We’re only a few weeks away from the Cheltenham Festival and there were some significant price movements that took place on Saturday, with Binocular winning the Christmas Hurdle and Kauto Star failing to win a fifth consecutive King George VI Chase.
Champion Hurdle 2011
The market is hotting up and Binocular is now the horse they must all beat according to the bookmakers. William Hill offer 7/2 that the Jonjo O’Neill trained horse is victorious once again in the Champion Hurdle and it was comfortable victory at Kempton Park that sent the layers running for cover.
However, Hurricane Fly looks as though he will finally get a chance to line up for this race, having missed out on the past two occasions. Bet365 offer 9/2 that the second favourite lands the spoils, while Menorah is available with 5/1 with bet365.
It’s not yet certain whether Cue Card will run in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (for which the horse is 5/2 with Paddy Power) or instead be given the chance to run in this race (20/1 bet365).
Kauto Star has been on the drift since finishing third in the King George Chase on Saturday. The 11-year-old simply ran out of steam in the final half mile and it now appears that the legendary horse’s best days are behind it.
Even so, there might be some sentimental backers of the 12/1 currently available with William Hill, although a horse that’s gone the other way in the betting is Long Run. The winner of the race at Kempton Park has now proved that he can last over three miles and is the second favourite at 7/1 (William Hill).
Imperial Commander remains favourite to repeat his 2010 heroics and the Nigel Twiston-Davies-trained horse is on course to line up for the race despite injury hampering the early part of the season. The race favourite could be an each-way bet to nothing.
Denman has become something of a forgotten horse, although Hills go 8/1 about The Tank and the Paul Nicholls charge might represent the stable’s best chance in this race.
Diamond Harry is a lively contender at 10/1 (bet365) and Pandorama is available at 16/1 (Skybet).
Queen Mother Champion Chase 2011
Master Minded may have failed to complete a hat-trick of victories in this race last year, although it remains the horse to beat according to the layers, who offer a best price 7/4 (William Hill) that the Paul Nicholls-trained horse wins Wednesday’s showcase race.
Big Zeb was the 2010 winner and has been respected by the bookies with a 7/2 quote (Skybet) and the neutrals would love to see these two horses going toe-to-toe as they approach the last fence.
Sizing Europe looks set to be switched to this race after failing to line up for the King George Chase and last year’s Arkle winner is 10/1 with bet365 to win.
