2021 Cheltenham Festival: Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When does the 2021 Cheltenham Festival take place? Tuesday 16th March – Friday 19th March, 2021
What time does the Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle start? Wednesday 17th March, 2021 – 14:30 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for the 2021 Cheltenham Festival? The 2021 Cheltenham Festival will take place without spectators
What TV channel is the 2021 Cheltenham Festival on in the UK? ITV will be televising the first six races of each day, while Racing TV subscribers will be able to watch all of the action
Where can I stream the 2021 Cheltenham Festival in the UK? The first six races of each day can be streamed live on the ITV Hub, while Racing TV subscribers can live stream all of the action
THE LOWDOWN
Despite many races losing plenty of entrants at the final declarations, the Coral Cup has retained its big field with 28 declared to run. It looks like a wide-open renewal with plenty of chances but Nicky Henderson will be a man on a mission as he goes for a third consecutive success in this race. He has four runners but perhaps the most interesting proposition is Craigneiche who goes in search of a hat-trick. He has shown he can make the distance while the going is also likely to suit. Grand Roi and Koshari are also likely to be in the mix but the former will need to handle the step up in trip on his handicap debut. On the other hand, the latter looked strong on his return to action at Cork and while he failed to build on that last time out, there is more to come from Willie Mullins’ horse.
THE PREDICTION
This big field has no real standout in what should be an interesting race but preference is for Craigneiche. Nicky Henderson’s recent success in this race cannot be overlooked and he can make it a hat-trick of wins with Craigneiche able to land his third win in a row in the process. The distance should suit having already shown he can handle it with many of the field yet to demonstrate that and while he is up 12lbs for his most recent effort, he should have enough in hand to put himself right in the frame here.
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