Cheltenham Betting / Wayne Bailey / 02 February 2010 / 1 Comments

Following the January trials, Wayne Bailey takes a look at how well or otherwise horses from the Emerald Isle are likely to perform in March...

“It's not very original, but it will take a good horse to beat Dunguib in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and already, he’s become the Irish banker of the festival.”

In just over a month, waves of bodies both equine and human will cross the Irish Sea for the annual assault on the Cheltenham Hill and of course, the Guinness Tent. I'd guess that the numbers making the trip will be slightly down this year - and some festival regulars I've spoken to are now out of work because of the economic downturn, especially those who were employed in the building trade.

But whether the action is watched live from Prestbury Park or down the local pub, certain Irish horses are going to be backed heavily and hopefully cheered home. Following the January trials in both Ireland and the UK, here's a revised look at the Irish challenge for 2010:

Solwhit
I've long been singing the praises of this horse on these pages and he's still my fancy for the Champion Hurdle although his price is now restrictive at [5.8]. The gloss has been taken away from some of his wins as it has transpired that John O'Gorman, an employee of Solwhit's trainer Charles Byrnes, had been laying the horse on the exchanges on certain occasions. While O'Gorman actually lost money on these bets it still reeks, and I'm amazed that a big fuss has not been made about this. O'Gorman has been warned off for a while but it has irked people to know that someone in the stable was laying. But back to the horse himself, and he put in a great round of jumping before pulling clear after the last in the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown. While he wasn't really tested on that occasion, he did look like a Cheltenham horse all-over and I think the course will suit his style. His lack of Cheltenham experience is a worry for many however, and previous form at the festival is considered a big advantage.

Go Native
I put this horse up as one to follow at the start of the season so was delighted when he won the Fighting Fifth at [33.0]. The pace in that race was all wrong so he was probably a bit lucky on that occasion but I'd still take him for the Champion Hurdle ahead of the likes of Binocular and Punjabi.

Dunguib
Not very original this one; but it will take a good horse to beat Dunguib in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle and he's already become the Irish banker of the festival. Having a 'good thing' on the Tuesday can be a help or a hindrance however, and I've often seen people lose half their betting pot on day one on such 'bankers'. I took some ante-post prices a couple of months ago but his odds of [2.48] are just too short with over a month to go when you consider that his trainer won't rule out the Champion Hurdle completely. That said, he looks a fantastic horse and I'm struggling to find any other stand-out animals that can take him on.

Captain Cee Bee
Would he have beaten Sizing Europe at Leopardstown? I think he would and the Arkle could turn out to be a cracker of a rematch. I backed Sizing Europe at a short price Leopardstown and while I hate to see a horse fall, I felt lucky to be collecting my money after Captain Cee Bee crumpled at the last. A price of [5.2] is probably about right for the Edward Harty trained eight-year-old although the presence of Somersby makes this race even more intriguing.

Big Zeb
I was standing a couple of feet away from the last fence at the Punchestown Festival last year when Big Zeb crashed through allowing Master Minded to just about grab a victory. Nicholls reckons he would have won anyway but from my point of view, Big Zeb had it in the bag. He returned to winning ways on Sunday when beating the odds-on Golden Silver at Punchestown but he'd have to be at his absolute best to take on Twist Magic and Master Minded come March. In my view, Master Minded is a weak Champion Chase favourite but at this stage, this race is too tricky to call and is a no-bet contest for me.

Voler La Vedette
She won the mares' race at Leopardstown handy enough although she did race a little freely. Unfortunately, she picked up an injury before the Irish Champion Hurdle which was disappointing as that race would have been a real test for her. If she had done well there, she may well have went for the Champion Hurdle at the festival - but at this stage, The David Nicholson Mares' Hurdle is the obvious target. I'll wait until raceday before having a bet but I'd happily accept a price of [4.5] or higher with a run.

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Tags: Big Zeb, Captian Cee Bee, Champion Chase, Champion Hurdle, Cheltenham, Dunguib, Sizing Europe, Solwhit, Wayne Bailey