Ed Quigley’s Ante-Post Armchair for Tuesday 21st March

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Cheltenham is done and dusted for another year, and what a sensational meeting it was. From Constitution Hill to Honeysuckle, El Fabiolo to Energumene, and Impaire Et Passe through to Galopin Des Champs, the action was spell binding.

As the 2023 Festival starts to move into the rear view mirror we can start looking to the future, with Aintree’s Grand National meeting fast approaching. Even for a die hard, fully paid-up member of the Cheltenham Antepost fanclub, it can be considered too early, but even I can’t resist a little dabble in the 2024 markets.

Cheltenham Festival 2024 - National Hunt Chase

I AM MAXIMUS, looked stuck in second gear for around 90% of the Brown Advisory on what was his first start at tackling around 3m, but he rallied in the latter part of the contest, staying on into fourth, beaten just over ten lengths as he crossed the line.

What we saw on the back of that was that he is a relentless galloper who should improve with marathon trips, and next year’s National Hunt Chase looks tailor made for him. All the experience he has gained should stand him in good stead, and there are echoes of Galliard Du Mesnil part two going on.

Willie Mullins has already stated that the National Hunt Chase would look a logical target next season, and that if he can remain a novice over fences for the next campaign it would be much more a help than a hindrance. He looks as though he will jump and stay forever, and it isn’t hard to envisage him making up into a serious candidate over the 3m6f trip.

It’s a long way off I know, but he could easily be the horse Patrick Mullins grows a strong rapport with over the coming months, and at 16/1 he is one I am happy to back now and then expect to be a quarter of that price when we head into 2024. Not long now!

Ed's Ante-Post Tip

Cheltenham Festival 2024 - National Hunt Chase

I Am Maximus could be a much shorter price come next March

Get 16/1 on I Am Maximus to win the National Hunt Chase at bet365

At 16/1 a £10 bet would return £170

National Hunt Chase 2024

March 13, 2024

5:30 pm GMT

Back to more immediate affairs, and as for this weekend’s action, I am happy to keep the powder dry for now, especially in regards to Newbury and how underfoot conditions are riding.

I have a few horses for the notebooks and will hopefully have a few of them lining up at the Berkshire venue. If they do, undoubtedly they will be going in the next Weekend Watch column, so stay tuned!

Ante Post Advice

• I Am Maximus, National Hunt Chase, Cheltenham Festival 2024, 1pt win 16/1 bet365*

* Betting odds correct at the time of publication. All odds are subject to changes.

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