Five to watch from Killarney: A Supreme Novice third vying for Cheltenham glory four years on

In the final two days of the Killarney Festival, James Stevens picks out some runners who you should keep an eye on.

Brutal - 7:10 Friday
The burgundy colours of Qatar aren't often seen jumping hurdles, but Brutal may be a trendsetter. Gordon Elliott's three-year-old looks a smart prospect, having a flat rating of 101 and finishing fifth in the Group One Racing Post Trophy as a juvenile. He made a fine introduction to hurdles, winning a maiden event at Cork in good fashion. This test is tougher, but he's currently the favourite for the 2018 Triumph Hurdle and expectations are very high.

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Timiyan was a former winner on the flat for Dermot Weld

Timiyan - 7:40 Friday
Timiyan has the profile of a horse that can win a big handicap at the Cheltenham Festival. Gordon Elliott thinks very highly of this horse, who was an impressive winner on two starts earlier this season. He struggled last time in the Galway Hurdle, but is clearly much better than that, and looks to be progressing. This is a six-year-old with a big win in him.

Cymro - 1:30 Saturday
Making his hurdles and stable debut is Cymro, who has switched from Cheshire-based Tom Dascombe's yard to join Joseph O'Brien. He was a very good horse on the flat, rated 105, who once beat a great horse in Sir Issac Newton in a maiden. He even ran well in the Ormonde Stakes, finishing two lengths off a Group Three win. Nobody has a real idea of how good he will be over hurdles, but on his flat record he could be very good.

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Rathvinden was five lengths off Cheltenham glory in the 2014 Supreme Novice Hurdle

Rathvinden - 3:45 Saturday
For Willie Mullins' Rathvinden chasing has been all too easy. The nine-year-old has been absent for a number of years, and has always been a smart horse in the Closutton yard. He was third in the Supreme Novices back in 2014, beaten not too far by stable companion Faugheen. Four years later he's novice chasing, and going very well too. He finished second when needing the run at Ballinrobe, but has won his last two very easily. He will be well fancied to complete a hat-trick.

Santiago De Cuba - 4:55
In a intriguing bumper event, another for Joseph O'Brien who is out to prove his promise. He made a winning start on his debut, beating some good sorts in good style at this track a month ago. This four-year-old is bred pretty well and could be a Champion Bumper horse if he lives up to expectations. Willie Mullins' pair Poet Power and Vittorio look to be a big challenge, as does Gavin Cronwell's Soleglad.

Galway Festival 2017: Who impressed, and who could be heading for Cheltenham?

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The Galway Festival is one of Ireland’s leading fixtures, boasting some of the countries’ best horses both on the flat and the jumps, but what stars could be heading to the 2018 Cheltenham Festival.

With Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott both enjoying six winners at last year’s Festival, and the Gold Cup heading to Jessica Harrington’s yard, Galway may have a few Cheltenham pointers.

Embed from Getty Images True Self (Won a Mares Flat Race on Saturday)

Willie Mullins has a brilliant record with his bumper horses, and this four-year-old made an exceptional introduction to the master of County Carlow.

Previously finishing second at Warwick, she easily defeated a good field to win by eight lengths, and her big margin win could’ve been extended. Her Galway test wasn’t the hardest, and she will have to prove herself; but wherever she goes after the manner in which she won the race.

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Balko Des Flos (Won the Galway Plate on Wednesday)

The Galway Plate is one of the most prestigious prizes in Irish sport, and it was good to see it go to a horse who has always gone close without winning in big races.

He fell when fancied in the JLT Novices’ Chase this season, but Henry De Bromhead’s seven-year-old was excellent in winning the handicap. Beating Shaneshill by almost five lengths, shows his true class and he will certainly be a good horse to follow next year.

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Housesofparliament (Won a novice hurdle on Tuesday)

JP McManus and Joseph O’Brien must be picturing some big days ahead with this four-year-old, after he finally got the hang of jumping. Formerly with father Aiden O’Brien, he enjoyed a terrific record on the flat. He was a winner at Group Three level, and finished third in the St Leger.

He’s had some tough days over hurdles, when second to Willie Mullins’ Meri Devie in a maiden contest and out of his depth in a Grade One event; but this time he was given a winning opportunity 

and grasped it well.

Although he didn’t win by a big margin, his first victory will give him his confidence for the rest of the season. He could be a real star.

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Airlie Beach (Third in Guinness Galway Hurdle Handicap on Thursday)

Another for Willie Mullins who caught the eye is Airlie Beach, who was beaten five-and-a-half lengths in what looked a competitive handicap.

She came to Cheltenham last season with a string of 1’s to her name, but despite her strong market support she could only defeat two rivals in the Mares Novices’ Hurdle.

She’s run okay in top level mares event since, before boasting two good efforts in handicap company. She is improving, and would’ve gone closer had she jumped better; her trainer Willie Mullins will win a few good handicap prizes with her.

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Le Richebourg (Won a novice hurdle on Monday)

Another for Joseph O’Brien who caught the eye was Le Richebourg, who does look like a very good novice hurdler. His bumper form was boosted when Debuchet, who he finished second to in a race at Leopardstown, went on to land the Champion Bumper this season.

He’s currently unbeaten over hurdles, winning impressively in races at Killarney and at this week’s Galway Festival. His wide margin win was both impressive and professional, he’s a top hurdler and Cheltenham will certainly be on his agenda.