Balls.ie's Cheltenham Tipster: Back Supasundae And A Spicy Double

We are now at the halfway stage of the festival and the Irish raiders have dominated most races so far with an unprecedented 9 winners. Samcro lived up to expectations to the delight of Gordon Elliot. Presenting Percy delivered in great style with a flawless round of jumping. Altior appeared to be struggling mid race and finished like a true champion to capture another Queen Mother Champion Chase. Today’s racing is of a lesser standard than that of yesterday’s but there are two horses that really stand out:

Sun Bet Stayers Hurdle (Grade 1)

Supasundae 8/1 NAP

This year’s stayers hurdle looks extremely competitive and a case can be made for 8 of the runners involved. Sam Spinner is an improving sort and will really appreciate the soft ground. His run in the Long Walk hurdle was impressive and Joe Colliver seems to have built up a decent relationship with the youngest runner in the field. He will most likely bowl along up front and try make this the toughest of stamina tests. Owner JP McManus has two live contenders with Unowhatimeanharry and Yanworth, the latter will be comfortable with both trip and conditions. Barry Geraghty has chosen Yanworth and will try to sit in midfield and play his cards late. Willie Mullins will send both Penhill and Bacardys to post and both look like decent each way prospects at odds of 12/1 and 8/1 respectively.

Now for the selection and overall NAP of the festival Supasundae. The selection and Apples Jade ran terrific races at the Leopardstown festival and although Apples Jade has since been dethroned of her Mares title that form really stands out. The Jessica Harrington trained 8 year old gave Apples Jade 7 pounds and finished within half a length of the Gigginstown mare. Supasundae also defeated Faugheen, melon and Mick Jazz in the Irish Champion hurdle over a shorter distance. Ground conditions are not ideal but he has sufficient form on soft ground to suggest that it will not be a major hindrance. Robbie Power will drop Supasundae into midfield and conserve as much energy as possible so he can use his finishing kick to great effect. The odds are extremely generous and he is my NAP of the festival.

Double:

As odds are quite short on the following selections a double is recommended.

Recommended

Ryanair Chase (Grade 1)

Un De Sceaux (8/11)

Un De Sceaux has everything in his favour and the softer the ground the better his chance. He is as brave and dynamic as they come and his festival experience will also prove valuable. Cue Card is a strong traveller but is prone to errors and the Mullins ace looks like he should be able to stay in front from pillar to post.

Trull House Stud Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle

Laurina (4/7)

Laurina has a massive reputation and looks to be a nailed-on certainty in this. Her from has since been franked by Jessica Harrington’s Alletrix. The ground will not be a concern and as this looks like a particularly poor renewal, the Mullins mare looks like the standout pick.