Champion Hurdle - Cheltenham Betting Tips, Cheltenham Festival Tips 2012

Champion Hurdle Betting Update

February 20, 2011 By Racing Diary

CHAMPION Hurdle sponsors STAN JAMES emerged with differing opinions from the two trials run at Wincanton and Gowran Park today, being unimpressed with MILLE CHIEF but taking a positive view over DUNGUIB’s victory in Ireland.

Mille Chief is unchanged at 12-1 while Dunguib is in to 12-1 (from 20-1).

Mille Chief had to grit it out before catching Celestial Halo and scoring by a nose in the Kingwell Hurdle, while Dunguib’s jumping was much more assured than it was last season during his passage to victory in the Red Mills Trial Hurdle.

“Mille Chief looked set to win comfortably turning for home at Wincanton, but ultimately scraped home for Alan King and Choc Thornton from a rival that has been taken out of the Champion Hurdle.
“However, Dunguib appeared to enjoy his jumping more than was the case in many of his races as a novice, suggesting he may have grown up during the summer and first half of the winter. His three and a half length win over Luska Lad was not that of a potential Champion Hurdle winner, but was a step in the right direction.”

Latest Stan James Champion Hurdle prices:
7-2 Binocular
4 Menorah
5 Peddlers Cross
5 Hurricane Fly
12 Oscar Whisky
12 Mille Chief
12 Dunguib
20 bar

Filed Under: Cheltenham News Tagged With: Champion Hurdle, Dunguib

Stan James to Sponsor Supreme Novice Hurdle

February 3, 2011 By Racing Diary

StanJames.com are delighted to announce that they have secured the sponsorship of the opening race at the 2011 Cheltenham Festival, the Stan James Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.

Cheltenham Festival

This means that the company now hold two key sponsorships on day one of the Cheltenham Festival - the Stan James Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, and the Stan James Champion Hurdle.

To mark the sponsorship, from 8.30 am to midnight on Friday (Feb 4) StanJames.com are going to offer top price on every single runner in the Stan James Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. Our ante-post book on the Stan James Supreme Novices’ Hurdle will be fully updated on Friday morning to ensure that we are top industry price on every runner quoted.

Cue Card heads the entries for the Grade One Stan James Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham. Last season’s runaway Grade One Weatherbys Champion Bumper hero is one of 86 entries for the extended two-mile curtain-raiser to The Festival on Centenary Day, Tuesday, March 15.

Filed Under: Cheltenham News Tagged With: Champion Hurdle, Cheltenham Festival 2011, Supreme Novices' hurdle

Hurricane Fly Stakes Champion Hurdle Claims

January 23, 2011 By Racing Diary

Hurricane Fly confirmed his Champion Hurdle credentials with a confident win in the BHP Insurances Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown.

Hurricane Fly

He has now beaten rival Solwhit four times out of five and the result never looked in doubt this time.

Latest Champion Hurdle Prices…

Paddy Power: 5-2 Binocular, 5 Hurricane Fly, Menorah, 11-2 Peddlers Cross, 12 Oscar Whisky, 14 Dunguib, 20 Cue Card, Khyber Kim, Mille Chief, Overturn, Zaynar, 25 Get Me Out Of Here, Silviniaco Conti, Solwhit, 33 bar

Paddy Power said: “Hurricane Fly has well and truly proved that he is the King of the Irish hurdlers. But will he become the master of Europe on March 15 when he meets the cream of the English, including reigning champion Binocular?”

Filed Under: Cheltenham Betting Tagged With: Champion Hurdle, Cheltenham Festival 2011, Hurricane Fly

Cheltenham Clues A Plenty

January 2, 2011 By Racing Diary

Whisky 14/1 for Champion Hurdle after Cheltenham victory

Oscar Whisky has been introduced into the Champion Hurdle market at 14/1 by totesport after an impressive victory in the Cheltenham & Three Counties Club Hurdle at Prestbury Park this afternoon.

