We reveal the most backed horses at Cheltenham's opening two days of the season, the Showcase Meeting.
Braid Blue - 7/2 - 14:00 Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle
Braid Blue has won four on the spin and is being heavily backed to make that five in a row this afternoon. Gordon Elliott’s six-year-old has been in fine form throughout the year and after his eleven length success at Perth in July was particularly impressive. Today’s task is slightly more difficult than his recent races but punters think he should still have enough class. All his victories have come on good ground and whilst it is good to soft at Cheltenham today, punters are not deterred and think he will handle the conditions.
Dinons – 5/2 – 15:45 Novices’ Chase
Dinons won here last year when racing over hurdles and is fancied to do so again over fences today. Since switching to chasing, the six-year-old has record three victories in five races. He loves winning and his jumping so far this year implies he will be tough to beat. His effort earlier this month at Limerick showed he was back at his best after two slightly under-par performances. With that run in mind, punters have been flocking to back Gordon Elliott’s inmate and a big run is expected.
Fred – 6/4 – 16:20 Maiden Hurdle
Nicky Henderson’s new recruit is running in England for the first time this afternoon and given his French form, it is obvious why punters are piling in on the gelding. He has finished runner up in his last three outings but is fancied to go one better today. It looks like today’s task is slightly easier than his last few races and he should have the class to land this maiden race. It is always exciting seeing one of Nicky Henderson’s run for the first time and apparently he is working very well at home, punters think this will be the first part of a big season for Daryl Jacob’s ride.
