Cheltenham Festival
Poniros can spring surprise in Champion Hurdle
With under three weeks until the Cheltenham Festival, the betting is beginning to take shape as the main protagonists have all made their case so far this season.
We’ll have winning favourites, but which horses are being ignored in the betting? Let’s look at a few dark horses for the big four days.
Sober Glory
Kicking off the festival is the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, which currently looks like one of the more competitive renewals in recent years.
Old Park Star heads the betting for the Nicky Henderson team. We’ve seen this story before with the likes of Constitution Hill and Shishkin kicking off the festival in style for the Seven Barrows team, and Old Park Star could well follow suit
There are several Irish challengers who look interesting, but it’s Sober Glory who is underestimated in the betting currently.
He was impressive on his last start, winning by over 25 lengths. Often going from the front, his run style can sap the stamina of his rivals, especially if the ground were to come up on the softer side.
There’s a good chance he could have several of his rivals off the bridal turning for home and at 12/1 NRMB, he looks a good each way bet currently.
Poniros
Last year’s shock Triumph Hurdle winner Poniros is set to contest the Champion Hurdle, which looks a wide-open renewal this year.
The New Lion looks the solid one at the head of affairs, but you can have reservations over his form along with the likes of Brighterdaysahead and Constitution Hill, who are the market principles.
Poniros could have a lot of upside at his current price of 14/1. Following a satisfactory return on seasonal debut at the Dublin Racing Festival, there’s a strong possibility he’ll have the services of Paul Townend if Lossiemouth diverts to the Mares’ Hurdle.
He’s got a perfect record at the track and could be one to spring a surprise yet again.
The Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase looked to be a foregone conclusion for most of the season, with Final Demand considered the banker of the Festival for many.
However, he blotted his copybook at the DRF, seeing the market open right up and it may be worth looking for one further down in the betting.
Wendigo is still underestimated and looks a good each way bet at 7/1. There’s no doubt about his stamina and should be the one staying on up the hill when others could be crying off.
J’Arrive De L’Est
Currently priced at 14/1 for the Cross Country Handicap Chase, J’Arrive De L’Est is of interest for the shrewd partnership of Emmet Mullins and Paul Byrne.
Twice sent off favourite at Cheltenham over the banks this season, it’s clear that connections believe that he may have something in hand off his current mark.
He has run well in defeat twice and could be one to step forward on the day against rivals who will have to shoulder considerably more weight.
Lecky Watson
Following the release of this year’s Grand National weights, Lecky Watson must be of interest in the Gold Cup at 66/1 with Non-Runner Money Back.
There is a possibility that this horse won’t run in the race and be prepared for a Grand National, but with the NRMB concession, you’ll get your stake back if he doesn’t line up.
His campaign has looked geared towards the Grand National, and with his place in the race now guaranteed, and with a favourable weight, we could see him take a mighty step forward at the Festival.
He stayed on strongly in last year’s Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase over three miles, jumping well throughout and looks an ideal type for this race, which looks open at the current stage.
