RACING anorak Graeme Johnston (@GraemeJ_83) analyses the field for the opening race on Day 2 of the 2021 Cheltenham Festival, the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle.
Ballymore Novices' Hurdle | Wednesday 17th March 2021, 1:20 | ITV1
After a spectacular start on Day 1, Wednesday kicks off with a race that could be the race of the meeting.
Three horses who could all end up high class clash in a race that despite the small field could throw up plenty of future winners at festivals to come.
Bravesmansgame is the pick of the home squad and won the Tolworth impressively last time out. Trainer Paul Nichols has been bullish about him this week, however he needs to find more to beat the Irish pair and he will have other days.
Bob Olinger has been tipped up at Festival preview evenings and has halved in price over the past 10 days. He was impressive last time out in a Naas grade one but I'm taking him on at his price.
Gaillard Du Mesnil won, like most Mullins horses did at the Leopardstown Festival. and I'm really taken by him. He has plenty of track experience from his time in France but is on a massively upward curve since joining his new stable. I think out of the three he is the value bet and I'm backing him here.
Best Bets
1:20 Ballymore Novices' Hurdle – Gaillard Du Mesnil to win (5/2 Bet365)
