Four Cheltenham Festival talking points to emerge from the weekend action

Newbury's Betfair Super Saturday has long had a big bearing on the Cheltenham Festival and it was another informative weekend at the Berkshire track and Kingmaker Novice Chase day at Warwick. Here are four key talking points

Plenty to like about Dollars comeback

There were some eyecatching performances behind the big winners on Saturday, no more so than Dynamite Dollars, who ran a fine race after more than a year off to finish a three-and-a-half length third behind Altior in the Betfair Exchange Chase.

Dynamite Dollars (second right) leads over the last before finishing third to Altior (left) and Sceau Royal (second left) in Saturday's Game Spirit Chase at NewburyCredit: Edward Whitaker

Given trainer Paul Nicholls had stressed before the race how much the talented chaser would improve for the comeback, bookmakers may have been generous in offering 33-1 for the Champion Chase, in which he certainly has each-way claims with improvement to come.

Game Spirit beaten pair still hold Champion hopes

Could Pic be competitive in Champion?

The lightly-raced Pic D'Orhy emerged as a potential Champion Hurdle contender with victory in the Betfair Hurdle.

The bunched finish with the grand old handicap hurdler Remiluc going close, getting just 7lb from the winner, looks far removed from normal Champion Hurdle form, but this year does look far from a traditional championship showdown and particularly open.

Harry Cobden: was impressed by Pic D'Orhy in the Betfair HurdleCredit: Grossick Racing (racingpost.com/photos)

Harry Cobden felt Pic D'Orhy would warrant his place in the Champion Hurdle with Paul Nicholls and owner Johnny De La Hey set to consider whether to supplement the five-year-old. It's a nice dilemma to have!

Watch the replay of a dramatic Betfair Hurdle

Ocean no small matter for Champion Bumper

Those who stayed for the Listed bumper at Newbury were treated to the most impressive winner on the card as Ocean Wind had the race won well before the final furlong.

The diminutive Godolphin-bred relished the step up to two miles and was shortened to 16-1 (from 33) for the Champion Bumper after his eight-length rout.

Ocean Wind (Aidan Coleman) stretches clear of his rivals to win the Listed bumper at Newbury on SaturdayCredit: Alan Crowhurst

His trainer Roger Teal has already pulled a rabbit from his hat in saddling Tip To Win to finish second at 50-1 in the 2,000 Guineas in 2018, and it would be no surprise to see Ocean Wind, who appears a leading Bumper contender for the home challenge, run a big race.

Watch Ocean Wind's bumper win at Newbury

Coral Cup could be intriguing for Indefatigable

Paul Webber's star mare Indefatigable recorded a joint peak Racing Post Rating of 145 with a ready success in the Listed mares' hurdle at Warwick.

The seven-year-old mare is entered in the Mares' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival but the Coral Cup was mooted as a potential alternative by Webber.

Paul Webber: options are open with top mare IndefatigableCredit: Edward Whitaker

A dual Listed winner, Indefatigable boasts form figures of 512 at Cheltenham and should be rated high enough to make the cut. She could be an interesting outsider at 25-1 with bet365.

Watch Indefatigable strike in the Listed event at Warwick

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