Barry Geraghty’s mount was always travelling strongly and scooted up the hill after the last to win by seven lengths. Runner-up Any Given Day has been given a quote of 20/1 for the Ladbrokes World Hurdle after battling on gamely to take second.

‘Last year’s Supreme Novices’ Hurdle is proving to be a rich source of winners with Oscar Whisky the latest to make an impressive seasonal reappearance and he looks certain to have a crack at the Champion Hurdle after taking in the Welsh equivalent at Ffos Las next month,’ said totesport spokesman George Primarolo.

Elsewhere on the card, Bobs Worth is a 20/1 shot with totesport for the Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival after winning a race of the same name this afternoon.

Stan James introduced this afternoon’s Cheltenham winner Blazing Bailey into their market for the Festival Handicap Chase (former William Hill Handicap Chase) at 12/1 jt favourite.

Latest Antepost Odds….

Coral Welsh National – totesport bet: 11/2 Synchronised, 9 Maktu, 10 Dance Island, 11 Bluesea Cracker, Watamu Bay, 14 Dream Alliance, Silver By Nature, 16 Becauseicouldntsee, Hello Bud, Lochan Lacha, Master Overseer, Summery Justice, 20 Arbor Supreme, Beautiful Sound, Exmoor Ranger, Imoncloudnine, Old Benny, 22 Ballyfitz, 25 Royal Rosa, 28 Giles Cross, 33 Ballyfoy, Dashing George, Flight Leader, Hills Of Aran, 40 bar.

¼ 1-2-3-4

William Hill King George VI Chase – totesport bet: 4/5 Kauto Star, 11/2 Long Run, 11 Forpadydeplasterer, 12 Riverside Theatre, 14 Sizing Europe, 16 Planet Of Sound, 20 The Nightingale, 28 Albertas Run, 40 Madison du Berlais, 200 Ollie Magern.

¼ 1-2-3 NRNB

Supreme Novices’ Hurdle – totesport bet: 2 Cue Card, 6 Zaidpour, 10 Hidden Universe, Rock On Ruby, 12 Toubab, 16 Dare Me, Sam Winner, 20 First Lieutenant, Megastar, Prince Of Pirates, Shot From The Hip, 25 Elegant Concorde, Minella Class, Sprinter Sacre, 33 Act Of Kalanisi, Dunraven Storm

¼ 1-2-3

Irish Independent Arkle Trophy – totesport bet: 6 Ghizao, 10 Finian’s Rainbow, Medermit, 14 Realt Dubh, Royal Charm, 16 Captain Chris, Noble Prince, Surfing, 20 Loosen My Load, Mikael d’Haguenet, 25 Quwetwo, 33 Bellvano, Kilmurry, Vino Griego.

¼ 1-2-3

Stan James Champion Hurdle – totesport bet: 7/2 Hurricane Fly, 4 Binocular, Menorah, 6 Peddlers Cross, 14 (first show) Oscar Whisky, Cue Card, Khyber Kim, Silviniaco Conti, 16 Dunguib, Overturn, 20 Soldatino, Starluck, 25 Get Me Out Of Here, Quevega, 33 Alaivan, Blackstairmountain, Escort’men, Zaynar, 40 General Miller, Mille Chief, Sanctuaire.

¼ 1-2-3

Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle – totesport bet: 7 Zaidpour, 8 Rock On Ruby, 10 Backspin, 12 So Young, 16 (first show) Bobs Worth, Dare Me, Last Instalment, 20 Al Ferof, Frawley, Megastar, Minella Class, 25 Bishopsfurze, Dunraven Storm.

¼ 1-2-3

RSA Chase – totesport bet: 3 Time For Rupert, 10 Mikael d’Haguenet, 12 Quel Esprit, Wayward Prince, 14 Jessie’s Dream, Reve de Sivola, 16 Aiteenthirtythree, Chicago Grey, Wymott, 25 Loosen My Load, Peveril, Wishful Thinking, 33 Alfie Sherrin, Sang Bleu.

