Cheltenham preview
With just under a month left until the 2014 Cheltenham Fesitval, many horses, trainers and jockeys are in action trying to get in some last minute preparation for the big festival, with some key Cheltenham trial races coming up this weekend
The Big Races- Saturday 25th January
2:05 Doncaster- One of the possible Cheltenham Champion Hurdle winners of 2014, Annie Power, will travel from Ireland to take on a field of four others in the OLBG.com Mares’ Hurdle. Being unbeaten, she will be a heavy favourite to take victory in South Yorkshire.
On one of the most important events leading up to the 2014 Cheltenham Festival, Cheltenham racecourse will host its Trials Day on Saturday 25th January, with some highly competitive racing set to take place.
12:40 Cheltenham- The JCB Triumph Hurdle Trial is the most important trial of all for the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham, and Vicenzo Mio is a short-priced favourite to take victory in the trial. Currently 16/1 third favourite with Coral for the main event, with victory in this trial Vicenzo Mio’s price could crash.
2:25 Cheltenham- The Argento Chase is a key Cheltenham Gold Cup trial, and Coral currently have Rocky Creek as a 6/4 favourite. With a strong showing in this race, entrants can build a good foundation for an attempt in the biggest race of the 2014 Cheltenham Festival.
3:00 Cheltenham- The Neptune Novices’ Hurdle Trial will feature several quality horses, with one in particular, Red Sherlock, looking to be a strong entrant.
3:35 Cheltenham- The Cleeve Hurdle is an extremely important World Hurdle trial. Superstar hurdler Big Buck’s currently takes favouritism at 5/6 with Coral, and the current World Hurdle favourite’s price could come in considerably if he takes a solid victory in this trial.
Sunday 26th January
1:30 Leopardstown- The Irish Arkle, as the name suggests, is the key trial before the Arkle Chase at the 2014 Cheltenham Festival. With Felix Yonger and Defy Logic looking like they will battle it out for favouritism in this race, a win for one of them could see them challenge for favouritism in the Arkle at Cheltenham.
2:35 Leopardstown- The Irish Champion Hurdle is a chance for race goers to catch a glimpse of the Cheltenham Champion Hurdle hopefuls, with this year’s Irish Champion Hurdle being headlined by superstar Hurricane Fly, who has won the past three Irish Champion Hurdles. He is a strong 4/7 favourite to win this year’s event, and many punters will him as a chance to increase their bankrolls ahead of the Cheltenham Festival.
With surprises always sure to occur in these trial races, the Cheltenham markets could be affected severely, and it is sure to be an entertaining weekend.
With just under a month left until the 2014 Cheltenham Fesitval, many horses, trainers and jockeys are in action trying to get in some last minute preparation for the big festival, with some key Cheltenham trial races coming up this weekend