Neptune Investment Management Novices` Hurdle Preview - Cheltenham Festival

Published on: 15/03/2017

Neptune Investment Management Novices` Hurdle Preview - Cheltenham Festival

March 15, 2016 13:30pm - Cheltenham

Cheltenham Festival

Distance: 2m 5f 26y

Grade: 1

Runners: 15

Winner: £71,188

Going: Good to Soft

Neon Wolf will head off as favourite in Wednesday`s opening race, and with good reason. The recent recruit to hurdling is unbeaten in the discipline and has a great chance of remaining so in this company.

Following a bumper win at Uttoxeter in December, he triumphed over the hurdles at Exeter on New Year`s Day and made it two hurdle wins in two with a Grade 2 win at Haydock later in January, leaving Elgin nine lengths adrift. He will benefit from bit of give in the ground so everything seems to be set up for the 15/8 pick.

Aside from Neon Wolf, there are plenty of candidates for the other places, with Messire Des Obeaux, Consul De Thaix and Barcardys the standout three.

Messire Des Obeaux impressed in his first three runs over hurdles which included a Grade 1 win at Newbury. A disappointing second when odds-on favourite at Huntingdon may put few off but he is expected to be back to his best here.

Bacardys has hardly put a foot wrong since finishing third in the Bumper here last year and followed that with a Grade 2 win at Aintree and a Grade 1 place at Punchestown. His hurdling debut began with a fall at Cork but he has won both races since including a Grade 1 at Leopardstown last time out. Certainly one to consider for a place.

With a short-priced favourite, punters looking for an each-way bet could do worse that consider Consul De Thaix. Yet to win a race but progressing very nicely, the step up in trip is expected to suit. Was second only to Brain Power in his last two outings.

Betting odds and tips

Neon Wolf is the safe bet and many see him as an opening day banker, while Consul De Thaix is our each-way pick.

You can back Neon Wolf at 15/8 and Consul de Thaix at 14/1 with Bet365.

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

Neptune Investment Management Novices` Hurdle winners - Last three years:

2014: Faugheen (6) - Ruby Walsh (Willie Mullins)

2015: Windsor Park (6) - Davy Russell (Dermot Weld)

2016: Yorkhill (6) - Ruby Walsh (Willie Mullins)

By Neil Morris

Published on: 15/03/2017

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (15/03/2017 07:19:45) but are subject to change.