Champion Hurdle Tips: Zaidpour

When Zaidpour won the Royal Bond in such breathtaking fashion back in December 2010 he had the world at his feet. Unfortunately, the rest of the campaign didn’t go to plan and he could only muster a laboured 7th in last year’s Supreme Novices’.

Away from the media glare he has quietly rebuilt his reputation in Ireland, with four victories from four starts this season. These include three Grade 2 victories and defeat of the useful Voler La Vedette.

The strength of those races is open to question but he can only beat what is put in front of him. The handicapper was impressed, he has an official rating of 162 which puts him on a par with Oscars Well and ahead of Zarkandar - horses that are a fraction of his 33/1 (Boylesports).

The one concern is the ground – all of his wins have come with soft or heavy in the description. Much has been made of Cheltenham’s supposedly quick ground, but the going stick reading is 7.4 - at time of writing - the equal lowest of any meeting staged at Cheltenham this season.

I admit it is difficult to look beyond Hurricane Fly as the winner but the places behind him are up for grabs. Proven over three miles, Zaidpour could pick up the pieces as horses falter up the hill.  Unbeaten this season, he is too big at 33/1 (Boylesports); back him each way and get ¼ odds for a top three finish.

Cheltenham Cashback - Boylesports
If your horse finishes 2nd in any of the first 4 races on Day 1 of Cheltenham, Boylesports will refund your losing win single stake. Max return €200/£200 per customer per race. Applies to: Supreme Novices’, Arkle, Festival Handicap Chase and Champion Hurdle.

*Best Odds Guaranteed – Boylesports
Back Zaidpour with Boylesports as they are best price and offer Best Odds Guaranteed. If the starting price (SP) is bigger than the current price, you get paid at the bigger SP.