Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle Preview - Cheltenham Festival

Published on: 16/03/2017

Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle Preview - Cheltenham Festival

March 16, 2016 14:10pm - Cheltenham

Cheltenham Festival

Distance: 2m 7f 213y

Grade: Listed

Runners: 24

Winner: £54,102.00

Going: Good to Soft

Golden Doyen fell in the Fred Winter here two years ago and struggled over fences therafter but seems to have found his discipline since making the switch to hurdles. He has a 3m win on this track under his belt (October) on quick ground and the extra 3lb of weight shouldn`t bother him too much. What`s more, he has been prepared with this race in mind for the last six months. Oh, and just look at that price (20/1)!

Another well-priced contender is El Bandit. The Paul Nicholls-trained course winner was beaten in his first step up in distance after a run of five-straight wins but rectified that with a 3m 2f win on his last outing. He loves the quicker ground and is a great each-way contender - even off 4lb higher.

Tobefair comes into this on the back of seven straight races and has form over this distance. Such a progressive horse should not be ruled out but the extra weight and the lack of course experience could go against him.

Rocklander has finished in the top two in his last seven outings and has course and distance experience including a second place here in January. Is improving but needs to step up a gear for this one. A decent outside bet nonetheless.

Betting odds and tips

El Bandit is our top tip to bag the win but Golden Doyen and Rocklander look like great value each-way bets.

In the win market, consider El Bandit at a best price of 14/1. In the each-way market, Golden Doyen can be backed at 20/1 and Rocklander at 22/1 with Bet365.

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

Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle winners - Last three years:

2014: Fingal Bay (8) - Richard Johnson (Philip Hobbs)

2015: Call the Cops (6) - Andrew Tinkler (Nicky Henderson)

2016: Mall Dini (6) - Davy Russell (Pat Kelley)

By Neil Morris

Published on: 16/03/2017

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (16/03/2017 08:33:10) but are subject to change.