THIRTEEN Dorset horses will traverse the hallowed Prestbury Park turf this week as the world-famous Cheltenham Festival begins this afternoon (1.30pm).
Dorset has two fewer entries than last year’s tally of 15, with up-and-coming trainers Chris Barber and Ben Clarke, plus the established Robert Walford all without runners this season.
Sherborne-based Joe Tizzard, Lower Crockermoor’s Harry Fry and Mosterton handler Anthony Honeyball are all responsible for the Dorset 13.
And, although he is based in the Wiltshire border town of Mere, teenage jockey Freddie Gingell is the nephew of Tizzard and has numerous rides booked under legendary trainer Paul Nicholls.
READ MORE: Honeysuckle beats Love Envoi in Dorset one-two at Cheltenham
So, who are the baker’s dozen? Read on for a breakdown of Dorset’s shots at Cheltenham glory.
JPR One – Arkle Chase – Joe Tizzard (today, 2.10pm) – 9/1
TIZZARD’S yard fronts up Dorset’s challenge at Cheltenham with the county’s opening runner in the second race of the Festival.
JPR One is much improved this season but faces a strong Irish contingent, led by three Willie Mullins runners.
With two wins and one third in four races this season, JPR One has solid credentials for a strong race.
Eldorado Allen – Ultima Handicap Chase – Joe Tizzard (today, 2.50pm) – 20/1
ONE of Tizzard’s stable stars finds himself as a 20/1 shot in the third race of the Festival due to being top weight.
The 10-year-old also have the highest official rating, at 153, but he will have to run strongly to make an impression in the final reckoning.
Love Envoi – Mares’ Hurdle – Harry Fry (today, 4.10pm) – 14/1
LAST year, Love Envoi produced a memorable run just behind Dorset-bred legend Honeysuckle in this race.
However, Harry Fry’s charge has only been raced twice this season. On her last outing, she was beaten into second nine lengths adrift of Lossiemouth, who begins the Mares’ Hurdle an odds-on favourite.
Kilbeg King – National Hunt Chase – Anthony Honeyball (today, 5.30pm) – 10/1
MOSTERTON trainer Anthony Honeyball returns to the Festival with Kilbeg King after missing 2023’s edition.
Kilbeg has been the image of consistency this season, securing three thirds and a second place in four outings.
Might I – Coral Cup Hurdle – Harry Fry (tomorrow, 2.50pm) – 14/1
FRY’S second runner at the Festival comes on day two as Might I takes on the Coral Cup Hurdle.
Might I has never finished out of the top three this season, with one win to his name.
Elixir De Nutz & Boothill – Champion Chase – Joe Tizzard & Harry Fry (tomorrow, 3.30pm) – 25/1 & 50/1
TWO entries in the eight-runner field belong to Dorset as Tizzard’s Elixir De Nutz and Fry’s Boothill take part in the day’s big race.
Elixir De Nutz stunned Jonbon at the Cheltenham trial in January and has two other victories this season.
Meanwhile, Boothill has fallen on his past two outings following two wins but looks a tempting price for success.
Triple Trade – Grand Annual Chase – Joe Tizzard (tomorrow, 4.50pm) – 28/1
TRIPLE Trade is a true Dorset hope having been bred by Sherborne’s Glanvilles Stud before learning the ropes at Tizzard’s yard.
Two victories and two podiums this season has risen expectations but he may need the ground to harden up with his best form coming under good-to-soft conditions.
In Excelsis Duo & Killer Kane – Festival Plate Handicap – Harry Fry & Joe Tizzard (Thursday, 4.10pm) – 25/1 & 50/1
TWO more Dorset runners have been entered into the Festival Plate Handicap on Thursday, the sole race of Dorset involvement on day three.
In Excelsis Duo, saddled by Fry, and Tizzard’s Killer Kane are both outsiders despite a brace of podiums each this season.
Altobelli & Gin Coco – County Hurdle – Harry Fry (Friday, 2.10pm) – 33/1 & 40/1
CLOSING out the Festival, can it be a case of Fry-day?
Harry Fry has three runners, including two in the County Hurdle as Altobelli and Gin Coco fight for honours.
Altobelli is the younger charge and should run well on soft ground, while Gin Coco has more experience and may want the ground to harden.
Fry therefore could make a late call on either entry before the flag is raised.
Gidleigh Park – Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle – Harry Fry (Friday, 2.50pm) – 8/1
ARGUABLY Dorset’s strongest chance of a win comes in the form of the unbeaten Gidleigh Park.
With four victories in four starts, including at Cheltenham in January, the gelding is setting tongues wagging in the paddock and has even been tipped for victory by the Racing Post.
*All prices, races and ground correct at time of writing.
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