A shock result at Down Royal has shaken up the ante-post Cheltenham markets.
Samcro’s long awaited reappearance ended in disaster as the heavy favourite was well beaten by 16/1 poke Bedrock.
Punters had been opposing Samcro all morning as Gordon Elliot’s horse drifted from 1/5 to 4/9 just before the off.
All bookmakers have been quick to react in the ante-post markets, lengthening the odds of Samcro all the way out to 5/1 for the Champion Hurdle.
Buveur D’Air and Laurina, both seen to be his biggest rivals for the race, have both shortened as a result. The former is now as short as 7/4 favourite for the race, whilst the latter is now as short as 5/1 after being available at 12/1 a couple of weeks back.
Oddschecker spokesman, George Elek said: "Today saw the first real surge of ante-post bets on Oddschecker, with punters rushing to back both Laurina and Buveur D'Air following the scenes at Down Royal.
"Since Samcro's disappointing outing, 36% of bets in the Champion Hurdle market have been on Nicky Henderson's Buveur D'Air, and 23% on Willie Mullins' Laurina. It's worth noting today's winner, Bedrock, is still 50/1 for Cheltenham glory."
