Cheltenham Trials Day Round-Up

On a day when everyone was looking for Cheltenham pointers, Grand Crus reinvigorated interest in the World Hurdle, a race people had assumed was of the one horse variety.

The Cleeve Hurdle was turned into a procession with Grand Crus winning by ten lengths, never off the bridle. The consistent Restless Harry was back in third to give the form solidity and connections were already turning their attentions to the reigning World Hurdle Champion, “Big Buck’s is unbeaten over hurdles, but if anyone is going to do it, this horse is. He has proved he is the second best staying hurdler in training. Whether he is the best we will find out in March.” said Tom Scudamore.

Betfred were equally impressed cutting Grand Crus to 3/1 having been a pre race 12/1 shot for the World Hurdle, most bookmakers agree and go 3/1 with Stan James most impressed laying 5/2 after their stand out 4/1 was snapped up.

Earlier in the day Neptune Collonges was a popular winner as he made every post a winning one in the Argento Chase to win by a rapidly dimishing 1.25 lengths from Tidal Bay. Punchestowns the 11/10 favourite trailed in a disappointing third having travelled in snatches and jumped without fluency. Nicky Henderson is now left scrabbling around to find him another race in the hope he can re-establish his Gold Cup credentials.

Bookmakers were not impressed with the race and betting in the Gold Cup was largely unchanged with Neptune Collonges 33/1 with Blue Square to win the Gold Cup

The Neptune Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham was made slightly clearer as Bobs Worth moved to the head of the market after winning his Cheltenham trial. Always well in touch, Bobs Worth showed great resilience as he found reserves of stamina to pull away from Rock On Ruby and stay on for a 2.25 length victory. Former antepost favourite Backspin is out to 14/1 with Totesport as he could only manage fourth, eleven lengths behind the winner.