Oddschecker duo Andrew Riley and George Elek give the cases for and against the ante-post favourite
Banker
Andrew Riley says:
One of those horses that bookies and punters always seem keen to get beat, Gordon Elliott’s superstar mare is incredibly consistent, and consistently great. Yet to finish out of the first tow in any of her 14 career starts, the 2m4f trip is inch perfect for her, with the stiff Cheltenham finish right up her street. Sent off at 7/2 third favourite for this race last year, she readily accounted for the Willie Mullins duo of Vroom Vroom Mage and Limini with a gutsy performance that saw her stay on strongly up the hill. Her chief danger this year appears to be another Mullins/Ricci mare in the shape of Let’s Dance who herself was impressive when winning the Novice version of this race last season. However, unlike Apple’s Jade, she’s consistently come up short when taking on the boys the form of her six wins are nowhere near those of the Gigginstown winning machine. Apple’s Jade arguably has the class to place in either the Champion Hurdle or Stayers Hurdle and there has been clamour for connections to give the racing public the chance to find out. Sensibly though, they appreciate that winning any race at Cheltenham is an achievement and although on paper the Mares Hurdle looks the easy option, it will more than likely result in another Festival success for connections.
She’s stayed every yard, Apple’s Jade wins the Christmas Hurdle under @_Davy_Russel_ The race somewhat overshadowed by the sad passing of Nichols Canyon. #RIP
— GetYourTipsOut (@GetYourTipsOut) December 28, 2017
(Video: @AtTheRaces)pic.twitter.com/xHIA1VWTQt
Blowout
George Elek says:
Apple’s Jade’s performance in this race last year was one of the best in a memorable festival, but fans of Gordon Elliot’s mare should keep their powder dry of the odds-on on offer. It’s anyone’s guess when her two old rivals Limini and Vroum Vroum Mag will next see a racecourse, but there is one newcomer who will surely concern the six year-old. It is another Willie Mullins horse who catches the eye, with Let’s Dance looking a different horse this year after a disappointing close to last season. She bounced back from a fall when going well by defeating Forge Meadow by 8l at Leopardstown last month. We also know she gets up the hill after winning the Mares Novices last year. An each-way bet at 11/2 represents better value than piling into Apple’s Jade.
Have your say and vote on our Twitter poll below:
Is Apple's Jade in the Mares' Hurdle a #CheltenhamFestival Banker or Blowout?
— Oddschecker Racing (@OddsRacing) January 18, 2018
