'There's definitely a big handicap in him' - seven Cheltenham eyecatchers

The 2022 Cheltenham Festival has come to an end and while there could only be 28 winners, there were plenty of eyecatching performances from those who didn't quite get the win. Here are seven horses worth keeping onside moving forward

Camprond
Fourth, Coral Cup

David Jennings, deputy Ireland editor

The rain washed away any chance of Camprond winning the Coral Cup, but he still ran a remarkable race for a novice.

Always in the front rank, he got racing a long way from home but still had enough petrol left in the tank to finish fourth. He was beaten just over ten lengths and it makes you wonder how he might have fared had the race been run 24 hours earlier.

My guess is he might have won it and proved his mark of 140 to be far too lenient. When he steps up to three miles on decent ground, he will take some stopping. Aintree awaits.

Grangee
Third, Mares' Novices' Hurdle

Robbie Wilders, the Ante-Postman

Paul Townend perhaps exuded a little too much confidence in the Mares' Novices' Hurdle on Grangee, who fared best of six Willie Mullins-trained runners in third.

She was wider than ideal throughout and wasn't asked for maximum pressure until after she jumped the last. I think she'll stay further and she'd be interesting upped in trip for the 2m4f Grade 1 mares' novice hurdle at Fairyhouse next month.

Second, Mares' Novices' Hurdle

James Burn, Lambourn correspondent

The seven-year-old made a promising start to her hurdling career last season, but then went missing. Getting off the mark was thought a formality in the new campaign and although that has yet to happen, she has been in smart company and showed her ability with a fine second at 50-1.

Winning a maiden or novice hurdle should be straightforward, but there might be some fun to be had on the Flat – a discipline she took to well when with Brian Ellison.

Fifth, Pertemps Final

Lewis Porteous, reporter

He's no spring chicken but Honest Vic appears well handicapped over hurdles after Thursday's fifth-place finish in the Pertemps Final.

Things have not gone to plan over fences this season but he ran a screamer back over hurdles and, without heavy rain the previous day, he may well have been hard to peg back.

He did best of the prominent racers in the Pertemps and, considering he was rated 9lb higher less than a year ago, he is one to keep track of on better ground.

Pulled up, Fulke Walywn Kim Muir Challenge Cup

Jack Haynes, reporter

This progressive chaser was travelling so sweetly when stumbling badly on landing at the fourth-last in the Kim Muir. That all but ended his race and Derek O'Connor pulled him up soon afterwards.

School Boy Hours (near side): pulled up in the Kim Muir but could still land a big prizeCredit: Caroline Norris (racingpost.com/photos)

The Grand National entry would have been firmly involved and, while Aintree must be in doubt on the back of this, there is definitely another big handicap chase in him.

11th, Pertemps Final

Jonathan Harding, reporter

You could almost set your watch on dual Pertemps Final winner Sire Du Berlais running well at the festival, but he was denied the opportunity to build on his second in last season's Stayers' Hurdle this time.

He was badly hampered by the fall of Born Patriot and never really recovered on ground Gordon Elliott believed was too tacky for him. He retained his ability this season at the age of ten and is one to follow.

Third, Mares' Hurdle

Maddy Playle, journalist

Indefatigable's fall two hurdles from home threw the Mares' Hurdle wide open and last year's Pertemps winner was one of those most affected as she was impeded just as she was improving from the rear in a sprint for home.

She flew up the hill to finish third, advertising how strong a stayer she is at this intermediate trip, and can fare better in a more truly run race.

She's still only a seven-year-old and has more to give at the top level and I wonder if connections could be tempted by the Aintree Hurdle, where she'd receive a 7lb allowance.

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The Front Runner is our latest email newsletter available exclusively to Members' Club Ultimate subscribers. Chris Cook, a four-time Racing Reporter of the Year award winner, provides his take on the day's biggest stories and tips for the upcoming racing every morning from Monday to Friday