Ante-post betting has always been my forte as far back as backing Papillon for the 2000 Grand National at 50/1, through Big Buck’s for his first Stayers Hurdle at 33/1 to Paisley Park for the same event last year also at the same price.
Of course there have been plenty of downs as well as ups in that time, but its the thrill of seeing you beat the bookie and most importantly getting a run for your money.
But innovation in the ante-post game has been sadly lacking, which is why when I saw the Non-Runner money back market offer about certain horses for specific races with PP, that I sat up and took notice.
*Prices correct at time of publication and relate to certain horses for specific races only at this time and is not a non-runner money back offer on all Cheltenham 2020 races.
Scrolling through the list there were a quartet of players that caught my eye, safe in the knowledge that I could back them now and not lose a cent if they don’t line up in the particular race they are quoted for in Paddy’s specific Cheltenham 2020 non-runner money back market.
1. Apple’s Jade – Stayers Hurdle @ 8/1 (NRNB)
First up, is *APPLE’S JADE for the Stayers Hurdle at 8/1. A Festival record of 2-1-3-6 is not too shoddy with her last run there in the Champion Hurdle safely consigned to the dustbin, as the minimum trip around there was never going to be her forte.
What has struck me about every race she has run in, be it in victory or defeat, has been her strength at the end of a race. She’s such a classy mare when her jumping is in a rhythm as she just piles on the pressure and that view was cemented again when she powered to a 17-length victory in the Frank Ward Memorial Hurdle on December 28th.
It is worth remembering she has only raced over the extended 3m distance four times.
If Gordon Elliott’s mare takes the Stayers Hurdle route, then she will surely start at half those odds with the mares’ allowance also in her favour on the day.
2. Lostintranslation – Gold Cup @ 6/1 (NRNB)
Before suffering from a breathing problem in the King George, *LOSTINTRANSLATION was all the rage for the Cheltenham Gold Cup on the back of his impressive Betfair Chase success. Had he gone straight to Prestbury Park off that run then he would be vying for market leadership.
Instead, in Paddy’s Non-runner money back offering, he is now available at 6/1 for the Gold Cup and that is good enough for me.
On my private ratings, a repeat of that performance at Haydock Park is on a par with Al Boum Photo’s success on Gold Cup day 10 months ago. However, factor in the huge possibility of a modicum of improvement on only his 10th chase start and this is a price that needs serious consideration.
And, if he doesn’t please Colin Tizzard at home before the big day and is withdrawn – you will be safe in the knowledge that you will get your stake returned.
The eight-year-old will only line-up if he is considered to be in A1 form.
3. A Plus Tard – Ryanair Chase @ 9/2 (NRNB)
I have been shouting from the roof tops about *A PLUS TARD since he romped home at last year’s Festival, arguably the most impressive winner during the four days of the 2019 celebration of NH racing.
Everything has been primed for this six-year-old with one day in mind. The question is which day is it? And that is where this NR/NB offer comes into its own. If the youngster runs in Wednesday’s Champion Chase, then there is no damage done.
But if – as I hope and pray – he runs in the Ryanair Chase a day later currently 9/2 non runner money back, then I fancy he could start near enough favourite and emerge victorious.
Factor in the huge possibility that this new kid on the Grade One block has any amount of improvement to come in his progression locker and this looks a must-back offer.
4. Defi De Seuil – Champion Chase @ 3/1 (NRNB)
And finally, if Henry De Bromhead’s ace does take up the Ryanair Chase challenge then *DEFI DE SEUIL should claim back-to-back wins at Cheltenham, this time in the Champion Chase.
An impressive two and a quarter length winner from Lostintranslation in last year’s JLT Chase, with his improved, slick jumping the drop down to the minimum trip was a no-brainer. I thought he merely idled when landing the Tingle Creek and he had plenty more left in the safe that day.
But what makes Defi De Seuil an even more enticing wager for the Champion Chase at the current 3/1 (Non-runner Money Back) is that there are signs that the mighty Altior’s reign at the Festival could be coming to an end.
Despite winning, he has looked hugely vulnerable between the last two fences in recent years – going odds-against in running. This vulnerability has become gradually more pronounced as the years have passed – with last year’s example being the most extreme.
And his preparation – as we saw last week – hasn’t been as smooth either.
There is a lack of strength in depth in this division, so Defi De Seuil could be the one to capitalise.
*Prices correct at time of publication and relate to certain horses for specific races only at this time and is not a non-runner money back offer on all Cheltenham 2020 races.
Specific NRNB prices on certain Cheltenham 2020 races are right here