Iroko my Ultimate Festival Bet

Few horses have caused more controversy and discussion this season than the 7yo Iroko – yes he is still only 7.

As a 5 yo the JP Mcmanus owned gelding secured a memorable, victory in the Martin Pipe Handicap at the festival giving trainer Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero there initial Cheltenham Festival victory.

Backed into 6/1, he found a huge amount for pressure having looked beaten at the last he powered up the hill to win going away. His victory followed wins in this race in the previous two years by Galopin Des Champs and Banbridge , and he was on many pundits notebooks as a chaser to follow in the 2023/2024 season.

His campaign was interrupted with a slight setback after a hugely impressive chase debut at Warwick. He was not seen out until the festival where he ran a highly respectful 5th in the Grade 1 Turners Novice Chase which earned him a rating of 152. Then given has chance at Aintree he ran another excellent race upped to 3m1f, for the first time, going down by just 4L to Iknowthewayyourthinkin.

At the start of this season the stable clearly stated that his aim was the Grand National and he began on soft ground at Haydock over 2m5f. Having looked the most likely winner he was tenderly handled and got beat by Trawlene giving 8lb to the horse that had started 2nd favourite for the Ultima Chase at the 2024 Festival only to fall at the 2nd fence.

The handicapper left his mark at 152 and Iroko next turned out at Ascot where he was badly hampered and fell at the first fence.

Onto Cheltenham Saturday and more controversy as the Stewards enquired into his running and the riding of Jonjo junior.

His explanation in my opinion was barely plausible but was accepted by the Stewards and he heads to Cheltenham for the Ultima and then to Aintree.

I am of the opinion he can win both and with the weights for Aintree announced before the Ultima- there will be no need for tender handling at the festival.

The last time the horse was seriously asked to go and win a race was the Martin Pipe when he found 5 or 6 lengths up the Cheltenham hill and won going away. I have no doubt that had last Saturday been the plan, even allowing for the inadequate trip, he could have won easily.

The bookies have noted the performance but the 10/1 generally available is far to big and given an injury free preparation for the Ultima, the 2nd race of the Festival, i can see him winning at around 7/2.

2pt win Bet Iroko Ultima Chase Cheltenham Festival