Cheltenham Festival 2018: Wednesday's Early Favourites

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James Stevens previews what could be a great second day at Cheltenham, which could feature a clash between superstars Altior and Douvan. Check out the early favourites for Day Two here!

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Neptune Novices' Hurdle - Debuchet (16/1)
Last year's leading trainer Gordon Elliott has the favourite for both the big novice hurdles, with Fayonagh in the Supreme and this horse Debuchet for the Neptune. The latter finished second behind the current Supreme favourite in the Champion Bumper at the last Cheltenham Festival before going on to take a listed prize in convincing style. He looks better suited to the 2m4f trip than the 2m in the Supreme, and if he can prove his class over hurdles could be a leading figure in the Neptune.

With uncertainty about Fayonagh's (16/1) ideal trip, he could end up in the Neptune and is a co-favourite with his stable companion. Another for Gordon Elliott in the race is the unbeaten Samcro (16/1) , who has carried the Gigginstown colours to four victories. He was last seen winning easily at Fairyhouse. Nicky Henderson's Champion Bumper third Claimantakinforgan (20/1) , and Willie Mullins' Next Destination (20/1) who finished a place behind him are both Neptune chances.

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RSA Chase - Yanworth (12/1)
One of the classiest hurdlers in training is Alan King's Yanworth (12/1), and he could be a force if switched over fences next year. In the race won by leading Gold Cup hope Might Bite last year, Yanworth could only finish midfield when sent off favourite in the Champion Hurdle but landed two top level prizes last season in the Liverpool and Christmas Hurdle.

Henry De Bromhead's Monalee (16/1) finished second at the Cheltenham Festival last season, and could improve over fences. Finian's Oscar (16/1), who missed out on the Festival, could make amends in 2018 for Colin Tizzard. He established himself as a top horse when winning the Mersey Novice Hurdle, before losing out by a nose in a Grade One event at Punchestown. Neptune first and second, Willoughby Court (16/1) and Neon Wolf (16/1) are also chances.

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Queen Mother Champion Chase - Altior (13/8)
Undoubtedly if the Champion Chase features both Douvan and Altior it may be one of the very best renewals of the race in its' history. Altior (13/8) is the bookies favourite at a short price, and Nicky Henderson's seven-year-old has been a sensation. The former Supreme winner enjoyed a faultless campaign over fences last year, winning the Arkle at Cheltenham along with the Celebration Chase, Henry VIII.

Douvan (7/2) would prove a very popular winner of the race following his massive disappointment last year. Willie Mullins' superstar seven-year-old lost his 14 race unbeaten streak when found lame after this run, and hasn't been since. Mullins' team is boosted by Yorkhill (10/1) and Min (12/1) who could represent the County Carlow master. Fox Norton (14/1) , who was second to Special Tiara, is another with a chance for Colin Tizzard.

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Cross Country - Cause Of Causes
One of the Cheltenham Festival greats is Cause Of Causes (9/1) who will return to the Cotswolds in search for a fourth Festival success. A winner of the National Hunt Chase and Kim Muir, he hasn't enjoyed success anywhere else than the March showcase. He won this race by nine lengths last year, before going on to finish second in the Grand National. Gordon Elliott's nine-year-old would be fancied to reclaim the prize.

Josies Orders (10/1) won the race in 2016, but missed out all of last season. The nine-year-old is a specialist on cross country courses, and would be fancied to win the prize for a second time. Improving Foxrock (14/1) is another who could appear at the Festival, he's beaten the likes of On His Own and On The Fringe in hunter events last year. Bless The Wings (16/1) was second in this last year before finishing in the same position in the Irish Grand National. JP McManus' Cantlow (16/1) and Auvergnat (16/1) could go to the Cross Country.

Dual Cheltenham Festival winner Douvan crowned best chaser of 16/17 season

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Cheltenham Festival legend Douvan has been named the highest rated National Hunt chaser by the BHA.

Willie Mullins’ seven-year-old was given a mark of 174 by the handicapper, 5lb higher than last year.

The two-time Festival winner looked different class when picking up pattern prizes in native Ireland, but sustained an injury when seventh in the Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

The late Many Clouds was given a mark of 171 after victory in the Cotsworld Chase in January.

Oliver Sherwood's Hennessy winner suffered a fatal injury following the race.

The former Grand National winner is rated 1lb higher than King George winner Thistlecrack.

Colin Tizzard's nine-year-old was a notable absentee from the Cheltenham Festival, and shares favouritism to claim the Gold Cup in March.

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Altior was an impressive winner of the Arkle, his second Festival success in as many years.

Arkle winner Altior shared the 170 mark, after an incredible season for Nicky Henderson.

The six-year-old secured six successive victories this season, with three at Grade One level. He is the antepost favourite to topple Douvan in the Queen Mother at the Festival in March.

Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Sizing John was handed a mark of 169, 8lb less than Don Cossack’s mark last year. Colin Tizzard’s Fox Norton shared that mark following his win at Aintree.

The popular Cue Card and Ryanair Winner Un De Sceaux were both rated 168, along with Irish National winner Our Duke.

Grand National winner The Last Samuri is rated 159 after his Aintree success.

Mark	Horse (s)
174	Douvan
171	Many Clouds
170	Thistlecrack, Altior
169	Sizing John, Fox Norton
168	Our Duke, Cue Card, Un de Sceaux
167	Special Tiara
166	Minella Rocco, Native River, Outlander, Djakadam, God’s Own

RSA Chase winner, and leading 2018 Gold Cup fancy, Might Bite has been given a mark of 162 for Nicky Henderson.

Former Gold Cup winners Coneygree is rated 165, and 2014 champion Lord Windermere is on a mark of 144.