Stanjames.com International Hurdle Betting Preview

We’ve got a really solid weekend of racing ahead of us with an enticing fixture at Cheltenham on Saturday featuring the Grade 2 Stanjames.com International Hurdle. We have 9 runners at this point and the ante post market is already firing - some of the premier stars of hurdling are lining up for this one and it is set to be a very fascinating race with a number of interesting permutations. 

CLICK HERE FOR YOUR FREE BET WITH STANJAMES.COM!

The race really looks to be a three-way battle at the outset between three high-profile runners. The betting favourite right now is Zarkandar, who comes out of Paul Nicholls yard and will be looking to keep the momentum going after scoring on his seasonal debut at Wincanton in a Grade 2 hurdle contest. 

As it currently stands, Zarkandar is a 5/4 shout and looks like he should get a good opportunity to get some revenge after a disappointing race at Cheltenham last year during the festival. It was a bit of a weird ride on the day for Daryl Jacob as the horse lost the race during the middle portion of the contest - slowing down and venturing towards the rear after being held up in touch early. He kicked on well towards the end but was simply left with way too much to do. 

We saw a significantly more coherent ride last month at Wincanton and the connections will look to deploy something similar here. 

Rock On Ruby is the really interesting story in this race and he’s set for his seasonal debut here with his connections being very selective about his campaign this season. He’s rated 170 from last year and will be looking to move forward this season. He scored a big victory with Noel Fehily up at Cheltenham when he won the Champion Hurdle. 

Bookmakers have Rock On Ruby floated at 15/8 and he will likely take some serious money on the day if he makes a good pre-race appearance. 

The other main contender is Grandouet who lines up for Nicky Henderson. he’s been unraced since last December when he won this exact race by a four length margin after being sent off as the 5/2 joint favourite. There is definitely an element of mystery about backing hin this time as now one is really too sure what to expect after a year on the sidelines. 

5/2 is probably a bit short and punters should expect 3/1 at least on the day of the race.