With the Cheltenham Festival underway, it is time to have a look at the festival markets and go about trying to build an accumulator or a multiple of sorts to take throughout the meeting. Without wanting to state the obvious with the likes of Honeysuckle, Allaho et al, I have tried to make sure they are somewhat competitive prices and although the following four horses have been found in their markets - they should take some beating in their respective races.
National Hunt Chase - Run Wild Fred (11/4)
This horse ticks every box when it comes to this grueling test of a novice chaser. When looking through the previous winners of this race, the statistics point you in the way of an experienced horse who has had a fair few starts over fences and has got notable durability. Run Wild Fred is a second season novice and his ability to compete in big field handicaps will be a massive advantage when stepping into a race such as this. He is likely to be handy for the majority of the way and he doesn’t hold any concerns over the trip, his jumping or his ability to get up the hill. He should be right there come the end of the race.
Champion Bumper - American Mike (9/4)
It may prove to be remiss siding against such a strong bunch of Willie Mullins horses in this year’s Champion Bumper - but given his reputation, American Mike has to be the one to come in for a bet in this race. Facile Vega has done it superbly in his last two starts, winning with large amounts in hand at Leopardstown against two smart horses. However, his price is skimpy and American Mike may look a shade of value given what he too has achieved in bumpers this season. Gordon Elliot knows what it takes to win this race and this horse brings in very likebale credentials.
Mares Novice Hurdle - Brandy Love 10/3
This mare has more than enough ability to win this race and it is really a case of what she does on the track beforehand and during the race that may influence the result. Having been superb at Naas on her first start over obstacles, she put in a heavily errant performance when second at Fairyhouse, drifting markedly left at her flights and giving heaps of ground away. She comes back to a left handed course this time around, which is sure to suit and will help her jumping. If she can settle in a prominent position, her combination of both speed and stamina should see her take a lot of pegging back up the remorseless Cheltenham hill.
Mares Chase - Elimay 5/2
If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again. That is the case for the majority of us who perhaps got our fingers slightly burnt last season when just being touched off in this race by Colreevy after the two of them had gone at it from a long way out. She was arguably going into last year’s race with the best form on offer and although some of her form this year has only been okay - she seemed to take well to first time cheekpieces last time out. That may have sharpened her up a little bit and may give her the added spark to go one better this time around. She doesn’t have quite the same calibre of mare to take on this year, and if getting into a similar rhythm to last year, I can’t see her far away.
SEE ALSO: Cheltenham: World Famous Balls.ie Tipster Table For Day 1
