With just under three weeks to go until the start of the Cheltenham Festival, excitement is building among racing fans. As the countdown to the most prestigious event in the National Hunt calendar continues, I can’t help but feel a sense of anticipation for one race in particular: the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle.
Over the past few years, this race has seen some impressive performances from both trainers and horses. And with top contenders like Bambino Fever and Oldschool Outlaw leading the betting, it’s clear that the Irish powerhouses of Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott are once again ready to dominate the race.
Let’s take a closer look at these potential winners and why they are worth keeping an eye on.
Trained by Willie Mullins, Bambino Fever has had an impressive start to her hurdling career. She has won four of her five starts with her only defeat coming at the hands of her stablemate Appreciate It, who is also a top contender for the Cheltenham Festival. Bambino Fever has shown great ability over hurdles and is sure to put up a strong challenge for the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle.
But she may face tough competition from fellow Irish trainer Gordon Elliott’s contender, Oldschool Outlaw. This mare has also had a strong start to her racing career, winning three of her four starts and finishing a close second in her only defeat. She has shown versatility in her runs, winning on both heavy and soft ground, proving that she can handle any type of conditions.
Both Bambino Fever and Oldschool Outlaw are highly regarded by their trainers and have shown the potential to excel on the big stage. But while they may be frontrunners for the race, they are certainly not the only ones to watch out for.
There are several other talented mares in the running, including the unbeaten Queens Brook trained by Noel Meade. She’s also four for four in her hurdles career and has shown an impressive ability to quicken when needed. Another potential contender is the Paul Nolan-trained Scarlet And Dove, who has been consistent in her performances and looks to be peaking at the right time.
These are just a few of the top contenders for the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle, but there are sure to be a few surprises come race day. After all, the Cheltenham Festival is known for its fair share of upsets and underdog victories.
But regardless of which mare crosses the finish line first, one thing is for sure: the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle is sure to be an exhilarating race. It’s a chance for these talented mares to showcase their abilities and for trainers to prove their skills in preparing them for this prestigious event.
As we count down the days to the Cheltenham Festival, let’s keep a close eye on these mares and see who will come out on top in the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle. It’s sure to be a race to remember!



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