A Herefordshire winner at the Cheltenham National Hunt Festival?

Thu, Mar 5, 2009

WHICH are the best prospects for a Herefordshire winner at next week's Cheltenham National Hunt Festival?

If the bookmakers are to be believed, then the answer is Ping Pong Sivola which is 12-1 for the Kim Muir Chase next Thursday.

But don't rush out and start placing bets quite yet on Venetia Williams's six-year-old mare because she does have other running options at the festival. She is though a very consistent horse, and should give anyone a run for their money whichever race she goes for.

Aachen, also from the King's Caple yard, is a 12-1 chance for the County Hurdle on the final day but, once again, has alternative races.

Away from Venetia Williams's stables, Richard Lee's Heathcliff is available at 25-1 for the Pertemps Final on Thursday and 33-1 for the Spa Novices' Hurdle a day later.

So which horses will take the major races on the opening three days of the festival?

The meeting is so competitive that one is usually seeking value rather than plumping for a short-priced favourite.

Binocular is a tremendous horse for the Champion Hurdle, but his price is now skinny. I prefer Osana to win at about 10-1 and Snap Tie each way at up to 40-1.

I cannot see past Master Minded for the Champion Chase. He is the classiest act of the whole week.

The principal race on Thursday is the old Stayers' Hurdle, now called the World Hurdle. My selection is Lough Derg, currently on offer at 33-1.

Next week, I'll let you know my tip for the Gold Cup. And it's neither Kauto Star nor Denman!

The next racing at Hereford Racecourse is on Monday 16 March when we have a couple of decent steeplechases. The £15,000 digibet.co.uk Handicap Chase is a real test of stamina over just one furlong short of four miles, while the £12,000 Green Farm Novices' Chase is raced over the minimum trip.

*The first race time on Monday 16 March is at 2.10pm. The finale - a bumper - is at 4.40pm. Gates open at 12.10pm. Grandstand admission is £14. Accompanied children aged under 16 enter free of charge. For more information telephone the racecourse on 01432 273560.

Author:  Katie Stephens

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