Ballymore Novices` Hurdle Preview - Cheltenham Festival

Published on: 11/03/2020

Ballymore Novices` Hurdle Preview - Cheltenham Festival

March 11, 2020 13:30pm - Cheltenham

Distance: 2m 5f 26y

Grade: (Grade 1) (Class 1) (4yo+)

Runners: 12

Winner: £70,338

Going: Soft

Day Two kicks off with the Ballymore Novices` Hurdle, the premier race of the season for novice hurdlers in which riders must navigate a trip of 2m 5f. The horse who claims victory will be following in the hoof steps of top-class hurdlers such as Champions Hurdle winners Istabraq, Hardy Eustace and Faugheen.

The Irish runners have enjoyed plenty of success here with five of the last six winners and that trend looks set to continue with Envoi Allen. Last year`s Champion Bumper winner is unbeaten in three over hurdles and has already claimed two Grade One wins. This represents a step up in distance for the Gordon Elliott-trained horse but he has shown no signs that he has reached his limit yet.

His victory last year came in a strong field but there few here that seem capable of competing with his quality. Sporting John might be the best contender thanks to his pace, while Longhouse Poet should be considered for each-way bets. His connections know what it takes to win here having brought City Island home in first place a year ago.

Ballymore Novices` Hurdle Preview Winners - past six years:

2014: Faugheen (6) - Ruby Walsh (Willie Mullins)

2015: Windsor Park (6) - Davy Russell (Dermot Weld)

2016: Yorkhill (6) - Ruby Walsh (Willie Mullins)

2017: Willoughby Court (6) David Bass (Ben Pauling)

2018: Samcro (6) J W Kennedy (G. Elliott)

2019: City Island (6) M Brassil (M P Walsh)

Latest Betting odds:

Envoi Allen (8/11), Sporting John (10/3), The Big Breakaway (7/1), The Big Getaway (11/1), Easywork (14/1), Longhouse Poet (18/1), Mossy Fen (33/1), Son Of Camas (40/1), Shakem Up`arry (66/1), Decor Irlandais (80/1), Shan Blue (100/1), Getaway Fred (100/1)

By Neil Morris

Published on: 11/03/2020

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (11/03/2020 10:08:33) but are subject to change.