The Sun Bet Stayers Hurdle - A Closer Look
The feature of the Cheltenham Festival's third day has a very competitive feel to it this year. The now named 'Stayers Hurdle' has produced great horses including the likes of Big Bucks, Inglis Drever and last year's winner, Thistlecrack. This year the race looks to produce another star in the shape of UnowWhatIMeanHarry, the market leader and apparent good thing of the race, an argument I don't fully subscribe to. This being said, the favourite has answered every call this year and fully justifies the strong support for him after convincing wins in the Long Walk Hurdle and Cleeve Hurdle. However, at just the skimpy odds of 5/4, I'm not tempted to side with 'Harry'. It's not a massive surprise to see Willie Mullins supply some of the horses near the head of the market but his most taking must be Shaneshill, a gallant and game stayer who holds every chance. If you're not convinced by my word you only have to look up his highly decorated Cheltenham festival form including just a four length defeat to the mighty Douvan in the 2015 Supreme. Another potential threat to the good thing is that of former Champion Hurdle winner, Jezki. Having returned from injury with a win, the Jessica Harrington trained gelding got narrowly denied by Tombstone on unsuitable ground and an inadequate trip last time. Having proven stamina and smart festival form, Jezki is certainly a horse to keep the right side of. Another horse with a similar impressive profile is Cole Harden, winner of this race in its 2015 edition. Cole Harden gave his legion of followers a welcome encouragement with a much improved effort in the Cleeve Hurdle over course and distance. A horse dependent on better ground, he holds solid each-way claims in a race of minimal depth. Overall, I feel the favourite will be hard beaten here but at the prices I'm willing to take him on.
Selection:
WIN: Shaneshill (8/1)
EACHWAY: Jezki (8/1)