Festival Antepost Movers

Grands Crus is the 6/1 favourite with Ladbrokes for the RSA Chase after winning a hot Novices’ Chase on Friday. He looked a natural jumper on his debut over fences, but also showed enough speed to bring the Arkle into play, although he is currently unquoted for the race.

Saturday’s racing saw Hinterland open with a powerful display as he surged up the hill to win the Triumph Hurdle trial. Paul Nicholls said he was as good a juvenile as he has ever had at this stage of the season – high praise indeed. But with plenty of horses still to make their debuts, the bookmakers are divided on his Festival chances. Ladbrokes go as short as 5/1 for the Triumph with Betfred best price at 12/1.

After winning on his chasing debut at Cheltenham, Al Ferof was cut from 12/1 to 7/1 by Boylesports for the Arkle Chase. Peddlers Cross is still the 11/2 favourite with Paddy Power in what is developing into one of the hottest races of next year’s Festival.

Sunday’s big race, the Greatwood Hurdle went to Paul Nicholls and Brampour. The bookmakers reacted by cutting him to 33/1 (Betfred) from 66/1 for the Champion Hurdle, but he still rates as an outsider for what looks an incredibly strong race.

Away from Cheltenham, Big Zeb reaffirmed his Champion Chase pretentions by winning on his seasonal return at Navan. Sportingbet go best price 6/1, in from 9/1, although by the time the Festival comes round next year Big Zeb will be eleven-years-old.