Randox Health County Handicap Hurdle Preview - Cheltenham Festival

Published on: 17/03/2017

Randox Health County Handicap Hurdle Preview - Cheltenham Festival

March 17, 2016 14:10pm - Cheltenham

Cheltenham Festival

Distance: 2m 179y

Grade: 3

Runners: 26

Winner: £54,102

Going: Good (Soft in places)

French horse Diego Du Charmil comes into this with plenty of admirers following a strong season. He first caught the attention when winning the Fred Winter here last year (off 16lb lower) and has notched up good wins at Chepstow and Musselburgh since. The ground should play to his strengths and the rise in weights have not bothered him so far. Sam Twiston-Davies will be tasked with leading him round with 9lb extra under the saddle since Musselburgh.

There are plenty of others who can stake a claim in this line-up, but Mick Jazz is one that seems to tick all the boxes. He is relatively inexperienced but has progressed well since switching yards. Under Gordon Elliott he won well at Clonmel back in October on softer ground and has since stepped up to bag a two mile listed event at Punchestown, again on softer ground.

Mick Jazz will jostle with North Hill Harvey for the status of favourite. The Dan Skelton-trained six-year-old rode well as a novice last season, and put it a good showing when coming home 10 lengths behind Buveur D`Air in a Grade 1 race at Aintree. He then beat Modus in the Greenwood at Cheltenham over soft ground in November and has been preparing for this ever since. The yard know what it takes to win this race, having guided Superb Story to victory last year.

Betting odds and tips

Diego Du Charmil will be priced as high as 18/1 and that should appeal to those looking for an each-way pick. Of the other contenders, Mick Jazz just gets the nod ahead of North Hill Harvey and can be backed at 8/1.

You can back Diego Du Charmil at a best price of 18/1 and Mick Jazz at a best price of 8/1 with Bet365.

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

Randox Health County Handicap Hurdle winners - Last three 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)

By Neil Morris

Published on: 17/03/2017

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (17/03/2017 08:26:24) but are subject to change.