Trull House Stud Mares Novices Hurdle - Cheltenham Festival

Published on: 16/03/2017

Trull House Stud Mares Novices Hurdle - Cheltenham Festival

March 16, 2016 16:50pm - Cheltenham

Cheltenham Festival

Distance: 2m 179y

Grade: 2

Runners: 16

Winner: £ 45,560.00

Going: Good (Soft in places)

Let`s Dance will be a popular choice with the punters on Thursday afternoon. She came home in fourth place in last year`s Triumph Hurdle and has stepped up a level this term, bagging four wins including a Grade 2 over 2m 4f at Leopardstown. The going was good that day, so the conditions should suit her once again. She has not looked out of place in top class company and should not be bothered by the shorter trip. Will justifiably set off as favourite in this race.

Set to give Let`s Dance a run for her money is Airlie Beach. She is unbeaten in her last seven races and was impressive winner in the Grade 1 Royal Bond at Fairyhouse in December. That race was run over 2m over good to soft turf and was the last run out for the seven-year-old mare. The Willie Mullins-trained entry is top in the ratings and will stand a chance providing she can stay up with the pace-makers.

Other contenders include Coillte Lass, who followed Vroom Vroom Mag home in a Grade 2 at Doncaster in January and Dusky Legend who has been in the first two places in all nine of her hurdles races. Maybe one for the each-way coupon.

Betting odds and tips

Let`s Dance will be clear favourite but she is not unbeatable here. Airlie Beach has form and ratings on her side and looks great value at 4/1. Meanwhile, Dusky Legend has got to worth an each-way punt at a massive price of 33/1.

Airlie Beach can be backed at a best price of 5/1, while Dusky Legend can be backed at a best price of 33/1 with Bet365.

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

Trull House Stud Mares` Novices` Hurdle winners - Last three years:

2016: Limini (5) - Ruby Walsh (Willie Mullins)

By Neil Morris

Published on: 16/03/2017

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (16/03/2017 10:22:11) but are subject to change.