Neptune Novices

This 2m5f novice hurdle is always a competitive race at the Cheltenham Festival. Originally called the Aldsworth Hurdle, novices tackle ten fences in a contest where many big names rise to prominence. When it comes to Neptune Novices winners, Willie Mullins is top of the list having scored back-to-back victories in 2008-2009 with Fiveforthree and Mikael D'Haguenet.

Notable Runners

Oscars Well– He has emerged as a real contender in this race and trades as a lukewarm favourite coming in off the back of a very respectable campaign. He comes into the race with lots of momentum after scoring over Zaidpour at Leopardstown when sent off at 7/1. He’ll likely be held up just in touch and look to move on strongly approaching the last hurdle.

Rock On Ruby– The Paul Nicholls-trained six year-old was unlucky in his last effort at Cheltenham when his jockey dropped the whip on the run-in after he looked to have every chance. He scored at Cheltenham earlier this season in a listed bumper and will be a major factor if he enters the race in good nick. He will likely get Ruby Walsh in the irons.

Bobs Worth– He got the best of Rock On Ruby in his last go and has a pair of scores at Cheltenham now. He has forged a good partnership with Barry Geraghty and will be in the mix early on in the race. A smart campaign from his connections has seen him enter the race with a Grade 2 score over hurdles at Cheltenham. He’ll be tough to beat.