2012 Fighting Fifth Hurdle Betting Tips Part 2

He made several jumping errors but was still able to beat some solid contenders by over a length. It’s a sign that if he can really get it right on the day he has plenty of quality in him. With a clean trip and a good performance from Jason Maguire, he’s going to be a very difficult customer. Expect him to go off at a competitive price. 

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Countrywide Flame is solid, though slightly inconsistent performer who always has a tendency to hit the board but usually only when he’s taking a fair amount of money. The real exception, obviously, was in last year’s JCB Triumph Hurdle when he came in at a solid 33/1 price by a full three length margin over Hisaabaat - who had previously beat him at Leopardstown. 

He could only muster up a second place performance to Grumeti in the Matalan 4YO at Aintree but still closed out the season well. He was back on the turf for the Cesarewitch, where he came in second when sent off as the 7/1 favourite. He only lost by half a length in that massive 34-deep field and he remains a very interesting option for those who are looking for a bit more of a price here. It should be noted that he doesn’t have a jockey booked at this point and has usually been piloted by Dougie Costello when going over obstacles. 

The Champion Hurdle winner Rock On Ruby represents the third Cheltenham novice winner to line up in this race. There’s a lot to like about him though he was a beaten third in the Grade 1 Aintree Hurdle at the Grand National meeting. He delivered at a very solid 11/1 on his big score at Cheltenham and should he competitive for the favourites position here. The competition is going to be very tough in this one, particularly with Cinders And Ashes along with Darlan set to challenge him here. He’s a very interesting addition to the mix and it will be interesting to see if he can replicate his 2011/12 campaign, where he won his first race off the lay off. Noel Fehily gets the mount.

Trofolium was a distant second in his seasonal debut at Punchestown - beaten a hefty 32 lengths by Miley Shah when sent off at an 8/15 margin. He hit the board in some prominent races last year and will be looking to at least put in a good shift here, but even connections know that he’ll need a career-best performance if he wants to find the winners circle in this one. 

Verdict: Early lean towards Countrywide Flame to deliver at a price.