Odds have shortened on Gordon Elliott’s mare winning at Cheltenham once more.
Apple’s Jade had not raced since a third place finish at Punchestown back in April, shortly after this year’s disappointment at Cheltenham festival, before returning to action to secure back-to-back Lismullen Hurdles at Navan on Sunday afternoon.
Gordon Elliott’s mare justified favouritism going off at evens, winning by 11 lengths in a race that sadly saw the loss of another Gigginstown runner, Identity Thief.
As a result of that impressive performance, bookies have cut odds from 9/2 before the race to 3/1, with a best price of 4/1 available in places.
Winner of the Mares’ Hurdle in 2017, the six-year-old finished third in this year’s race at Cheltenham, but punters are backing a return to winning ways at the festival next year.
The previous favourite was the 2018 winner Benie Des Dieux (4/1), winner also of the follow up race that featured Apple’s Jade at Punchestown a month later. Willie Mullins’ charge Laurina sitsthird in the market at a best price of 5/1.
Oddschecker spokesperson George Elek: “We expected to see plenty of activity in the Mares’ Hurdle ante-post market if Apple’s Jade lived up to the billing at Navan.”
“Sure enough, punters have been quick to back Gordon Elliott’s charge, with 90% of bets on that market today going on her.”
