With the prestigious Cheltenham festival just eleven days away, we pick out some great value bets that can cause an upset at large prices.
Supreme Novice Hurdle- Tuesday
Historically a hugely competitive race finding the winner in the opener is tough, but if nabbed it can be a good price and be the start of an excellent four day. Cheltenham ‘bankers’ have a poor record in this event with short price horses like Cousin Vinny, Binocular, Dunguib and Cue Card all coming up short in this event. This year My Tent or Yours has been the talk of Prestbury Park and with his slow winning time on his latest outing 7/4 is desperate value. I have selected two horses at larger prices where each way money should lie.
Champagne Fever 20/1
Last year’s Champion Bumper winner has been the most underestimated horse coming in to this race. A massive 20/1 with Boylesport.com, the sooner you have the each way money down the better. We can forgive Mullins’ charge for his run behind Bright New Dawn as something was amiss, but his form previous and after that run is impeccable. He ran Jezki close to the line Fairyhouse and the tables can be turned in Cheltenham. Champagne Fever has come up the hill well before and Mullins’ is sure to have him primed for the big day. The trip is the clear negative as he looks like he would be better suited to the Neptune, but the Mullins’ camp are adamant on the Supreme as his chosen target, who can argue with them on their recent form.
Dodging Bullets 12/1
Dodging Bullets is a massive price at 12/1 considering what he has achieved. Nicholls believes his charge is the forgotten horse of the Festival. He has beat good rivals on route to Cheltenham and Nicholls thought enough of his charge to chance him in the Christmas Hurdle where he finished third to Darlan. On the issue the champion trainer said
“‘Dodging Bullets is the forgotten horse of the meeting. He was fourth in last year’s Triumph Hurdle, has won twice this season including giving River Maigue seven pounds.
“We were then a bit ambitious and ran in the Christmas Hurdle, finishing third to Darlan and in front of Countrywide Flame. Against older horses that was a great run.
“The slow pace did not suit him that day. He is better suited by pace in the race when he can come from behind. He compares very favourably with our two Supreme winners Noland (2006) and Al Ferof (2011).”
OLGB Mares’ Hurdle-Tuesday
Shop Dj- 20/1
Trained by Peter Fahey, this mare has been a model of consistency over the seasons and is worth an each way bet to run in to the placings this year. She ran an excellent race to finish fifth last season in this contest even though the race was not ran to suit her and she had no luck in running as she got stuck in traffic. She emerged up the hill to pass horses and finish fifth only beaten five lengths by the mighty Quevega. She has since run well over fences including finishing second to Sir Des Champs at Punchestown festival in a Grade One. She returns to Cheltenham this year to have another crack at Willie Mullins’ superstar, and Peter Fahey is sure to have her in top condition for the race.
Weatherbys Champion Bumper- Wednesday
Clondaw Court 8-1
With only one run to his name this horse seems to be leading the Mullins’ brigade in to the Champion Bumper. He was very impressive in his sole win at Punchestown and the drier ground along with a stiffer task looked as if it would suit him. It is a pity did not get another run due to cancellations, but if he did I would think he would be half this price. The Irish have an exceptional record in this race and the prize can very well come back to the Mullins’ yard once again this year courtesy of Clondaw Court.
Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup- Friday
First Lieutenant 16-1
It is time to make use of Boylesports.com offer of no run no bet. Mouse Morris’s charge has been highly expected to run in the Ryanair Chase, but vibes from the camp tell us that the shrewd trainer is still eyeing up the Gold Cup for his previous festival winner. We have to remember he only finished two and a half lengths of Bobs Worth in the RSA last year. First Lieutenant loves the hill and always comes to form around this time. He is massive each way value at a price of 16-1 for the Gold Cup of runs. If not, he will take all the beating in the Ryanair Chase.
