Cheltenham Festival tips: Templegate’s best bets for Champion Hurdle on day one as greatest show on turf begins

IT IS the return of the big one – the one we have all been waiting 12 long months for.

Cheltenham Festival is BACK and you have come to the No 1 destination for the best tips.

SunSport tipster Steve Mullen – Templegate to you and me – has been poring over the form for months.

Here, he reveals which runners he thinks can land the spoils, and bag you a small fortune in the process.

Don’t forget, SunSport has got you covered for the full Cheltenham TV schedule – and why not read about the greatest ever gambles landed at the big meet.

HONEYSUCKLE (3.05 Cheltenham, nap – best bet)

She extended her 100 per cent record to ten with a bloodless victory in the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown last month.

That put to bed any worries about her speed for this two-mile trip as she tanked along before leaving behind a decent field — including Abacadabras and Sharjah.

She gets the same 7lb mares’ allowance as Epatante, which hardly seems fair, and she can improve again.

CONCERTISTA (3.40 Cheltenham, nb – next best)

She is one of several winners from last year’s Festival who have a massive chance of striking again. She won the novices’ version of this race by no less than 12 lengths and hasn’t put a foot wrong since.

This is over half a mile further than the youngsters’ contest and she proved her staying power when taking a Fairyhouse Grade 2 in November.

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She stepped up on that when scoring at Leopardstown’s Christmas meeting and Willie Mullins knows how to ready a mare for this contest having won it so many times.

REMASTERED (4.50 Cheltenham, treble – chuck in for a big win)

He jumped brilliantly when winning the Reynoldstown Chase at Ascot last time and is the kind of out and out stayer you still need for this race.

He has been brought along quietly by David Pipe who saw him beat four rivals on chase debut at Carlisle before another easy win at Wetherby. He coped with a bigger field over hurdles and looks capable of much better.

CHELTENHAM

1.20     Ballyadam       

Good run last time and will be suited by Cheltenham.

1.55     Shiskin 

Last year’s Supreme winner who looks even better over fences.

2.30     Aye Right         

In cracking form this season and totally reliable.

3.05     HONEYSUCKLE (NAP)  

Unbeaten class act who was brilliant again last time out.

3.40     Concertista (nb)          

Won by 12 lengths here last year and looks hard to stop again.

4.15     Busselton        

Improver who went well latest and yard won this two years ago.

4.50     Remastered (treble)   

Unbeaten over fences and this trip should be ideal.

Don’t forget, there are more races going on around the UK on Tuesday and Templegate has a pick in those too.

SOUTHWELL

12.30   Going Native   

Won this last year and much lower in the weights today.

1.00     High Security   

Went close here last time and doesn’t need much more.

1.35     Qaaraat           

Best over this trip and track, another good run last time.

2.10     Beat For Heat  

Back from a break looking very well handicapped.

2.45     Daafr   

Plenty in hand when scorching home here last time out.

3.20     Custard The Dragon    

Can land his eighth win over course and distance.

3.55     Red Stripes      

Not won for a while but has been knocking on the door.

SEDGEFIELD

1.45     Miss Tara Moss           

In good form and will relish this longer distance.

2.20     Sabbathical     

Good win last time and can strike again turned out quickly.

2.55     Follow Your Fire          

Has shown best form over this course and distance.

3.30     Oxwich Bay     

Plenty in hand when winning here last time out.

4.05     Mongol Emperor        

Easy winner at Newcastle and should be too good again.

4.35     Quick Pick       

First-time blinkers can see him recreate his good form from earlier this season.

5.05     Teasing Georgia          

Debut winner who can score coming back from a break.

NEWCASTLE

5.15     Sergeant Major           

Good winner last time and this longer trip should be ideal.

5.45     Pholas 

Consistent and has lots of good form over this course and distance.

6.15     Mostahdaf      

Beautifully bred and should know his job enough on debut.

6.45     Artistic Rifles   

Went close here last time and returns from same mark.

7.15     Seas Of Elzaam            

Beaten less than a length here latest and drops in grade here.

7.45     Devil’s Angel   

Battled well to score here latest and won’t be far away.

8.15     Marta Boy       

Landed cosy win here last time and only 2lb higher today.

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