Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle Preview - Cheltenham Festival

Published on: 15/03/2017

Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle Preview - Cheltenham Festival

March 15, 2016 16:50pm - Cheltenham

Cheltenham Festival

Distance: 2m 87y

Grade: 3

Runners: 22

Winner: £45,560

Going: Good to Soft

Prospectus has caught the attention in this race thanks to two good wins since turning to the jumps. Those victories came either side of a Grade 2 race at Leopardstown on Boxing Day which proved to be a step too far. The course should suit him and with Ruby Walsh on board his chances could be further enhanced. Punters looking for a progressive horse at a decent price may be tempted to have a wager on this one.

Of course, there are other contenders in this field of 22 and top weight Divin Bere trained by Nicky Henderson has good form coming into this. He showed great character to overcome Master Blueyes at Huntingdon last time out and should definitely be in contention.

And then there is Project Bluebook who at least has experience on his side. Since being outpaced by Nietzsche on his debut over hurdles, he has progressed well and was perhaps unlucky in his last outing at Musselburgh after leaving it too late but finishing strong. Certainly one to consider for those who love to back an outsider.

Betting odds and tips

The head says Divin Bere but the heart says Prospectus and there is certainly a case to be made for both. However, the recruitment of Ruby Walsh means that Prospectus get the nod, while a small stake on Project Bluebook will also make it onto out bet slip.

You can back Divin Bere to win at a best price of 9/2, while Project Bluebook is available at 12/1 with Bet365 and is worth an each-way punt. .

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

Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle winners - Last three years:

2014: Hawk High (4) - Brian Hughes (Tim Easterby)

2015: Qualando (4) - Nick Schofield (Paul Nicholls)

2016: Diego du Charmil (4) - Sam Twiston-Davies (Paul Nicholls)

By Neil Morris

Published on: 15/03/2017

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (15/03/2017 10:33:22) but are subject to change.