Rachael Blackmore’s top 5 rides at this year’s Festival
Rachael Blackmore enjoyed a remarkable four days last year and we analyse some of her best chances for 2022's Festival
A Plus Tard - Gold Cup
A Plus Tard was sent off second favourite for the 2021 Gold Cup, only finding his stablemate, Minella Indo, too good, but there are reasons to think 2022’s ante post favourite can go one better this time around.
The eight-year-old could hardly have been much more impressive when bolting up in the Grade 1 Betfair Chase on his return and was only just pipped by Galvin in the Savills at Christmas. He was caught further back than ideal in this race last year and more prominent tactics could see him reverse the form with his stablemate.
Honeysuckle - Champion Hurdle
Surely Rachael’s best chance of a winner all week. The unbeaten mare didn’t need to be at her best when bolting up to land a tenth Grade 1 at Leopardstown last month and in receipt of the mares’ allowance, last year’s Champion will be hard to beat again.
Coeur Sublime - Arkle
Alan King’s Edwardstone is a worthy favourite at the head of the market after his latest success at Warwick but Blackmore’s ride, Coeur Sublime, appears to have solid each-way claims.
He chased home top-class Ferny Hollow on his first two starts over fences before a facile success down in grade at Gowran last time and you can expect him to progress again on just his fourth chase start.
Telmesomethinggirl - Mares’ Hurdle
This mare was impressive when winning the Grade 1 mares’ novice hurdle last year and she returns with a favourite’s chance this time around.
She built on her return with a good third at Leoaprdstown over Christmas and with the yard now in better form, she’s the one that they all have to beat in what looks a weak renewal.
Journey With Me - Ballymore
This unbeaten prospect was impressive when winning a deep maiden hurdle on debut for Henry de Bromhead and he looks like a fascinating contender for this year’s Festival, particularly if he goes down the Albert Bartlett route.
The six-year-old enhanced his reputation when staying on well to win at Naas last month and he shapes like he will relish a step up in trip at the Festival.
