The Champion Hurdle is the big race on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival but there are a number of other significant events before the first day of action is completed at the Gloucestershire track. Here are the thoughts on the remainder of the card.
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1.30: Supreme Novice Hurdle
Favourite
The opening race of the 4 day spectacle has a typical Ricci, Mullins, Walsh hotpot at the head of the betting in Getabird but he’s one to take on. He is 2 from 2 over hurdles and readily beat one of the today’s rivals, Mengli Khan in the Moscow Flyer at Punchestown last time. This track will put more emphasis on stamina, further exaggerated by the likely heavy ground, and whilst those conditions may suit, his price is skinny and there are plenty of alternatives.
Preview
The challenge from this side of the pond is headed by Kalashnikov, Summerville Boy and First Flow but I’m not a fan of any of the 3. The first named is trading at less than 5/1 based on his win in the Betfair Hurdle and, as impressive as that was, he’d previously finished behind Summerville Boy in the Tolworth where the winner stayed on better and handled the heavy ground.
Summerville Boy was beaten on his previous 2 starts, behind a couple of rivals trading at much bigger prices in this; Western Ryder & Slate House.
Betting
That brings me to the first bet with 20/1 shot Slate House. He won his first 2 over hurdles, both at this track. Colin Tizzard’s charge has something to prove on his last 2 starts but excuses can be made, not least the wellbeing of the yard. He was 7 lengths behind Claimantakinforgan, giving 5lbs to the winner, but stayed on really well after dropping to last. That day he was far too keen so his performance can be upgraded, whilst last time he was some way behind Santini & Black Op but gave them 5lb & was running well until an extra 4 furlongs on heavy ground took its toll. The step back in distance is a big plus; he is a guaranteed stayer on this ground, being from the Big Bucks family, so the fast pace on heavy going might play to his strengths.
First Flow has won his last 3, 2 of which were on heavy, but he’s beaten little and at around 10/1 is a little short in the market. Paloma Blue should not be ignored especially as he appeared to be 2nd best behind the potential superstar Samcro last time out but, for my 2nd bet, I’m looking at one who finished a bit further back in that race, the Deloitte, at a much bigger price in Debuchet. He came here 12 months ago as a 4 year old and ran the ill-fated Fayonagh very close in the Bumper, finishing 2nd. He’s run twice over hurdles, being turned over in a 24 runner race at short odds but travelled well for a long way & still going best off the home turn before the lack of a recent outing came into play. His run in the Deloitte wasn’t without promise where he was tapped for toe but, again, the ground and stiffness of track is a bonus as is his course form. Positive noises are coming from the stable too so I cannot overlook this one at 33/1.
Tips
Back Slate House (e/w) for a 0.5/10 stake at 21.00 Bet365 BOG (¼ odds 1-4)
Back Debuchet (e/w) for a 0.5/10 stake at 34.00 Bet365 BOG (¼ odds 1-4)
2.50: Ultima Handicap Chase
Favourite
A field of just 18, 6 short of the limit, go to post in the 3 mile 1 furlong Ultima where some experienced handicapper’s are on show. Coo Star Sivola is a ridiculous price as, to me, he’s poorly handicapped whilst Vintage Clouds has a solid chance but has been backed into a slightly skinny price.
Preview
Of those under 10/1, Singlefarmpayment would be the one most likely to land the spoils especially with his Cheltenham form but I’m slightly concerned with his recent jumping so I’m heading further down for my one bet in this.
New Customers can get Footpad, Buveur D’air, Getabird & Apples Jade at an enhanced 100/1 to win. Max Stake £1. Winnings paid in free bets. Full T&Cs Apply. 18+|Gamble Aware.
Betting
David Pipe & Tom Scudamore have landed 3 of the last 10 runnings of this, including the last 2 with Un Temps Pour Tout, and I’m sticking with the pair to add to their great record in this race. This year, Ramses De Teillee is the horse in question and this grey comes here in top form and could still be better than his mark which, admittedly, has risen significantly this term.
Started off over hurdles but quickly turned to fences when hacking up at Chepstow on bottomless ground. Raised 15lb for that,upped 2 furlongs in trip & shouldering a monster 12st1lb, he only gave up after the last to Get On The Yager who was 9lb lower in mark & has since gone on to land the Rowland Meyrick Chase. The pair came clear off the rest.
In 2 runs since, he won off 137 and finished 2nd in a Graduation Chase behind Elegant Escape off level weights. The winner was rated 2lb better than our horse but that run has resulted in Pipe’s horse being dropped a generous 3lb by the handicapper. He travelled sweetly that day and was only beaten by a rival who’s been battling it out with the 155-rated & RSA live challenger Black Corton. The selection jumps well & provided he shows that again, I fancy him to go very close in an open looking race.
Tips
Back Ramses De Teillee (e/w) for a 1/10 stake at 13.00 Betfair Sportsbook BOG (⅕ odds 1-5)
Back it here:
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4.10: Mares Hurdle
Favourite
The Mares Hurdle should be a formality for last year’s winner, Apples Jade, who has won her last 5 including this race 12 months ago. She’s taken care of the likes of Vroum Vroum Mag, Limini, Supasundae & Nichols Canyon and is a class apart. 8/13 looks a fair price but not one I can get involved at so I’ve looked in the market without the favourite.
Preview
Interestingly, the race only attracted 9 runners so we have a bare 8 for the market without Apples Jade. The bottom 4 look to be well & truly outclassed so I think this is, effectively, a 4 runner market paying 3 places. According to the betting, Benie Des Dieux is the biggest threat to the favourite. She has won her last 3 but each of those has been over fences so I find it hard to be confident about her chances. The value has gone from La Bague Au Roi who is 7 from 9 over hurdles but one of those defeats was on her only visit here.
New Customers can get Apple’s Jade at an enhanced 28/1 to win the Mares Hurdle. Max Stake £1. Winnings paid in free bets. Full T&Cs Apply. 18+|Gamble Aware.
Betting
I prefer the chances of Jers Girl, who has been turned over by La Bague Au Roi & Apples Jade on her last 2 starts but, at 11/2 in the market without Apples Jade, looks an each way bet to nothing. She’s been off since before Christmas so will be fresh but her run behind La Bague Au Roi had enough promise in it and the return to softer ground is a tick in her box.
She’s a horse that loves the ground and she goes well after a break so all is in line for a good run. The assistance of Barry Geraghty in the saddle is a plus and it is interesting when watching last year’s race back that she was still travelling well when coming down 3 from home. A horse that has mixed it with the very best shouldn’t be trading at such a big price here and she’s excellent value to finish in behind the favourite. I can’t see her being out of the first 3.
Kayf Grace is the only other in with a chance but hasn’t really built on a big Aintree bumper win 2 years ago. Her run last time out in the Betfair Hurdle was particularly disappointing, especially as the market spoke heavily in her favour.
Tips
Back Jers Girl in the ‘w/o Apples Jade’ market (e/w) for a 2/10 stake at 6.50 BetVictor (⅕ odds 1-3)
Back her here:
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