Stan James Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy Preview - Cheltenham Festival

Published on: 14/03/2017

Stan James Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy Preview - Cheltenham Festival

March 14, 2016 15:30pm - Cheltenham

Cheltenham Festival

Distance: 2m 87f

Grade: 1

Class: 1

Purse: £400,000

Winner: £227,800

Going: Good to Soft

In this renewal of the most prestigious hurdling event in the National Hunt calendar, in-form Yanworth heads the betting field at a price of 3/1. A sound jumper and solid competitor over this distance, he has gone unbeaten since coming in second behind Yorkhill in the Neptune Investment Novices` Hurdle last year.

Buveur D`Air is back racing over hurdles and looks like another prime contender for this one. The Nicky Henderson-trained gelding has the pace to compete here and arrives on the back of a victory at Sandown. Last season, he finished strong to come in third behind Altior and Min in the Supreme Novices` Hurdle and followed that up with an impressive Grade 1 win on good to soft going at Aintree, where he edged out Petit Mouchoir. More importantly, he should have the pace to tackle the favourite in this race.

Of the bigger priced horses, My Tent or Yours will be looking to go one better after two previous second-placed finishes in this event. He certainly has form on his side, having placed in 19 of his 20 races. He finished within five lengths of Annie Power last years and will be in with a great chance if the ground is anywhere close to good.

Betting odds and tips

This should be a competitive race and there are plenty of contenders but there are two horses that have caught our eye for this one.

Buveur D`Air looks the best bet in the win market at a price of 11/2 available at Bet365. For an each-way bet, My Tent or Yours offers great value at 18/1 or higher.

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

Stan James Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy winners - Last three years:

2014: Jezki (6) - Barry Geraghty (Jessica Harrington)

2015: Faugheen (7) - Ruby Walsh (Willie Mullins)

2016: Annie Power (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 11:30:23) but are subject to change.