¼ 1-2-3

Queen Mother Champion Chase – totesport bet: 7/4 Master Minded, 3 Big Zeb, 8 Woolcombe Folly, 10 Captain Cee Bee, Golden Silver, Sizing Europe, Tataniano, 12 Forpadydeplaster, 16 Gauvain, 20 Kalahari King, Somersby, 25 Riverside Theatre.

¼ 1-2-3

Ladbrokes World Hurdle – totesport bet: 4/7 Big Buck’s, 8 Quevega, 9 Long Run, 12 Karabak, 14 Mourad, Zaynar, 16 Bensalem, 20 (first show) Any Given Day, Quel Esprit, 25 Aegean Dawn, 33 Celestial Halo.

¼ 1-2-3

JCB Triumph Hurdle – totesport bet: 9/2 Sam Winner, 10 Smad Place, 12 Brampour, 14 Grandouet, 20 Bob Le Beau, Comedy Act, 25 Donatulo, Empire Levant, Pullyourfingerout, Sailors Warn, Third Intention, 33 Architrave, Balerina, Captains Dilemma, Maoi Chinn Tire, Pantxoa, Pepite Rose, Titan De Sarti, 40 Toner d’Oudairies.

¼ 1-2-3

totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup – sponsors bet: 7/2 Imperial Commander, 9/2 Kauto Star, 8 Denman, 10 Diamond Harry, 14 Burton Port, Pandorama, 20 Cooldine, Long Run, Pride Of Dulcote, Sizing Europe, What A Friend, 25 Midnight Chase, Mikael d’Haguenet, Punchestowns, 33 Planet Of Sound, Taranis, The Nightingale, Weird Al.

¼ 1-2-3

John Smith’s Grand National – totesport bet: 20 Big Fella Thanks, Black Apalachi, Don’t Push It, Hello Bud, Merigo, Niche Market, 25 Bluesea Cracker, Notre Pere, Silver By Nature, State Of Play, 33 Arbor Supreme, Backstage, Ballabriggs, The Midnight Club, 40 Character Building, Maljimar, Mon Mome, The Package, Tricky Trickster.

¼ 1-2-3-4

Filed Under: Cheltenham News Tagged With: Champion Hurdle, Cheltenham Festival 2011, Nicky Henderson, Oscar Whiskey

Road to Cheltenham – Cheltenham Review by Charlie McCann

December 16, 2010 By Racing Diary

In recent days we have seen two significant trials for the Stan James champion Hurdle on both sides of the Irish Sea. How has the market altered with the successes of Menorah and Hurricane Fly? and in the aftermath of a wonderful day’s racing at Fairyhouse on Wednesday how is the Irish challenge holding up for the Cheltenham Festival?

Be Lucky

Filed Under: Cheltenham News Tagged With: Champion Hurdle, Cheltenham Festival 2011

Latest Triumph and Champion Hurdle Prices

December 15, 2010 By Racing Diary

Stan James cut Zaidpour from 11s to 9/2 for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle after his fluent success in the Grade 1 Royal Bond at Fairyhouse earlier today. He is 6/1 for the Neptune at the Cheltenham Festival but we believe he is more likely to go for Tuesday’s curtain raiser.

Head of PR Charlie McCann: ” Whilst his hurdling may not have been as fluent as Cue Card’s last Saturday we think Zaidpour is a real threat to last season’s Champion Bumper winner and Cue Card v Zaidpour would get the Festival off to a wonderful start.”

Supreme Novices Hurdle ~ Outright Ante Post, (place terms: 1/4 the first 3)
11-4 Cue Card (from 5/2)
9-2 Zaidpour (from 11s)
12 Kid Cassidy
12 Toubab
16 Megastar
20 Hidden Universe
20 Bobs Worth
20 Prince Of Pirates
20 Dare Me
25 Bar

Neptune Novices Hurdle ~ Outright Ante Post, (place terms: 1/4 the first 3)
6 Zaidpour (from 10s)
10 Al Ferof
14 Kid Cassidy
16 Bishopsfurze
16 Dare Me
16 Megastar
16 Bobs Worth
16 Last Instalment
16 Hidden Universe
20 Bar

Hurricane Fly is the 7/2 joint favourite (from 7/1) for the Stan James Champion Hurdle after his impressive success in the Grade 1 Hatton’s Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse today.

