Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle Odds

Trainers with one eye on the Champion Hurdle in the future tend to test their horse’s mettle around Cheltenham in the Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle. The race takes place on the second of the four days of the Cheltenham Festival and is open to novice hurdlers over the awkward distance of 2m5f.

Look for mix of speed and stamina in Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle odds

With the Champion Hurdle run at a lightning speed over 2m, trainers like to use the Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle as an ideal preparation for their novices. The theory is that if a horse can see out the 2m5f in a slower run Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle, they should be able to return to Cheltenham 12 months later and cope with the demands of the premier hurdles contest and in particular to stay on up the especially taxing Cheltenham hill.

Many horses have used the Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle as a stepping stone to the Champion Hurdle. Perhaps the biggest name to complete the Cheltenham double is Istabraq, while Hardy Eustace has also won both races. Peddlers Cross won the Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle in 2010 before finishing runner up in the Champion Hurdle last year.

Former Champion Bumper contenders head the Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle odds

Cheltenian won the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham last year and seems set to go off favourite for the Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle and win at the Festival on two years in succession. However, many of his bumper rivals may have potentially progressed past him in the 12 months between festivals, including Ericht and Knight Pass.