My Tent Or Yours is the headline horse at Newcastle on Saturday as he starts his Champion Hurdle campaign for Nicky Henderson. He runs in the colours of leading National Hunt owner JP McManus and will be partnered by champion jockey Tony McCoy.
Melodic Rendezvous looks his only serious rival but, as tough as he is, he does not look to have the speed to match the Henderson gelding. It would not surprise me to see the favourite put up an impressive display and be clear favourite for Cheltenham by the end of the day.
The Lambourn trainer came under intense pressure to supplement him for the Champion Hurdle in March after he had bolted up in the competitive Betfair Hurdle at Newbury. He stuck to his original plan of going for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle but was surprisingly held by Champagne Fever. I’m not quite sure whether the hill found him out that day but he oozed class when winning at Aintree next time and he is expected to win tomorrow.
It looks like being a good card for favourite backers with several strong favourites. Lucinda Russell has her string in fine form and can start the ball rolling at 12.05 with Green Flag. This one is on a hat-trick after an effortless victory at Ayr and he can follow up off a 6lb higher mark.
The second “banker” of the day is Oscar Rock in the 1.05. This one joined Malcolm Jefferson after winning two bumper races for Martin Fry last season and he looked like Cheltenham material on his hurdling bow. After pulling hard early on, he eased to the front before quickening clear to win by 19 lengths at Wetherby. There will be some long faces in the Jefferson camp if he is beaten tomorrow.
Tony McCoy should double up when he partners Full Shift for Henderson in the closing event. This one cost JP £170,000 after recording the best time of the day in his point-to-point. He is held in some regard and he is expected to bring the famous green and gold colours home in front on Saturday.
Although it will be hard to get even money about any of these, it may be worth throwing in an accumulator.
Green Flag 4-5 Bet365, Ladbrokes
Oscar Rock 5-6 Ladbrokes
My Tent Or Yours 4-5 Totesport, Betfred
+ accumulator above four
Full Shift
Betfair:
Bet on Henrik Stenson to become the BMW PGA Championship Winner.
Paddypower:
Back Australia to take the Ashes home with them.
Betway:
Back Rafael Nadal to become the Mens French Open Winner.
Coral:
Back One For Arthur to win the Grand National.
Bet365:
Back Mexico to win the Confederations Cup.
