World Hurdle 2016 - Festival Focus

Rheu of Light - Last year's runner-up looks a good each way bet in the World Hurdle.

With the Cleeve Hurdle taking place tomorrow featuring two of the top five in the betting for the World Hurdle, the market for Thursday’s festival feature is due for a shake up before close of business on Saturday.

As such I want to get a horse on side for that race now in case one, or both, of the big two of Thistlecrack and Camping Ground fluff their lines in the Cleeve.

The horse in question is last year’s runner-up Saphir Du Rheu, currently available at 20/1 best price or 16/1 with the Non Runner No Bet concession. A big price if you ask me, though I can see the reasoning behind why he’s currently so long in the betting.

I don’t necessarily agree with the decision of connections to revert back to hurdles after what I thought was a perfectly good run under a welter burden in the Hennessy, but in the aftermath of that decision he was under half his current price for the World Hurdle.

National Hunt Ten To Follow 2014-2015

The Don - Festival winner Don Poli looks set for another big season.

As the 2014 flat turf season enters its twilight thought naturally is turning more and more towards the start of the national hunt season proper.

The coming jumps season has more hype around it than I can ever remember for a national hunt campaign and it might not be misplaced given the plethora of exciting jumpers we have to look forward to this year.

Once again I’m going to try and pick out ten horses that could be in for a big year over obstacles without throwing in the completely obvious ones, because we all know Faugheen’s going to win the Champion Hurdle right?

We’re not in totally under the radar dark horse territory here but in my national hunt ten to follow for 2014-2015 you’ll find ten horses that could be about to enjoy a fruitful season and keep us on the edge of our seat this winter in the process.