11 minutes Here at betting.bet we’ll offer the latest race odds from sponsors, Betfair as well as insights and betting tips from our in-house tipsters.
The Betfair Hurdle is the feature race on an exciting day of racing at Newbury Racecourse this coming weekend. The two-mile Premier Handicap will be shown live on ITV Racing at 3:15pm on Saturday as part of an exciting seven-race card at the Berkshire course. Here at betting.bet we’ll offer the latest race odds from sponsors, Betfair as well as insights and betting tips from our in-house tipsters.
Betfair Hurdle History
Established in 1963, the Betfair Hurdle was originally known as the Schweppes Gold Trophy and contested at Aintree Racecourse in its inaugural year. The event was switched from Aintree to Newbury twelve months later but remained known as the Schweppes Gold Trophy up until 1986. For sponsorship purposes it was renamed the Tote Gold Trophy and then the totesport Trophy before becoming the Betfair Hurdle in 2012.
The 2023 renewal saw 9/1 shot, Aucunrisque win for the team behind bookmakers, Bet Goodwin making all to hold off 4/1 favourite, Filey Bay by one length.
Nicky Henderson has trained a record five Betfair Hurdle winners having won with Sharpical (1998), Geos (2000 & 2004), Landing Light (2001) and My Tent Or Yours (2013). However, Nigel Twiston-Davies is the trainer that’s proved most successful in recent years. The Gloucestershire-based trainer has landed three Betfair Hurdle wins within the past decade, including Splash Of Ginge (2014), Ballyandy (2017) and Al Dancer (2019).
This Year’s Betfair Hurdle Renewal
Nicky Henderson has as many as four horses still in contention to run in Saturday’s Betfair Hurdle. The latest market odds suggest that Iberico Lord probably represents his greatest chance of success but he’ll have to put a poor Betfair Exchange Trophy behind him. Iberico Lord went off as 11/4 favourite for that race at Ascot in December but could only finish seventh as stablemate, Luccia won the race. Iberico Lord did have Luccia behind him in the Greatwood Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham in November but a subsequent 8lbs swing in the weights ahead of December’s Ascot run proved too much. Luccia is up 4lbs ahead of the Betfair Hurdle.
Nicky Henderson’s other potential entries include Under Control and Doddiethegreat. The latter would prove an extremely popular winner given his ties to MND charity, My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.
Nigel Twiston-Davies could be back for another Betfair Hurdle tilt with both Norman Fletcher and Moveit Like Minnie still in contention to run. Neither horse has proved overly popular in the betting but Norman Fletcher looks the better prospect. The five-year-old boasts form of 2112 in his last four races although this is undoubtedly a step in class. Most recent run saw him finish second behind Bertie’s Ballet at Haydock.
Ocastle des Mottes could go off as race favourite in what would be his first run for Irish trainer, Willie Mullins. All previous runs for the five-year-old have come over in France, most recently when landing a 2m 2f handicap at Auteuil last June.
A selection that really intrigues us is L’Eau du Sud for the respected Dan Skelton yard. The six-year-old was well-backed on his return to action after wind surgery in the Greatwood Handicap in November but he never travelled and was pulled up. Placed in the bet365 Morebattle Hurdle in March and on that form he certainly has place claims on Saturday.
We believe that Go Dante has slipped under the radar somewhat and at 14/1 he is our pick to land the Betfair Hurdle. In-form trainer, Olly Murphy, landed his tenth win in 26 races on Wednesday as Schmilsson landed the Betting.Bet New Betting Sites Maiden Hurdle at Sedgefield. Go Dante finished well down the field in the Greatwood Handicap Hurdle but after wind surgery and a 219-day break, that below-par run can certainly be excused. The eight-year-old landed a strong-looking handicap at Cheltenham last time out and we’re backing him to return to the winners enclosure on Saturday.
Betfair Hurdle Tip
Go Dante - 14/1
Betfair Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)
Runners Overview
Here’s a brief summary of all horses still in line to run in Saturday’s Betfair Hurdle
Hansard
Hansard, having secured a victory in the Gerry Feilden at this venue earlier in the season, maintained a commendable performance by finishing fifth behind Luccia in a highly competitive handicap at Ascot. Despite not being able to bridge the gap with the leading group, which adopted a more forward position throughout the race, Hansard has demonstrated that he possesses the capability to contend effectively at this new handicap rating.
