A satisfactory start for American Mike who shortens for two races at the Cheltenham Festival 2023 but Magical Zoe was the more impressive for Andy Holding.
American Mike 5/1 for the Albert Bartlett (Was 11/1)
Andy Holding Says: American Mike made a satisfactory start to his life over hurdles, in the end winning as his odds suggested he would.
On the evidence of his opening bow and several of his previous performances in bumpers, races where stamina is the key component are going to suit him best, so you'd imagine the Albert Bartlett would be the more suitable long-term option (he is 5/1 for the Ballymore).
American Mike is a best price 8/1 for the Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle..
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Magical Zoe 8/1 for the Mares’ Novices Hurdle (Was 25/1)
AH: The most impressive display on the same card, however, came from Magical Zoe in the Grade 3 mares' hurdle and she looks to have a bright future over hurdles.
"In terms of Cheltenham Festival clues, this race should turn out to be far more informative"
On only her third career start, she maintained her unbeaten record by taking care of a deep field and her time figure backed up the visual aspect of the effort. In terms of Cheltenham Festival clues, this race should turn out to be far more informative.
Magical Zoe remains a best price 14/1 for the Mares’ Hurdle through oddschecker.
Cougar 10/1 for the Triumph Hurdle (Was 20/1)
AH: On the second day of Down Royal's meeting, the opening juvenile contest was captured in fine style by previous winner Cougar, although his task was aided by a poor display from highly-touted Old Victoria.
Despite racing with the choke out for most of the journey, he had plenty left in the tank to repel his main challenger after the last and he looks one of the better juveniles we've seen so far.
The only negative would be his comparatively slow time alongside the handicap hurdle won by Niburu, so quotes of 10/1 for the Triumph look to be on the skinny side, especially as most of the big guns waiting in the wings haven't flexed their muscles as of yet.
Cougar is a best price 14/1 for the Triumph Hurdle.
Envoi Allen 12/1 for the Ryanair Chase (Was 33/1)
Later on the card, Envoi Allen managed to put behind him a poor round of jumping to secure his fourth win at the track, but whether he can build on this is some of the more competitive Grade 1's further down the line is open to question.
The fact that the 120-rated Final Orders managed to run a faster overall time probably tells you all you need to know about this year's renewal of the Down Royal feature.
*Envoi Allen is a best price 16/1 for the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham 2023.
