Betfair Hurdle Betting Tips PT 1

One of the last really big handicap contests of the National Hunt season prior to the Cheltenham Festival is just about to kick off this weekend and we are looking forward to one of the most open iterations of this contest in recent memory. There is a lot to like about the contenders assembling here at Newbury and you can bank on their ability to get the job done over the 2m110y distance. 

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There are five solid runners who are all available at relatively similar prices though there is some pretty significant variance between the odds offered up on individual horses from various books. 

The role of betting favourite right now appears to be a straight shoot-out between Irving and Irish Saint. Irving has enjoyed an undefeated campaign so far this season coming out of the Paul Nicholls yard. He has rattled off a steady series of victories since capturing his first contest over hurdles when debuting at Taunton back in mid-November. 

This has culminated in his capture of a Grade 2 novice handicap at Ascot just before Christmas where he was able to topple a field of six when sent off at a competitive price of 11/4. He has showed some versatility in his past races with the ability to track the leaders and stay up near the pace while also being able to be held up and lope along towards the back before making a move at the right time and then romping home by a six length margin. 

While Irving has jumped out onto the circuit and drawn plenty of accolades, you have an interesting contrast between him and Irish Saint who has been competing in better races despite the lack of a solid run of victories. He is a multiple Grade 2 winner and has been active in the Grade 1 4-y-o Juvenile Hurdle at Aintree last year when he was able to hit the board at a price of 3/1.