As the Cheltenham Festival looms on the horizon, all eyes are on the world of horse racing, and for good reason. In recent days, the sport has been all over the back pages thanks to one horse, Constitution Hill. The heavyweight seven-year-old has been one of the dominant forces in recent years and is unbeaten in eight races throughout his career.
The most prominent of those victories came at Cheltenham last year as he romped to glory by a staggering nine lengths to win the Champion Hurdle. He won’t be featuring in the race this year though as a lung infection has forced his withdrawal, leaving the field wide open.
But that isn’t the only race to get excited about as both the prestigious Gold Cup and the Ryanair Chase remain two of the most anticipated races in the jump racing calendar. While favourites often dominate headlines, it’s the potential for upsets that adds an extra layer of excitement. This year, two names, Shishkin and Hitman, are whispered in the winds as possible dark horses capable of turning the tables.
Shishkin: From doubt to dominance?
Shishkin, also trained by Nicky Henderson, is no stranger to the spotlight, having already carved out a reputation as a formidable competitor. Yet, as we approach the Gold Cup, there seems to be a mix of scepticism and anticipation surrounding his chances, as demonstrated by today’s horse racing betting odds pricing him as long as 11/2 to win the big one. Many expect the race to be dominated by one horse, reigning champion Galopin Des Champs. But Shishkin certainly has the potential to upset the apple cart.
Shishkin’s journey to Cheltenham has been anything but straightforward. After a series of ups and downs, his recent victory in the Betfair Denman Chase at Newbury has reignited belief in his capabilities. Henderson, speaking about Shishkin’s performance, said, “Shishkin had to work hard before getting his win at Newbury, but that’s precisely the kind of resilience you want to see heading into Cheltenham.” This resilience could be the key factor that sets Shishkin apart in a field where mental and physical toughness is paramount.
He's back! Shishkin wins the Betfair Denman Chase at @NewburyRacing for @sevenbarrows and @NdeBoinville… pic.twitter.com/VRXIDeHdAW
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) February 10, 2024
Can Hitman pack a punch?
On the other hand, the Ryanair Chase presents another opportunity for an outsider to steal the limelight. Enter Hitman, trained by Paul Nicholls, a horse that has consistently shown promise but has yet to secure a win that matches his potential. His trainer is known for his strategic approach to races and believes his charge is peaking at the right moment.
“Hitman has always had the talent; it’s just been about finding the right race and the right conditions,” Nicholls stated. “We believe the Ryanair Chase could be the perfect stage for him to showcase his true ability.”
The eight-year-old possesses a blend of speed and stamina, crucial attributes for the Ryanair Chase’s intermediate distance. His performances leading up to Cheltenham have been marked by steady improvement, suggesting that he may be hitting his stride when it matters most.
