+++ THE CHELTENHAM TRENDS: DAY TWO +++
GALLAGHER NOVICES’ HURDLE (1.30)
■ Seven horses from 14 who claimed either a P2P, bumper or Graded novice hurdle have won this race during the past 14 years.
■ 12 of the past 15 winners were in the top two on official ratings.
■ Six of the past 16 winners were trained by Willie Mullins.
■ Nine of the past 15 winners won their latest start over 2m–2m2f. High-class novices stepping up in distance boast a fine record in the newly named Gallagher Novices’ Hurdle and BALLYBURN stands out on the trends. A Grade One winner over the minimum trip at the Dublin Racing Festival, he is clear top-rated and has also won over 2m4f. Representing the all-conquering Mullins stable, he is sure to be sent off at a short price, but given his profile — being a former Points winner and successful in a brace of bumpers — he looks tailor-made for this test and should get day two off to the best possible start for favourite backers.
BROWN ADVISORY NOVICES’ CHASE (2.10)
■ 16 of the past 17 winners had finished first or second in a Graded novice chase.
■ Six of the past 14 winners had contested the previous year’s Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle.
■ 20 of the past 23 winners had between three to five starts.
■ 19 of the past 24 winners were aged seven.
Graded novice chase form is important ahead of the Brown Advisory, which is a negative towards the chances of Monty’s Star (who has had just the two chase starts), while the two ahead of him in the market have already proven successful at Grade One or Grade Two level. STAY AWAY FAY boasts a very good profile, having won last year’s Albert Bartlett at the Festival, with Weapon’s Amnesty, Bobs Worth and Monkfish all completing the double since 2010. Fact To File also has plenty going for him and is another who ran well at last year’s meeting.
■ Statistics provided by Bettrends, courtesy of the Weatherbys 2024 Cheltenham Festival Betting Guide.
■ Bettrends provide services for all major meetings and the following exclusive discount code will get you 25 per cent off the Aintree Service or Aintree Text Service: DMAF24 — available via https://weatherbysshop.co.uk/