Eight Irish-trained runners have been declared for the St. James's Place Foxhunters with a full field of 24 going to post. The 3m2f contest will take place after the Gold Cup on Friday at 16:10.
Having won every renewal from 2011 to 2016, the Irish appear to once again hold a strong hand in the race, with two of the first three in the market being trained on this side of the Irish Sea.
Stand Up and Fight currently heads the market as the 9/2 favourite. The Enda Bolger-trained seven-year won a Hunters Chase at Down Royal over Christmas in very impressive fashion. While a defeat on his last start between-the-flags at Kilfeacle is a cause for concern to some, but the booking of multiple champion point-to-point rider Derek O’Connor is a major positive.
The Gordon Elliott – trained Ucello Conti is clearly is enjoying a change of discipline having won two Hunter Chases since Christmas and is sure to have a big chance with Jamie Codd on board. The 11-year-old is currently third in the betting at 3/1.
2018 Aintree Foxhunters winner Balnaslow bids to bounce back to form here for Graham McKeever with Patrick Mullins in the saddle, while Stratford Champion Hunters Chase winner Chosen Dream also represents the Northern Irish handler, with Mark O’Hare booked.
Gerry Spain looks set to have a great spin off his own Some Are Lucky, trained by Sam Curling. The likable eight-year-old has won four off his five starts between-the-flags this season and should give a good account of himself here.
Susie Doyle is set for her first ride at Cheltenham aboard Sammannton who is trained by her father Pat and the 11-year-old should prove a great ride for his lady rider.
Barry Connell and Alan Fleming are set to be represented by Timewaitsfornoone, second in the Champion Hunters Chase at Punchestown on his last start and set to be ridden by Richie Deegan here for the first time.
Coastal Tiep completes the Irish line-up for the Crawfords and certainly deserves to take his chance here having finished second to Ucello Conti on his last run at Navan.
See the full delarations here.
