OLBG Mares` Hurdle Preview - Cheltenham Festival

Published on: 14/03/2017

OLBG Mares` Hurdle Preview - Cheltenham Festival

March 14, 2016 16:10pm - Cheltenham

Cheltenham Festival

Distance: 2m 3f 200y

Grade: 1

Purse: £110,000

Winner: £61,897

Going: Good to Soft

Willie Mullins` hopes of bagging a ninth successive OLBG Mares` Hurdle trophy will rest with Limini and Vroum Vroum Mag on Tuesday afternoon.

Limini won the Mares` Novice Hurdle last year and has run just once in the winter, beating Apple`s Jade in the process. The lack of appearances was perhaps the biggest indicator that she was being saved for this event. She will be ridden by Ruby Walsh, who opted for the mount at the last minute ahead of fellow Rich Ricci-owned horse Vroum Vroum Mag.

The Irish trainer will be hoping that her improved jumping and freshness coming into this race will be enough to extend his incredible run. Ruby Walsh certainly believes that Limini is improving at the right time for this race.

Despite Walsh`s decision, Vroum Vroum Mag will still be a contender and the jockey admitted that it was a tough choice between the two. However, the mare was not at her best at Doncaster back in January, when she struggled to victory over the much lighter Midnight Jazz. That performance may have influenced Walsh`s final decision.

Apple`s Jade defeat to Limini at Punchestown may put a few punters off, but she can be expected to improve from that showing. The Grade 1 winner could certainly be in with a chance if she takes the initiative in this race. With previous victories over Vroum Vroum Mag, Lets Dance and Ivanovich Gorbatov under her saddle, and a stats card to be proud of, she will have plenty of fans putting their faith in her on the day.

Betting odds and tips

Of the three main contenders, it is Limini that just gets the nod.

You can back Limini at 13/8 with Bet365.

Remember, Bet365 are offering guaranteed best odds on all Cheltenham races and a 100% deposit bonus up to £200 for new accounts.

OLBG Mares` Hurdle winners - Last three years:

2014: Quevega (10) - Ruby Walsh (Willie Mullins)

2015: Glens Melody (7) - Paul Townend (Willie Mullins)

2016: Vroum Vroum Mag (8) - Ruby Walsh (Willie Mullins)

By Neil Morris

Published on: 14/03/2017

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (14/03/2017 12:14:52) but are subject to change.