Our UK horse racing expert Neil Morrice brings you his preview on the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle (Race 1) on Day 2 of the 2019 Cheltenham Festival, Wednesday, March 13, 2019.
| No | Horse | Odds | Jockey | Trainer |
| 1 | Ask Dillon (IRE) | 40/1 | Sean Bowen | Fergal O’Brien |
| 2 | Battleoverdoyen (IRE) | 3/1 | J. W. Kennedy | Gordon Elliott |
| 3 | Beakstown (IRE) | 12/1 | Harry Skelton | Dan Skelton |
| 4 | Brewin’upastorm (IRE) | 8/1 | Richard Johnson | Olly Murphy |
| 5 | Bright Forecast (IRE) | 20/1 | Nico de Boinville | Ben Pauling |
| 6 | Castlebawn West (IRE) | 25/1 | P. Townend | W. P. Mullins |
| 7 | Champ (IRE) | 10/4 | Barry Geraghty | Nicky Henderson |
| 8 | City Island (IRE) | 17/2 | M. P. Walsh | Martin Brassil |
| 9 | Dunvegan (FR) | 25/1 | D. J. Mullins | P. A. Fahy |
| 10 | Easy Game (FR) | 20/1 | R. Walsh | W. P. Mullins |
| 11 | Galvin (IRE) | 25/1 | Davy Russell | Gordon Elliott |
| 12 | Jarveys Plate (IRE) | 20/1 | Paddy Brennan | Fergal O’Brien |
| 13 | Notebook (GER) | 40/1 | Rachael Blackmore | Henry de Bromhead |
| 14 | Sams Profile | 10/1 | B. J. Cooper | M. F. Morris |
| 15 | Seddon (IRE) | 40/1 | Noel Fehily | Tom George |
| 16 | Valdieu (FR) | 40/1 | Sean Flanagan | Noel Meade |
Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle Preview
Race 1 – 15:30
Wednesday 13th March 2019
Grade 1 – 2.6m – £125000
When Nicky Henderson worked a bunch of his horses at Kempton a fortnight ago his Ballymore contender CHAMP was the one that exuded class, cantering over those in his group in a way the trainer and owner JP McManus hope will manifest itself in today’s thrilling opener.
This emerging star is shaking off the burden of having such an elevated name to live up to and if Nico de Boinville brings him home in front it will mark a fifth success in an unbeaten run this season.
Afforded an identical unblemished record this season is BATTLEOVERDOYEN who smoothly landed a trial for this at Naas under Jack Kennedy. Gordon Elliott is quietly confident his charge can at least shake up the favourite.
Battleoverdoyen heads a nine-strong contingent from Ireland backed up by amongst others his stablemate GALVIN who strolled home at Ayr last time but takes a big step up the class ladder.
Similarly, hat-trick seeker CITY ISLAND will have to improve to win, though Martin Brassil’s challenger has landed weaker races with ridiculous ease and is therefore hard to evaluate.
Another holding genuine Each Way claims of NOTEBOOK who didn’t enjoy the best of luck at Thurles last time and can figure for Henry de Bromhead and Rachael Blackmore.
NEIL MORRICE’S PREDICTED FINISH
7-8-2-13-11
1: CHAMP (7)
2: CITY ISLAND (8)
3: BATTLEOVERDOYEN (2)
4: NOTEBOOK (13)
5: GALVIN (11)
