Sean Bowen Cheltenham 2026 day one rides blog: 'He'll stay all day'

I felt he might have been a little bit flat that day, but overall, I still think he’s off a workable handicap mark. If he turns up in good form, I think he goes there with a decent chance, and hopefully, he can run a big race.

3.20 – Resplendent Grey

Resplendent Grey ran much better at Windsor last time than he did at Newbury in the Coral Gold Cup. It was a pleasing performance. He’s a horse with plenty of ability, but in big handicaps, he can sometimes be a little bit timid when he gets surrounded by other runners.

We’re putting blinkers on him, and I schooled him in them on Sunday morning. He schooled very, very well, so we’re hoping they help him concentrate a bit more in the race. The idea is they’ll help cut out some of the distractions around him.

On his best form, he’s one of the classier horses in the race, so if everything clicks for him on the day, he’s capable of being in the mix.

4.40 – Booster Bob

Booster Bob started the season well, and I thought his win at Newbury was very impressive. He ran at Cheltenham last time and was unable to follow it up, although in fairness, he didn’t run terribly.

When he came home afterwards, we found that he had a few ulcers, so that probably explains why he wasn’t quite at his best. That issue has been sorted out now.

His mark isn’t quite as lenient as it was earlier in the season, but if things go right for him, he can be there at the finish.

5.20 – Wade Out 

Wade Out is another horse with plenty of ability, but he can be a little bit lazy at times, so you have to give him a few reminders.

He’ll be carrying top weight, which obviously isn’t ideal, but we’ve put cheekpieces on him, and I schooled him in them on Sunday morning. The hope is that they’ll sharpen him up a bit. 

The extra trip should suit him well because he’ll stay all day. If he can get into a good rhythm early in the race, then he’s got a chance, but like Resplendent Grey, he just needs things to fall into place in the early part of the race.

Champion Hurdle Thoughts 

It looks like an interesting Champion Hurdle this year, especially with the three mares in the line-up.

Personally, I quite like Brighterdaysahead. If they go a strong gallop early on, which looks likely with Tutti Quanti in there, who likes to go forward, I think that will really suit her.

She’s a strong stayer and a very good mare on her day, so if the race is run at a good pace, I think that could play right into her hands.

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