Cheltenham's list of races at risk emphasises the folly of a fifth day
The first proper decisions about the 2020 Cheltenham Festival begin to be made this week. Only when this year's festival has been and gone will a key decision about the 2021 festival be taken.
At noon on Tuesday entries close for the Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup, Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase and Ryanair Chase. Just a few weeks ago it was perfectly conceivable Altior could be entered for all three. That no longer seems likely, but it would be odd if the quadruple festival winner is not at least given the Champion and Ryanair options.
Indeed, at this point, with the opening March roar still nine weeks away, keeping options open is the name of the game. Altior will be one of numerous star names handed more than one Grade 1 entry, meaning anyone minded to make ante-post investments must hope, guess or give up and try to find the winner of the Lanzarote instead.
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