CHELTENHAM DAILY NEWS NOTES | Friday 25th February

The 2022 Cheltenham Festival is edging nearer, with only 18 days remaining until the four-day meeting gets underway.

In our latest edition of the news segment, the team look at two big names throwing their hat in the Cheltenham ring and one potential future star booking his ticket to Prestbury Park.

Here are the Daily News Notes for Friday.

MULLINS CHANCING ON CHACUN CHAMPION CHASE SUCCESS

Willie Mullins has spoken out on his love for Chacun Pour Soi, with the Closutton trainer holding his Champion Chase chances in high regard.

The 10-year-old chaser already has six Grade 1 successes under his belt already, but he was caught out by the famous Cheltenham Hill last year and could only manage third in the two-mile contest.

Speaking to Racing TV, Mullins discussed his recruit’s chances in the second day’s feature race at the Festival.

“I think the world of Chacun Pour Soi. Maybe, as a lot of people are saying, he’s not able to face the hill in Cheltenham, but he’s a horse I’d like to see getting a fair crack of the whip over there, which I think we haven’t had yet,” said Mullins.

“Maybe he’s a horse that runs better fresh, especially when you take all the travelling into it.

“At the time I felt we should have been more use of him last year. This year it’s a different race and we’ll see what happens.”

Chacun Pour Soi is currently a best-priced 11/2 chance to land success in the Champion Chase.

BOB’S READY FOR BATTLE

Bob Olinger’s clash with Galopin Des Champs in the Turners Novices’ Chase is edging closer to being confirmed, as trainer Henry De Bromhead suggested his recruit will be heading for the contest come March.

Talking to Sky Sports Racing, the Irish trainer touched on the seven-year-old’s progress in training and the likelihood of going for the two-and-a-half-mile novices chase.

“He took a bit more schooling over fences than ours usually need at first, but he’s improved and improved. On his chasing debut he jumped fine and on his second start over fences I thought he jumped really well.

“We couldn’t be happier with him, and he seems in great form. I’d imagine the Turners Novices’ Chase is where he’ll run.

“I wouldn’t like to say that it’s certain he’ll run there just yet, but it’s highly likely and it’s just a case of us sitting down together and making that decision.

“I don’t think ground is a huge issue for him either way. Sure, wouldn’t it be great for racing if he was to meet Galopin Des Champs and L’Homme Presse?

“That’s what it’s all about, the best meeting the best and seeing which one comes out on top.”

Bob Olinger is a 5/4 joint-favourite for the Turners Novices’ Chase currently.

SALUTE ON THE RIGHT PATH TO CHELTENHAM

Knight Salute could well be on his way to the Triumph Hurdle – if he runs well in the Coral Adonis Juvenile Hurdle at Kempton tomorrow.

Speaking to the Racing Post, trainer Milton Harris is certain he’ll be on his way to Cheltenham if he puts up a good performance on Saturday.

“His prep has gone really well and we are where we should be going into a competitive race.

“He doesn’t appreciate winter soft ground, he’s much better on decent ground. Some of these horses haven’t had a break, but we’ve aimed ourselves solely at this. He’s the favourite and is running in the right race.

“We are what price we are, but what matters is if all goes well on Saturday, it’ll be off to Cheltenham then Aintree. They’re our ultimate goals for the season.”

Knight Salute is currently a 16/1 shot for the Triumph Hurdle.