StanJames Champion Hurdle ~ Outright Ante Post – Binocular Giveaway, (place terms: 1/4 the first 3)
7-2 Hurricane Fly (from 7/1)
7-2 Menorah
5 Binocular (from 9/2)
6 Peddlers Cross
16 Bar

Hurricane Fly made a tremendous reappearance to deny his old rival Solwhit again in a thrilling finish to the Bar One Racing Hatton’s Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse.

The talented duo were locked in battle from the final flight but just as at Punchestown in April, Hurricane Fly (11-4) came out on top – but only after a hard-fought tussle.

He was completing a quick double on the card for trainer Willie Mullins and jockey Paul Townend after their success in the previous race with the smart Zaidpour.

Aitmatov made the running, with the two principals tucked away in midfield, until last year’s winner Oscar Dan Dan took it up briefly.

Solwhit then made his bid two out but he was soon joined by Hurricane Fly and the pair treated racegoers to a battle royal with the latter getting home by a length and a half. Voler La Vedette was third.

Filed Under: Cheltenham Betting Tagged With: Champion Hurdle, Triumph Hurdle

Menorah Cut For Champion Hurdle Again

November 16, 2010 By Racing Diary

Sponsors Stan James cut Menorah from 9s to 7/1jt 2nd Fav for the Champion Hurdle after further support for the Greatwood Hurdle winner this morning. We have also pushed out Hurricane Fly from 5s to 7/1.

Head of PR Charlie McCann: ” Having been 12/1 in the immediate aftermath of the Greatwood we were forced to chop Menorah to 9s on Sunday afternoon and have cut the Philip Hobbs runner to 7s this morning as punters take advantage of our insurance of moneyback on the Champion Hurdle if Binocular retains his title. Hurricane Fly is reported to be back on track for the Hatton’s Grace at Fairyhouse on Sunday week, but he has been friendless in recent weeks and we have pushed out the Mullins’ star to 7/1.”

StanJames Champion Hurdle: note money back as a free bet if Binocular wins; Your selection does not need to line up to have st (place terms: 1/4 the first 3)
3    Binocular
7    Hurricane Fly (from 5s)
7    Menorah (from 9s)
10    Solwhit
12    Peddlers Cross
14    Khyber Kim
16    Cue Card
20    Casual Conquest
20    Rite Of Passage
22    Dunguib
22    Go Native
25    Bar

Filed Under: Cheltenham News Tagged With: Champion Hurdle, Cheltenham Festival 2011

Menorah cut for Champion Hurdle after battling Cheltenham success

November 15, 2010 By Racing Diary

Menorah has been cut to 12/1 (from 14/1) by totesport for the Stan James Champion Hurdle after battling to victory in the Greatwood Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham this afternoon. Over in Ireland, Solwhit opened his account for the season when taking the Dobbins & Madigans at Punchestown Hurdle and remains unchanged at 12/1 for the same race.

Menorah provides Philip Hobbs with a Cheltenham booster

‘Menorah showed both class and guts to see off Bothy in the Greatwood Hurdle and now looks a live contender for the Champion Hurdle back at Cheltenham in March,’ said totesport spokesman George Primarolo.

Earlier on the card, Gauvain defied a long absence and impressed many when winning the Sinbad Testimonial 2010/2011 Chase at Prestbury Park and has been introduced into the market by totesport for the Queen Mother Champion Chase at 14/1. Forpadydeplaster ran another game race in defeat and has been nibbled to 10/1 (from 12/1) for the William Hill King George VI Chase at Kempton.

Ghizao jumped his rivals into submission in the Independent Newspaper Novices’ Chase and has been made the 8/1 favourite by totesport for the Arkle Chase at the Festival in March.

