On day one of the Cheltenham Festival, the Champion Hurdle takes centre stage, beginning at 3:30pm.
Yes, we may be without Constitution Hill, but State Man is in action, and he is the one who looks capable of putting together a star performance to wow the crowd in attendance at Prestbury Park.
We’ve put together a list of Champion Hurdle offers and free bets for the big race on day one.
Champion Hurdle Betting Offers
Champion Hurdle Predictions
We’ve got the views of horse racing tipster Ed Quigley ahead of the Champion Hurdle, where he gives a horse to chase home State Man for the forecast.
Ed Quigley
“This year’s Champion Hurdle is a bit of a non-event in the eyes of many people and should be a straightforward assignment for STATE MAN to go one better than last year without Constitution Hill making the gig.
If looking for a forecast angle, Zarak The Brave will probably be ridden cold in order to pick up the pieces, and he can follow home his more illustrious stable mate here.”
Champion Hurdle Odds
Since the defection of Constitution Hill, State Man has been a strong favourite for this race, and is long odds on to win for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend.
Second last year, he’s looking to go one better this time around, and he looks to have improved this season, while the quality of the race this time around does look a little suspect.
In behind, Irish Point is the second favourite, a horse who was initally heading towards the Stayers Hurdle, and will have to prove his ability over a quick two miles here.
Iberico Lord has been supplemented for this at a cost of £18,000 for the Nicky Henderson team, winner of the Betfair Hurdle last time out, he’s a nice handicapper taking a big step up in class here.
Race Overview
The traditional feature on day one of the Cheltenham Festival, the Champion Hurdle has seen some star attractions over the years.
A hurdle contest over two miles, this race tests speed, and the ability to jump at that pace. But with the Cheltenham hill at the end, stamina does play it’s part in the race, you need to stay up the hill if you want to win it.
Bet £10, Get £30 in Free Bets
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