Stayers’ Hurdle tips: Our panel give their verdict on our sponsored Cheltenham race

PADDY POWER

I think the fairytale of the week is going to be Paisley Park. If he was going to get beat it was at the Trials Day which was a bit of a sprint rather than a usual stayers race. I think he’s unbeatable again. He’s a short price, but he’s one of the more solid favourites of the whole week.

If Benie Des Dieux turns up he could make it a good race. Summerville Boy had his chance at Trials Day and couldn’t get it done. I know it’s a bit boring, but I think Paisley Park will take home the bacon.

RUBY WALSH

I think Paisley Park will win. If I was riding Envoi Allen and Paisley Park at the Festival I’d say ‘it doesn’t matter what happens, I’m going to win’. I’m putting him in the same bracket as Big Bucks. No one knew how good he was. I’d say Paisley Park is the same. For your each/way, Penhill has had four runs into him by Willie Mullins. I wouldn’t be surprised if he chases Paisley Park home.

FRANK HICKEY

Looking at the betting without Paisley Park markets, Emitom was impressive at Haydock but I think he needs very ground dependent and needs it soft. Summerville Boy was second to Paisley Park even though it was a slow race he couldn’t beat him. Emitom is the only one that’s a little unexposed and could do something. 6/1 without Paisley Park could be a good one if the ground comes up soft.

PAUL JACOBS

There is a bet here if you don’t want to back Paisley Park at odds-on. I think Summerville Boy is good each/way bet. I think JJ Burke rode the wrong kind of race when coming second to Paisley Park last time out. He tried to go out front and do him for speed. I think all this horse does is stay. If you look at the final quarter-mile up the hill, Summerville Boy was coming back to him in the Cleve Hurdle. I think he wants a real test of stamina.  If this is a properly run three miles I think he’ll push Paisley Park to the full.