THE novice staying hurdlers line up for this gruesome stamina test. Let's hope Graeme Johnston (GraemeJ_83) can pick the winner.
Cheltenham 14:40 | Albert Bartlett Hurdle | Channel 4
You don't get many 20 runner Grade 1 races, but this is one of those occasions. I'm going to look for some value in the field and have a couple of speculative bets in this one.
First up is Shantou Bob. Fresh from their World Hurdle triumph yesterday, Warren Greatrex and Gavin Sheehan go to war with another stayer of potential.
He went down a nose in a Sandown Grade 2 over 2m 4f, shaping like a horse that would appreciate the extra half mile today. On his next start he was disappointing when he was odds on favourite in a Warwick Grade 2, but an excuse came to light after the race when he turned out he had broken a blood vessel.
I still see him as a horse of potential and at 29/1 is a great each way price.
Next up is Definitely Red. Only a six year old, he won a Haydock Grade 2 on his last start. This was only his third start over hurdles, and he showed he possesses abundant stamina, as well as an iron will, battling to victory after making a mistake three out. Trading at 21/1 he is another that represents value and can hopefully run into a place for us.
Best Bets
Cheltenham 14:40 – Shantou Bob each way (29/1 BetBright)
Cheltenham 14:40 – Definitely Red each way (21/1 BetBright)
