Which horses could Rachael Blackmore be riding at the 2022 Cheltenham Festival?

After an incredible 2021 Cheltenham Festival, Rachael Blackmore looks to have a host of strong chances to add to her tally at next month's massive meeting.

With bookmakers pricing up the Grand National-winning jockey at 7-2 to win the leading rider award for a second time, here are some of the mounts she could have to look forward to at the Cheltenham Festival.

Confirmation of Blackmore's riding plans at the festival, which gets under way on Tuesday, March 15, will be revealed two days before each race.

Cheltenham Festival: big-race entries

Honeysuckle

Unibet Champion Hurdle (3.30), Tuesday 15 March

Unbeaten in her 14 starts over hurdles, the Henry de Bromhead-trained Honeysuckle is one of racing's brightest stars and could get Blackmore's Cheltenham Festival off to a flying start on day one.

The record-breaking rider has been aboard for each of Honeysuckle's wins on the track – the pair have an exceptional relationship.

Honeysuckle: could be the apple of Blackmore's eye at this year's Cheltenham FestivalCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

All eyes will be on the ten-time Grade 1 scorer as she bids to become the first mare to win the Champion Hurdle on more than one occasion, having landed the same race impressively last year by six and a half lengths.

Appreciate It, trained by Willie Mullins, hasn't been seen since blowing his rivals away in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at last year's Cheltenham Festival, but is expected to throw down a serious challenge to Honeysuckle on his comeback run here.

Telmesomethinggirl

Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle (4.10), Tuesday 15 March

It promises to be a big 40 minutes or so for Blackmore, De Bromhead and owner Kenny Alexander on day one of the meeting as the same connections' Telmesomethinggirl is arguably the one to beat in the Mares' Hurdle.

Like Honeysuckle, this talented performer also won at last year's Cheltenham Festival when bolting up in the Mares' Novices' Hurdle by five and a half lengths.

Telmesomethinggirl: impressive winner at last year's Cheltenham Festival for Rachael BlackmoreCredit: Edward Whitaker

She was last seen finishing a highly creditable third at Leopardstown's Christmas festival behind Royal Kahala and Heaven Help Us – two rivals she will likely face again at Cheltenham.

It seems a return to the Cotswolds next month has been the priority all season long for Telmesomethinggirl, though, and she is expected to improve from her most recent run to deliver a bold bid.

Journey With Me

Ballymore Novices' Hurdle(1.30), Wednesday 16 March

This race provided Blackmore and De Bromhead with one of their most impressive winners at last year's festival in Bob Olinger, and Journey With Me could be another future star for the pair this time around.

It remains to be seen whether this unbeaten youngster will definitely run in the opening race on day two of the meeting, as he also holds an entry for the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle on the Friday.

Journey With Me: exciting prospect for the 2022 Cheltenham FestivalCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

However, De Bromhead has indicated that this Grade 1 event could be his preferred target, opening the door for a potential clash with some deeply exciting stars including Grade 1 winner Stage Star.

Envoi Allen

Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase(3.30), Wednesday 16 March

Despite also having the option of running in the Ryanair Chase a day later, connections have suggested that they are leaning towards running Envoi Allen here against top-class chasers Shishkin, Energumene and Chacun Pour Soi.

There may be a chance that Blackmore rides last year's winner Put The Kettle On considering that mare also represents the De Bromhead stable, but the leading jockey has ridden Envoi Allen on his last four starts, whereas she has partnered Put The Kettle On only once in her last ten outings.

Envoi Allen: bagged another Grade 1 for Rachael Blackmore and Henry de Bromhead at Leopardstown in DecemberCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Blackmore rode outsider Notebook when Aidan Coleman struck in this race 12 months ago on Put The Kettle On.

He may be a six-time Grade 1 winner, but it could be argued that Envoi Allen hasn't lived up to the huge promise he showed as a novice. However, connections will be hoping he bounces back to his brilliant best when lining up in the day-two feature.

Bob Olinger

Turners Novices' Chase(1.30), Thursday 17 March

The door hasn't been totally shut on Bob Olinger lining up in Wednesday's Brown Advisory Novices' Chase, but this appears to be the favoured target for last season's brilliant Ballymore Novices' Hurdle hero.

Potentially an Irish banker for the Cheltenham Festival if Galopin Des Champs is diverted to the Brown Advisory, this hugely promising seven-year-old has only been beaten once when second to the sidelined Ferny Hollow on his hurdling debut last term.

Bob Olinger: in unstoppable form when winning last year's Ballymore Novices' HurdleCredit: Michael Steele (Getty Images)

Blackmore has been aboard for four of his five wins over hurdles and fences, so knows the Robcour-owned performer extremely well.

Aside from Honeysuckle, this could prove to be her best chance of a winner at the meeting.

A Plus Tard

Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup(3.30), Friday 18 March

Blackmore came agonisingly close to winning the event last year when second to stablemate Minella Indo aboard A Plus Tard, but she looks to have every chance of going one better this time around.

A Plus Tard and Rachael Blackmore: winning combination in this season's Betfair ChaseCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Judged on the fact that Robbie Power partnered reigning champion Minella Indo last time in the Irish Gold Cup – a race which Blackmore was without a ride in – it appears as though the 32-year-old is set to stay loyal to A Plus Tard, who was extremely impressive when winning the Betfair Chase at Haydock in November.

It promises to be an enthralling highlight of the meeting, with A Plus Tard seeking revenge on the Gordon Elliott-trained Galvin after missing out by short head to that rival in a thrilling Savills Chase at Leopardstown in December.

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