RACING anorak Graeme Johnston (@GraemeJ_83) analyses the field for the opening race on Day 2 of the 2020 Cheltenham Festival, the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle.
Ballymore Novices' Hurdle | Wednesday 11th March 2020, 13:30 | ITV1
The Ballymore Hurdle is a very good start to the day and looks one of the hottest novice hurdles in recent years. However, it has attracted what I suspect is the best novice hurdler in years and he will be too good for them.
Envoi Allen (5/4 Bet365) has been the winter favourite for all novice hurdles such is his versatility and reputation, with connections deciding to send him here.
He is unbeaten and his style of racing is more of a get the job done than spectacularly flashy, but this means we have probably not seen anywhere near the best of him.
He won the Champion Bumper last year, the placed horses have gone on to win Grade 1 novice hurdles and his form is rock solid. I will be disappointed if he doesn't win this.
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Ballymore Novices' Hurdle – Envoi Allen to win (5/4 Bet365)