Luccia
Luccia, benefiting from an excellent performance, succeeded in outpacing Impose Toi at Ascot in their most recent encounter, marking a significant improvement upon her re-entry into handicap competition at the Greatwood previously. Facing increased competition in her forthcoming race, Luccia remains only four pounds heavier than her weight in the previous two appearances this season, rendering her a contender who should not be easily overlooked.
Spirit d'Aunou
Spirit d'Aunou represents a stable with a notable association with this event and has returned to form—and received an upgrade—following a victory at Sandown in his last outing (refer to the replay for details). Although the race may not have been the most challenging for its class, Spirit d'Aunou executed his performance proficiently, earning a ten-pound increase in his handicap as a result.
Faivoir
Faivoir, who achieved victory in the County Hurdle last season, presents a somewhat inconsistent record. Despite this, he remains four pounds above his March rating, yet demonstrated his potential to compete effectively by finishing closely behind Gin Coco at Ascot in November.
Knickerbocker Glory
Knickerbocker Glory boasts an admirable performance record when returning from a break, notably excelling by decisively defeating Altobelli and others during his comeback at Ascot in November. Although he did not replicate this success in the Greatwood, held merely two weeks later under a penalty, having been given time to recuperate and specifically prepared for this event since, he emerges as a significant contender for his esteemed team.
Lookaway
Lookaway is a resilient novice known for his front-running style, who secured a commendable second place in the Greatwood and subsequently pursued Captain Teague to the finish line in the Challow at this venue. The adjustment back to a two-mile distance is seen as beneficial, and despite being five pounds heavier than in November, the characteristics of this track are likely more favorable, suggesting he could prove challenging to surpass.
Under Control
Under Control, the victor of the EBF Final in spring, has moved past a lackluster season debut in the Gerry Feilden to finish as the runner-up to Ashroe Diamond at Doncaster last month. This performance might be considered her best to date, and she appears to be a horse with the potential to secure major victories in the future.
Tellherthename
Tellherthename experienced an unfortunate setback when he was forced to pull up during the Grade One Formby Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree on Boxing Day. However, he made a swift and successful return to form by securing a victory at Huntingdon just three weeks later. As an improving novice who is demonstrating significant progress, and with his stable currently performing exceptionally well, he represents a compelling option in what appears to be a highly competitive renewal.
Brentford Hope
Brentford Hope made a remarkable return to action, winning effortlessly here in November, and subsequently delivered a strong performance despite carrying an 11-pound higher handicap, finishing third behind Hansard in the Gerry Feilden. Benefitting from a three-pound advantage over Hansard in their upcoming encounter on Saturday, and with the race conditions expected to be favorable, there remains a concern that the handicapper may have assessed him quite rigorously in a single adjustment.
Iberico Lord
Iberico Lord marked his return with a victory in the Greatwood, although he only managed to finish seventh behind Luccia at Ascot in his subsequent outing. The pace of the race at Ascot did not play to his strengths, suggesting his full potential may not be realized until he competes over longer distances later in the spring.
Ocastle des Motes
As a French import, Ocastle des Motes is poised to make his debut under the guidance of Willie Mullins and for the Double Green team in the Betfair Hurdle. His transfer, coupled with a victory in his last appearance for his previous team at Auteuil with a rating of 125, raises significant interest. Competing now from a mark of 133, it becomes challenging to conclusively assess his capabilities or dismiss his chances.
Altobelli
With two commendable performances at Ascot this season, Altobelli will compete from the same handicap rating as his third-place finish behind Luccia in their last encounter. A mistake two hurdles from the finish impacted his momentum in that race, but he has shown that he has room for growth and remains relatively unexposed.
Doddiethegreat
Having competed in only three hurdle races, Doddiethegreat surrendered his undefeated status at Cheltenham last time, finishing second to Go Dante. Despite this being a strong performance, it did not distinctly indicate him as a likely winner for the Betfair Hurdle.
