Mares Novices Hurdle Preview- Cheltenham Festival

Published on: 12/03/2020

Mares Novices Hurdle Preview- Cheltenham Festival

March 12, 2020 16:50pm - Cheltenham

Distance: 2m 179y

Grade: (Class 1) (4yo+)

Runners: 23

Winner: £50,643

Going: Soft

The Mares` Novices` Hurdle was only introduced in 2016 and every race has been won by a Willie Mullins-trained horse. Last year, he landed a 1-2 at odds of 50-1 and 66-1 respectively.

The Irish trainer has four entries this time around including last year`s second-placed runner Concertista who was totally unfancied when she lined up last year. She sets off at much shorter price this year and could even head off as favourite. She has yet to win over hurdles but looked in good shape last time out, finishing third out of a big field (27) at Leopardstown.

Dolcita managed third in a Grade Three race at Fairyhouse won by Minella Melody (who is also a strong contender here). Had good form going into that and could progress further and push to reverse that Fairyhouse result.

Each-way punters could do worse than look at the Gordon Elliott-trained Ard Abhainn who has good form in bumpers and hurdles and won a Listed race at Thurles last time out. Looks like the value pick with prices as high as 14/1 available.

Mares Novices Hurdle Winners - past four years:

2016: Limini (5) - Ruby Walsh (Willie Mullins)

2017: Let`s Dance (5) - Ruby Walsh (Willie Mullins)

2018: Laurina (5) - P Townend (Willie Mulins)

2019: Eglantine Du Seuil (5) - Noel Fehily (Willie Mullins)

Latest Betting odds:

Minella Melody (3/1), Colreevy (7/2), Concertista (4/1), Floressa (7/1), Dolcita (8/1), Ard Abhainn (14/1), Yukon Lil (20/1), Whitehotchillifili (20/1), Mount Ida (25/1), Emmas Joy (25/1), Vienna Court (40/1), Full Of Surprises (50/1), Getaway Totherock (50/1), Timetochill (66/1), Midnights` Gift (80/1), Rosie And Millie (80/1), La Feline (80/1), Fort Worth Texas (100/1), Anna Bunina (150/1), Red Archangel (200/1), Rhythm Divine (200/1), Rayna`s World (200/1)

By Neil Morris

Published on: 12/03/2020

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (12/03/2020 12:44:08) but are subject to change.