The J P McManus-owned OLDSCHOOL OUTLAW continues her upward trajectory over hurdles this season. It was no surprise to see the powerful owner snap the daughter of Walk In The Park up, after narrowly beating current favourite for this event, Bambino Fever, on hurdle debut.

She is 2-2 over hurdles, having sluiced in by nine lengths at Grade Three level last time out. She travels beautifully through her races, and any rain during Cheltenham week would be an advantage.

I rate the exceptional mare, LOSSIEMOUTH, who has bagged an incredible nine Grade One wins – including two this season – as capable of winning another G1 Mares’ Hurdle. Many will want to see her in the Champion Hurdle, but for betting purposes, her current price for this mares’ event appeals.

Willie Mullins and the owners of Lossiemouth class every win at Prestbury Park as incredibly important, and I’m sure they will want to complete the Mares’ Hurdle hat-trick. Her recent second at Leopardstown came on desperate ground, and with her conqueror likely to head to the G1 Champion Hurdle, I can see her starting a warm favourite. Wodhooh is a live contender, but aside from her, it looks a weak race.

GAELIC WARRIOR would be one of the bets of the week, if lining up for the G1 Ryanair Chase on the Thursday. The 2024 G1 Arkle Chase winner missed last season’s festival, in favour of being in top shape for Aintree – where he landed another Grade One prize.

He warmed up for this with a brace of excellent placed runs in the King George VI Chase and Irish Gold Cup Chase, respectively. He stays well, and has Cheltenham festival-winning form, which may tempt connections to head to the Gold Cup. But with NRNB on side, Gaelic Warrior is a standout selection for the Ryanair.

Last year’s winner – DINOBLUE – holds all the aces, leading into the 2026 Cheltenham festival. The J P McManus-owned nine-year-old may have a tougher race than in 2025, but arrives after a facile 11-length win at Naas.

She handles all ground and is such a consistent mare, who you know is going to deliver her A-game next month. Her opposition looks capable on paper, however, there must be a good chance that many in the current market will swerve this race, including Jade De Grugy (entered in the Mares’ Hurdle) and The Big Westerner (likely to run in the 3m1f Novices’ Chase).