Looking ahead to Newbury in a fortnight’s time, Weird Al has been popular for the Hennessy Gold Cup following Little Josh’s victory in the Paddy Power Gold Cup and has been cut to 6/1 joint-second favourite (from 8/1).

Hennessy Gold Cup – totesport bet: 7/2 Denman, 6 (from Weird Al, Kauto Star, 13/2 Diamond Harry, 9 Burton Port, Pandorama, 10 Neptune Collonges, Taranis, 16 Big Fella Thanks, Carruthers, Madison du Berlais, Massinis Maguire, Silver By Nature, 20 Glencove Marina, Great Endeavour, Hey Big Spender, Take The Breeze, Tricky Trickster, 25 bar.

¼ 1-2-3-4

William Hill King George VI Chase – totesport bet: Evs Kauto Star, 7 Imperial Commander, Long Run, 10 (from 12) Forpadydeplasterer, 14 Nacarat, Planet Of Sound, 16 Punchestowns, Riverside Theatre, Sizing Europe, What A Friend, 20 Albertas Run, The Nightingale, 25 Burton Port, Captain Cee Bee, Cooldine, Deep Purple, 33 Glencove Marina, Hey Big Spender, Kempes, Mad Max, Massinis Maguire, Noland, Tranquil Sea, Weird Al, 40 Madison du Berlais, 50 Catch Me, J’y Vole, 100 Herecomesthetruth, Free World, 150 Ollie Magern.

¼ 1-2-3

Supreme Novices’ Hurdle – totesport bet: 3 Cue Card, 14 Hidden Universe, 16 Casual Conquest, Dare Me, 20 Dunraven Storm, 25 Elegant Concorde, Megastar, Sprinter Sacre, 33 Shot From The Hip.

¼ 1-2-3

Irish Independent Arkle Trophy – totesport bet: 8 (first show) Ghizao, 12 Celestial Halo, Medermit, 14 Arvika Ligeonniere, Royal Charm, 16 Captain Chris, Get Me Out Of Here, Surfing, 20 Kilmurry, Loosen My Load, Noble Prince, Oscar Whisky, Spirit River, 25 Finians Rainbow, Quwetwo, 33 Bellvano, Vino Griego.

Stan James Champion Hurdle – totesport bet: 11/4 Binocular, 5 Hurricane Fly, 8 Khyber Kim, 10 (from 14) Menorah, 12 Solwhit, 14 Peddlers Cross, Rite Of Passage, 16 Dunguib, Go Native, Overturn, 20 Get Me Out Of Here, Quevega, Sanctuaire, Soldatino, 25 Blackstairmountain, 33 bar.

¼ 1-2-3

Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle – totesport bet: 10 Al Ferof, 16 Dare Me, Dunraven Storm, Last Instalment, Zaidpour, 20 Frawley, Minella Class, 25 Bishopsfurze, Megastar.

¼ 1-2-3

RSA Chase – totesport bet: 8 Mikael d’Haguenet, Time For Rupert 12 Wayward Prince, Reve de Sivola, Tell Massini, 16 Chicago Grey, Fionnegas, Quel Esprit, Wymott, 20 Sang Bleu, 25 Loosen My Load, Peveril, Spirit River, Wishful Thinking, 33 Alfie Sherrin.

¼ 1-2-3

Queen Mother Champion Chase – totesport bet: 11/4 (from 3) Big Zeb, 5 Master Minded, 7 Sizing Europe, 8 Tataniano, 10 Golden Silver, 12 Forpadydeplaster, 14 (first show) Gauvain, Captain Cee Bee, 20 Kalahari King, Somersby, 25 Osana, Riverside Theatre.

¼ 1-2-3

Ladbrokes World Hurdle – totesport bet: 10/11 Big Buck’s, 6 Quevega, Zaynar, 8 Peddlers Cross, 12 Time For Rupert, 16 Bensalem, 20 Quel Esprit, 25 Karabak, Mourad, Tell Massini.

