Ten-time Cheltenham Grade One winning jockey Richard Johnson has shared his thoughts on the eight non-championship top level races throughout the Festival.
Punters and fans alike have been treated to the expert knowledge of the now-retired champion jockey Richard Johnson, after he spoke at a Cheltenham Preview night at Rawdon Cricket Club.
Johnson offered his opinion on all the main races at the Festival, from the championship events to the rest of the Grade One races.
Supreme Novices’ Hurdle – Tuesday, March 10
The Supreme Novices’ Hurdle will be the ‘curtain raiser’ of the first day and Johnson cannot look past the favourite Old Park Star.
“He would be the one I would like to ride, that’s for sure,” said Johnson. “It is hard to knock him, he is a real old fashioned chasing type.
“He looks a cut above the rest in this field.”
Arkle Chase – Tuesday, March 10
Johnson piloted Captain Chris to victory in the 2011 Arkle Chase and he believes that this race will be a classic to look back on.
“This is a race that will produce a lot of stars,” said Johnson. “Kopek Des Bordes looks smart and I wouldn’t mind the leg-up on him.
“I would be concerned about his lack of experience over fences, he can not afford to get one wrong in this as it will cost him dear.
“If he gets a clear round, then he will win.”
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Turners Novices’ Hurdle – Wednesday, March 11
The Turners Novices’ Hurdle is a race that is being billed as a potential match race between two potential superstars.
Paul Nicholl’s No Drama This End and Mighty Park of the Willie Mullins brigade.
Johnson likes the look of them both, saying: “No Drama This End is very talented, he was impressive at Sandown and looks uncomplicated.
“Paul certainly has one for the future.
“Whereas Mighty Park has not had as much experience but he is giving off all the right vibes, he will certainly be a good staying chaser.”
Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase – Wednesday, March 11
Final Demand has spent most of the year at the top of the market for the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase but Johnson thinks he could be vulnerable and has a strong fancy.
“Final Demand has not really put it together yet,” said Johnson.
“Thomas Mor is an interesting one.
“His form ties in very well with Wendigo and despite whether he’ll stay at the end, he shouldn’t be as big in the market as he is.”
Champion Bumper – Wednesday, March 11
The pin-stickers race, the Champion Bumper, is always a nightmare to predict.
So, Johnson offered his insight to try to unpick the race, saying: “The horse must be able to handle the track, there is nothing like Cheltenham.
“It is always turning and it is so undulating, some horses will manage but most will just get lost.
“It is a majorly open race, the Patrick Mullins factor might be a good guide for it.”
Mares’ Hurdle – Thursday, March 12
Will Lossiemouth go for the Mares’ Hurdle or the Champion Hurdle?
That is the burning question.
The contest seems to be a two-horse race between her and Woodoh but it is the former that Johnson would side with.
“If the ground comes up soft then I think they will go to the Champion Hurdle with Lossiemouth,” said Johnson.
“Lossiemouth has form over Woodoh from Aintree and if they both run then it will be a good race.
“If only one of them runs, then it will most likely become a walkover for whichever remains in.”
Triumph Hurdle – Friday, March 13
Narciso Has’ injury and subsequent removal from the race has blown the Triumph Hurdle apart and Johnson is backing the British.
“Maestro Conti was impressive at Kempton then won again at Cheltenham,” said Johnson.
“He will be a better horse on better ground and could provide some value for that.”
Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle – Friday, March 13
The Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle is a graveyard for the favourites.
Johnson has avoided siding with any at the top end, offering up a long-shot suggestion.
“You are looking for an older horse in this race, it can be attritional,” said Johnson.
“Ben Pauling’s Mondoui’boy is a likeable sort.
“He used to be David Maxwell’s and I know they think a lot of him.”
Michael Davey 
Simon Wilkes