Berties Dream Dropped From RSA Chase Contention

A bit of a shake-up just a few weeks out from the Cheltenham Festival as last year’s winner of the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle, Berties Dream, has been scratched by his trainer Paul Gilligan. The eight year-old was expected to contest either the Ladbroke World Hurdle or have a go at the RSA Chase.

The gelding was trading at 33/1 for a victory in either race.

The withdrawal makes one wonder whether it has anything to do with a statement that conditioner Paul Gilligan made earlier in the month prior to the Boyne Hurdle. Speaking to Sports News Ireland, Gilligan declared that “I am still a bit concerned that some of my horses are just not right. They had a cough and it has taken them a while to shake it off.” Berties Dream went on to finish a disappointing sixth on the day despite running in very suitable going.

The son of Golden Tornado remains winless since his score in the Albert Bartlett last year.

Big Buck’s continues to trade as one of the festival’s biggest bankers in the World Hurdle and he’s trading as low as 4/5 for another victory in this massive race. Grands Crus is the only other contender considered to be in the mix for top-spot and he’s priced at 9/4 across the board.

Time For Rupert currently boasts a strangehold on the RSA Chase ante post market. He is bet down as low as 9/4 with most major bookmakers with the nearest challenge coming from 8/1 Jessies Dream.