Three Dark Horses for the 2024 Cheltenham Festival

With 28 dynamic races unfolding over four thrilling days, the Cheltenham Festival offers a prime opportunity to spot some intriguing outsiders. Each race teems with depth, especially the prestigious five Championship contests.

Let's explore three potential underdogs who have a substantial shot at making waves this year.

Bravemansgame – Cheltenham Gold Cup – 12/1

Bravemansgame appears to be the overlooked contender in this year's Cheltenham Gold Cup lineup. Finishing in second place in the same event last year under Paul Nicholls’ guidance, he remains an enticing 12/1 outsider today. Cheltenham odds for the Gold Cup race in the sport.

Bravemansgame triumphs in the King George VI Chase! pic.twitter.com/7pfrJlwXpx

— Sky Sports Racing (@SkySportsRacing) December 26, 2022

Harry Cobden, with odds of 25/1 to become the Cheltenham Festival's top jockey, will be riding Bravemansgame. Cobden, who currently leads the standings in the 2023/24 British Jockeys’ Championship, appears poised for a standout performance at the festival.

Nicholls’ former King George winner Although he hasn't won this season after three tries, he's consistently claimed runner-up finishings. Trainer Ditcheat will ensure he's in top form, and a repeat of last year's performance should see him in contention once more.

Sire Du Berlais – Stayers’ Hurdle – 16/1

It's nearly unheard of for a reigning titleholder to be 16/1 to defend their throne in a Championship race, yet that's precisely where Sire Du Berlais stands in the Stayers’ Hurdle. Last year, Gordon Elliott’s charge stunned the field and emerged victorious. land the day three feature .

⭐️ Sire Du Berlais completes the @CheltenhamRaces – @AintreeRaces double

🏆 G1 JRL Group Liverpool Hurdle
🏆 G1 Stayers’ Hurdle

This remarkable stayer has secured consecutive wins in this high-caliber G1 competition. @gelliott_racing pic.twitter.com/bvzAOpi7bU

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) April 15, 2023

Sire Du Berlais further proved his mettle by clinching victory in the Grade One Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree shortly after Cheltenham. With winnings exceeding £600,000, this seasoned 12-year-old continues to defy expectations.

The Irish marvel's first race back this season took place in the Boyne Hurdle at Navan. This outing has tuned him up nicely, so don't be quick to underestimate him.

Protektorat – Ryanair Chase – 10/1

Trainer Dan Skelton has chosen to reroute Protektorat, traditionally seen in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, into the Ryanair Chase this year. This third-day race provides his Grade One winner with an optimal chance of clinching victory.

With two-time winner Allaho out of this year’s Ryanair Chase This event offers a wide-open field. Protektorat’s official scorecard sits at 165, a whisker behind Stage Star (166) and Conflated (166). Last year's champion, Envoi Allen, registered a 164 rating.

Despite a season not meeting his own standards, Protektorat shone in the Ryanair Chase distance at Lingfield, finishing closely behind L’Homme Presse in the Fleur De Lys Chase. This could very well be his breakout moment at the Festival.

Relish the excitement of this year's Cheltenham Festival. It's shaping up to be among the most memorable in recent memory.