Oddschecker duo Andrew Riley and George Elek give the cases for and against the ante-post favourite
Banker
George Elek says:
Getabird was sent back to run over 2m after winning over 2m4f on heavy in a move that is ultimately a tip of the cap from Mullins to Elliot. Samcro is the star novice hurdler of the season and has this one wrapped up, and trainers such as Mullins will be looking at either the Supreme or the Albert Bartlett for their stars to ensure they avoid the unbeaten six year-old, who has racked up a combined winning distance of 44l in his last three starts. On The Blind Side would usually be a worthy favourite in this race, but this year will only serve to ensure Samcro is a backable price for his win. The 2/1 still on offer is a bet.
A shame to hear Samcro misses @NaasRacecourse this Sunday after an unsatisfactory scope. All roads to @LeopardstownRC and February's Dublin Racing Festival! pic.twitter.com/wXyXqveJqr
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) January 3, 2018
Blowout
Andrew Riley says:
We’ve been here before haven’t we? 12 months ago Gordon Elliott (and half of Ireland) was talking up Death Duty as a monster who would make mincemeat of his rivals. Sent off at just 13/8, he unseated his rider when already well beaten five out. Sure Samcro has looked good in his autumn MAIDEN and Grade 3 successes but those in behind haven’t necessarily been pulling up trees since albeit running some decent races in defeat. A certain Willie Mullins in particular looks certain to have his say in a race he has won four times in the last ten years. Next Destination is a Grade 1 winner who will relish a return to quicker ground, whilst I wouldn’t yet rule Getabird out of tackling the longer trip with Mullins and Ricci having other options in the Supreme. Then there is the UK challengers of On The Blind Side and If The Cap Fits, both of whom have looked progressive during unbeaten starts to their hurdling careers. Backing a horse at 6/4 for a Cheltenham Festival race off the back of two autumn runs in Ireland may be up some people’s streets (George), but I’d rather have the rest of the field on my side.
Have your say and vote on our Twitter poll below:
Is Samcro in the Ballymore a #CheltenhamFestival Banker or Blowout?
— Oddschecker Racing (@OddsRacing) January 19, 2018
