Ballymore Novices Hurdle

13:30 Cheltenham - Ballymore Novices Hurdle Sir Gerhard will likely start as a warm favourite for this event following two impressive hurdles victories to date. This is the first time that he steps up in trip for this event having swerved the Supreme Novices Hurdle in favour of this race. I’m quite confident given the manner of his form to date that he will stay the distance today and he will be hard to beat however the price does reflect this.

Stage Star was well supported when taking the Challow Hurdle at Newbury and he did it in very taking style. It’s possible he could have more to offer and deserves his chance at the top level. It would be concerning though, that no winner of the Challow Hurdle has followed up in this race.

Three Stripe Life was well beaten by Sir Gerhard at Leopardstown last time out and his hopes hinge on the distance having a massive swing in his favour, however I would say he is far too short in price for this race in my opinion.

One who has less to prove is Journey With Me. He is guaranteed to stay the trip and has slipped in somewhat under the radar here. He can extend his unbeaten run and can improve the very impressive win percentage of Irish trained horses in this race.

written by Tom Bates