¼ 1-2-3

JCB Triumph Hurdle – totesport bet: 8 Sam Winner, 14 Dolatulo, 20 A Media Luz, Bob Le Beau, 25 Empire Levant, Grandouet, 33 Architrave, Balerina, Captains Dilemma, Maoi Chinn Tire, Pantxoa, Pepite Rose, Rock Of Deauville, Titan De Sarti.

¼ 1-2-3

totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup – sponsors bet: 9/2 Imperial Commander, Kauto Star, 10 Denman, What A Friend, 16 Long Run, 20 Cooldine, Neptune Collonges, Planet Of Sound, Punchestowns, Sizing Europe, 25 Burton Port, Mikael d’Haguenet, The Nightingale, 33 Pandorama.

¼ 1-2-3

John Smith’s Grand National – totesport bet: 14 Denman, 20 Big Fella Thanks, Black Apalachi, Don’t Push It, Merigo, 25 Bluesea Cracker, Niche Market, State Of Play, 33 Arbor Supreme, Backstage, Ballabriggs, 40 Character Building, Maljimar, Mon Mome, The Package, Tricky Trickster.

¼ 1-2-3-4

Filed Under: Cheltenham News Tagged With: Champion Hurdle

Irish v English on Day One

March 15, 2010 By Racing Diary

Stan James make an Irish clean sweep 66/1 on day 1 of tomorrow’s Cheltenham festival and make 3 & 4 winners the 13/8 jt favs.

Head of PR Charlie McCann:” We make the Irish favourites to win four of the six races on day 1 and with a strong challenge in the Champion Hurdle we may see support for five winners at 11/2. Casey Jones and Offshore Account are their only runners in a maximum field of 24 for the William Hill Chase but the pair are both Grade 1 winners over fences and there are likely to be much worse 66/1 shots on offer during the week.”

Number Of Irish Winners On Day 1

No Winners 66/1

1 Winner 20/1

2 Winners 4/1

3 Winners 13/8

4 Winners 13/8

5 Winners 11/2

6 Winners 66/1

Ireland VS Great Britain

Supreme Novices’ 2/5 - 15/8

The Arkle 1/2 - 13/8

William Hill Trophy 12/1 - 1/25

Champion Hurdle 13/8 - 1/2

Cross Country Chase 1/14 - 6/1

Mares Hurlde 1/6 - 4/1

Filed Under: Cheltenham Offers Tagged With: Champion Hurdle, Cheltenham Festival 2010

Tuesday 3:20 Champion Hurdle Preview

March 14, 2010 By Racing Diary

3:20 Cheltenham Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy (grade 1)

Tuesdays big race The Champion Hurdle. Go Native will land a £1m bonus if he wins here but there are 10 horses standing in his way. The Champion Hurdle has in many way been the hardest race antepost to fathom. There has been more in outs than the hokey cokey for the Champion Hurdle Field. We know that there are eleven runners, but who will win?

Nicky Henderson saddles three in the race with Punjabi, the reigning champion being the choice of stable jockey Barry Geraghty. In my view he has made a mistake, I think Zaynar will perform better and in my view represents the best each-way value in the race. He was beaten at Kelso but I am prepared to forget that, the ground was a joke and he will get perfect going at Cheltenham. Last year he won the Triumph Hurdle and is looking to emulate Katchit to win the Champion Hurdle as a five year-old. However only one five year old from 79 that have started since 1985 have won.

What is interesting is that Ireland have a strong hand in The Champion Hurdle with Solwhit and Go Native reopposing. Go Native beat Solwhit in TheFighting Fifth Hurdle and I think can do it again. Here is that run at Newcastle last year;

Go Native looks very strong here. Go Native has only been beaten once this season which was by Voler La Vedette and has done nothing wrong since. Certainly against this field I would opt for Go Native. Binocular has looked a shadow of the horse he was, Punjabi won an egg and spoon race last time and has shown nothing since his Champion Hurdle win last year, Celestial Halo could run well but I am prepared to overlook Paul Nicholls’ horse here.

I think this is a really tough race but I am going with two in The Champion Hurdle.

Champion Hurdle Betting Advice;