Aurigny Mill
Aurigny Mill has secured victories in his last two races at Wincanton and Kempton, notably defeating Tapley by seven-and-a-half lengths in the latter race. Facing a nine-pound increase in his handicap and stepping up in class, he shows signs of improvement and may contend effectively despite the challenges.
Kamsinas
Kamsinas appeared to struggle with the heavy conditions in the Formby last outing but is expected to find the faster pace more to his liking, as evidenced by his victory over Making Headway at Haydock in November. Making his debut in handicap competition with a rating of 132, which seems a reasonable assessment, Kamsinas is a contender who should not be hastily discounted.
L’Eau du Sud
L’Eau du Sud emerged as an intriguing addition to his prominent stable, securing places in significant races at Kempton and the Morebattle at Kelso last season. However, after a lackluster performance in the Greatwood upon returning, he has yet to convince fully, even as his handicap mark has been adjusted downwards.
Go Dante
Following a sixth-place finish in the Greatwood, Go Dante achieved a commendable victory over Doddiethegreat at Cheltenham. Despite a four-pound increase in his handicap, his relatively light racing schedule suggests potential for further success, particularly considering his recovery from a late mistake in his last race.
Norman Fletcher
Representing a stable with a history of success in this race, Norman Fletcher is set for his handicap debut this weekend. His jumping has shown improvement over time, highlighted by a strong performance at Aintree in November and a respectable effort under a challenging weight at Haydock subsequently. His commendable determination and strategic preparation for this event suggest he is a serious contender.
Jilaijone
Jilaijone managed a solid third place behind Gin Loco in November but was unable to finish at Sandown in his following race. Given the mixed results in his form, he faces considerable challenges in competing effectively in this context.
Moveit Like Minnie
Moveit Like Minnie has shown commendable form, securing victories at Ludlow and Huntingdon before delivering a strong performance to finish fourth behind Luccia in a race at Ascot that frequently serves as a key indicator for this event. Competing from the same handicap rating, Moveit Like Minnie is a noteworthy contender based on consistent performances.
Our Champ
The stable of Our Champ, last year's winner of this race, has seen him enjoy a successful season with wins at Plumpton and Cheltenham during the autumn. However, his handicap rating has increased accordingly, suggesting he may not have an advantage over the handicapper in this contest.
Alvaniy
Representing the esteemed Mullins stable, Alvaniy's performance in his handicap debut at Wetherby in November provided little evidence to suggest he is poised to claim victory in one of the season's most challenging races, despite the typical considerations given to entries from this stable.
Yorksea
Yorksea has demonstrated reluctance to participate in his last two races, earning two Timeform "squiggles" for refusal to start. This behavior makes him a candidate that can be easily overlooked in the lineup.
Ito Dito
Ito Dito has enjoyed a successful season, winning two of three starts, all at Chepstow. Despite finishing a significant distance ahead of the third place in a handicap race at Exeter, he faces a challenging 15-pound higher handicap in this upcoming event.
Donnacha
Donnacha has had an impressive season and showcased determination by winning at Warwick last month. Nonetheless, his tendency to commit errors, combined with the increased competitiveness of this race, may pose challenges despite the advantage of carrying less weight.
Onlyamatteroftime
After failing to complete his final race for previous connections and his debut for the Mullins team in the Greatwood, Onlyamatteroftime behaved better to finish fourth behind Luccia at Ascot. However, a lack of pace in his subsequent race suggests he may require a longer distance to be competitive at this level.
| Betfair Hurdle Odds | |
|---|---|
| Ocastle des Mottes | 4/1 |
| Iberico Lord | 5/1: |
| Altobelli | 13/2 |
| Tellherthename | 8/1 |
| Lookaway, Luccia, Under Control | 10/1: |
| Aurigny Mill, Brentford Hope, Hansard | 12/1: |
| Go Dante, Onlyamatteroftime, Spirit d’Aunou | 14/1 |
| Doddiethegreat, Kamsinas, L’Eau du Sud, Norman Fletcher | 20/1 |
| Donnacha, Knickerbockerglory | 25/1 |
| Faivoir, Jilaijone, Our Champ | 33/1: |
| Alvaniy, Moveit Like Minnie | 40/1 |
| Ito Ditto, Yorksea | 66/1 |
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