County Hurdle Preview - Cheltenham Festival
Published on: 15/03/2019
County Hurdle Preview - Cheltenham Festival
March 15, 2018 14:10pm - Cheltenham
Distance: 2m 179y
Grade: 3
Runners: 26
Winner: £56,270.00 2nd: £21,200.00 3rd: £10,610.00 4th: £5,300.00 5th: £2,660.00 6th: £1,330.00 7th: £660.00 8th: £340.00
Going: Good (soft in places)
The ever popular County Hurdle was first run nearly 100 years and often provides the best handicap action of the week.
Last year`s race was won by the Dan Skelton-trained Mohaayed who came home at a tasty 20/1. Skelton also bagged the winner in 2016 when his brother Harry rode to glory on Superb Story.
Mohaayed is back to defend his crown this year and can be backed as high as 33/1. Bridget Andrews will take the reins once again, but this time with a lot more weight under the saddle. That will put many off, but the fact he is back suggests that his table feel he can still make an impact. Certainly one to consider in the each-way market with big prices on offer.
Also representing Skelton is eight-year-old Ch`tibello. He struggled in the Champion Hurdle last year, but now looks to be back in the right class and weight. He showed good form at Aintree back in December finishing just half a length behind well-regarded winner Midnight Shadow and has undergone wind surgery since then. If that brings a little more performance out of him, he could be a contender at a decent price of 9/1.
There are plenty of other strong contenders in this highly competitive field. Willie Mullins can stake a claim with Mr Adjudicator, who has won and placed in three Grade Ones and Whisky Sour, Ruby Walsh`s pick. Although the latter has not shown much since last year and now sets off at a higher weight.
Cases can also be made for Western Ryder, Sternrubin and High Expectations in what could be one of the tighest contests of the week.
County Hurdle Winners - past five years:
2014: Lac Fontana (5) - Daryl Jacob (Paul Nicholls)
2015: Wicklow Brave (6) - Paul Townend (Willie Mullins)
2016: Superb Story (5) - Harry Skelton (Dan Skelton)
2017: Arctic Fire (8) - Paul Townend (Willie Mullins)
2018: Mohaayed (6) - Bridget Andrews (Dan Skelton)
Latest Betting odds:
Whisky Sour 15/2
Ch`tibello 9/1
Monsieur Lecoq 11/1
Crooks Peak 12/1
Éclair De Beaufeu 12/1
Mr Adjudicator 12/1
Capitaine 16/1
Countister 18/1
Leoncavallo 20/1
Cut the Mustard 22/1
Western Ryder 22/1
25/1 bar
You can back Ch`tibello to win at 9/1 and Mohaayed (E/W) at 33/1.
By Neil Morris
Published on: 15/03/2019
Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (15/03/2019 09:25:19) but are subject to change.
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