*Odds quoted on the widget are Future Racing / Antepost prices which means that if your selection does not run in the race for whatever reason – you will lose your stake under traditional Antepost rules
The Cheltenham Festival 2023 is edging ever closer and, with the off slowly looming in to view, we’ve got jump jockey icon turned tactical guru Ruby Walsh and top pundit Rory Delargy with us every week to hopefully get you more bang for your buck.
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The fifth race on day one of the 2023 Festival is the Mares Hurdle and the lads have been looking at the ante-post markets to hopefully send you off into the night with a winner. Maries Rock is a handsome ante-post favourite at the of writing but can anyone cause an upset and who’s looking good each-way value? Here’s Rory’s verdict.
Rory Delargy: Mares Hurdle
The Mares Hurdle looks really open this year. Maries Rock is a very good mare and she is deservedly up at the top of the market but she could end up in the Stayers Hurdle instead. She’s unbeaten in her last four and she would be my favourite if she definitely runs here.
We’re not sure if we’ll see Honeysuckle in the Mares and it could all depend on the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown. If she runs there and doesn’t have that spark anymore, do you drop her in the Mares at Cheltenham? I’m not sure. On the other hand, if she bolts up and looks raring to go, you go for the Champion Hurdle.
If I’m pushed to get involved now, I’ll go with Epatante. I’ve never been a huge fan but she’s looked better this season and she’s jumped well. Her jumping has really improved and she looked solid when winning at Doncaster in January. She’s growing on me and she could be worth looking at.
I would also be interested in West Balboa if she gets a run here. The Skelton’s have Molly Ollys Wishes too but I’m not sure she stays 3m but I’d be interested if Dan Skelton went with West Balboa.
She won the Lanzarote last time out and she recovered well from a mistake at the last. She’ll come on for that run and West Balboa can be a serious player.
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Rory’s antepost Mares Hurdle tips:
Maries Rock
Epatante
West Balboa
*Odds quoted on the widget are Future Racing / Antepost prices which means that if your selection does not run in the race for whatever reason – you will lose your stake under traditional Antepost rules
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