Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys` Handicap Hurdle - Cheltenham Festival

Published on: 17/03/2017

Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys Handicap Hurdle - Cheltenham Festival

March 17, 2016 16:50pm - Cheltenham

Cheltenham Festival

Distance: 2m 4f 56y

Grade: Conditional

Runners: 24

Winner: £40,664

Going: Good

Following The Storyteller`s withdrawal last week, the race has been on to pick a new contender for the Martin Pipe Conditional.

Coo Star Sival won a Listed race on this course back in January and that experience should serve him well here. He romped home by 38 lengths ahead of a field of novices at Warwick last time out and also has Festival credentials, having finished third in last season`s Fred Winter. The course, distance and conditions all look good for the in-form five-year-old as does the jockey choice, with Lizzie Kelly taking the reins. At a price of around 12/1, this certainly looks like the value pick.

No Comment and Battleford will battle it out for the mantle of favourite with the latter looking to be in smart form. Despite having won just once in bumpers or hurdle races, he has always shown well but the there is a big question mark hanging over his hurdling technique. If Adam Short can put in smooth ride, he stands a big chance.

Betting odds and tips

With a price of 12/1 available, Coo Star Sival is too long to turn down and each-way punters should get in on the action. Battleford also catches the eye but the short price for is a turn off.

You can back Coo Star Sival at a best price of 12/1 with Bet365.

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

Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys Handicap Hurdle - Last three years:

2014: Don Poli (5) - Mikey Fogarty (Williams Mullins)

2015: Killultagh (6) - Luke Dempsey (Williams Mullins)

2016: Ibis du Rheu (5) - Jack Sherwood (Paul Nicholls)

By Neil Morris

Published on: 17/03/2017

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (17/03/2017 10:47:50) but are subject to change.