Iroko and Corbetts Cross’ Cheltenham Festival novice race targets narrowed down after scratchings.

Predators Gold has retained his entry in the Baring Bingham, while Ballyburn, the red-hot favorite for both the Supreme and Baring Bingham, remains entered in both contests. Possible Cheltenham targets for JP McManus’ classy novice chasers Iroko and Corbetts Cross have also become clearer.

There are 24 horses left in the 2m4f Grade 1, following the scratching of 43 percent of the initial entries, and 18 left in the Grade 2 contest. Last year’s Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle winner, Stay Away Fay, was one of eight taken out of the National Hunt Chase, and his sole entry is in the Brown Advisory, which still has 26 contenders after 12 scratchings.

Willie Mullins’ high-class young chasers, including Gaelic Warrior, Fact To File, and Facile Vega, all still have uncertain targets, as they remain entered in each race they were initially entered in. Last year’s Grand Annual runner-up, Dinoblue, is a heavy favorite to give her trainer Willie Mullins a third victory in what will be the fourth running of the festival’s newest contest.

The latter two also retained their entries in the Supreme. If you are not a Members’ Club Ultimate subscriber, you can consider becoming one to gain access to exclusive content and benefits.