Jonbon
Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle

It promises to be a stellar festival opener on Tuesday and Jonbon is one of many potential top-notch hurdlers expected to line up. He is 4-4 under rules, winning Grade 2 prizes at Ascot and Haydock on his last two starts.

He has 3lb to find with Constitution Hill on official ratings and Racing Post Ratings, while Willie Mullins will no doubt have a say with Sir Gerhard, Dysart Dynamo and Kilcruit among the entries, but Jonbon is very much in the mix.

Star rating ***

Drop The Anchor
Coral Cup

McManus's runners are always worth a second look in the Cheltenham Festival handicaps, and Drop The Anchor looks one of his best chances in such races in the Coral Cup.

The Pat Fahy-trained eight-year-old shaped very encouragingly when fifth at the Dublin Racing Festival in February and ran well when seventh in last year's County Hurdle. Any improvement for stepping up in trip should see him go close, with McManus landing this two years ago with Dame De Compagnie.

Star rating ****

Prengarde
Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase

McManus bought this highly regarded French recruit privately during the winter and he blew away the cobwebs for Cross Country master Enda Bolger when down the field in a 1m7½f handicap hurdle at Naas last month.

He looks one of the main threats to popular favourite Tiger Roll with McManus potentially also represented with Easysland, Midnight Maestro, Shady Operator and Champagne Platinum in the unique 3m6f race.

Star rating ***

Champ
Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle

Baracouda and More Of That have won the day three highlight for McManus since the turn of the millennium and Champ is one of the high-profile owner's best chances of the week.

Champ, trained by Nicky Henderson, will have to reverse Cleeve Hurdle form with Paisley Park, but he previously looked the real deal on his return when winning the Long Walk Hurdle. He has excellent claims.

Star rating *****

Dinoblue
Parnell Properties Mares' Novices' Hurdle

Willie Mullins has won five of the six runnings of this race and McManus will be hoping that trend continues as the master of Closutton trains his favourite Dinoblue.

This five-year-old, a half-sister to Blue Sari, was a wide-margin winner on her sole start at Clonmel in January on heavy ground. She has to prove she can cope with likely better conditions, but looks a leading contender.

Star rating ****

Elimay
Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Chase

Elimay is the shortest price of McManus's entries and has a fair chance of going one better in the Mares' Chase.

She finished second to subsequent Grade 1 winner Colreevy last season, and although not performing to such a high RPR this term, she did return to winning ways at Naas last time. Mount Ida, her conqueror from Fairyhouse in January, and Concertista look big threats.

Star rating ***

Read more . . .

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