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In this 1xBet Ireland review, we take a closer look at the key events at one of the most prestigious horse racing festivals in the world. We’ll analyse the statistics, compile a shortlist of underrated contenders for victory, and highlight the most interesting betting markets with the most attractive odds. 

Four outsiders to watch in the Fred Winter, BetMGM Cup, Pertemps, County Hurdle and Martin Pipe. 

While plenty of heavily backed horses will dominate the betting in the Cheltenham Festival handicaps, it often pays to look beyond the head of the market.

With many bookmakers offering extra places during Festival week, a 25/1 shot finishing fourth can pay just as much as a 4/1 winner. Find one or two outsiders who run big races and it can transform your entire week.

Here are a few horses I believe have been overlooked in the Cheltenham Festival handicap hurdles.

Tuesday - Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle

Wizard Of Odds – 33/1

Wizard Of Odds reached a rating of 89 on the Flat last spring before switching to hurdles and making an impressive start, winning easily on debut at Cork in October.

On his second start he briefly headed Mange Tout (now rated 138) before making a mistake two out and eventually finishing four lengths behind the subsequent Grade 3 winner, who later finished third in a Grade 1.

That piece of form could be key.

He also had Bibe Mus five and a half lengths behind him that day. That rival reopposes here off just 1lb better terms but at roughly half the price.

His most recent run can probably be forgiven. The softer ground may not have suited, but it’s equally possible he had already done enough to secure a workable handicap mark and was not knocked about. 18 of the last 21 winners of the McCoy Contractors Juvenile Handicap Hurdle were rated lower than 134 and Wizard Of Odds runs off a mark of 123. 

These connections target this race regularly, and the Mange Tout formline suggests this may be their strongest chance yet.

Wednesday - BetMGM Cup

Ballyadam – 25/1

Ballyadam has finished second and third in this race in the last two seasons, off marks 5lb lower and 1lb lower respectively.

Late mistakes cost him the chance to get closer on both occasions, and he also had the misfortune of running into very well-handicapped rivals in Langer Dan and Jimmy De Seuil.

This year’s renewal may not contain anything quite so well treated.

His preparation mirrors last season closely. He has had one hurdle start as a prep, where he travelled well before El Fabiolo simply outsprinted him.

Two recent third-place finishes over 1m4f on the Flat may also leave him sharper than in previous campaigns.

Given his strong record in this race, 25/1 looks generous.

Thursday - Pertemps Network Final

Champagne Chic – 33/1

Champagne Chic currently sits 2lb out of the handicap, but with Impose Toi likely to run in the Stayers’ Hurdle, the weights should rise about 7lb, bringing him comfortably into the race.

His early career was a little inconsistent as a five-year-old, which is hardly surprising given he is by Shirocco out of an Old Vic mare — a pedigree that strongly suggests improvement with age and distance.

He showed promise when winning a novice hurdle at Wincanton over 1m7f, and his seasonal debut can probably be forgiven. The quick ground at Exeter may not have suited.

His next run was far more encouraging, staying on strongly despite a mistake at the last to be beaten only a neck by a horse who subsequently finished third behind Ma Shantou.

Two starts ago he battled gamely to win on heavy ground, beating Turndlightsdownlow despite conceding 4lb due to Freddie Keighley’s claim.

Back on better ground at Haydock, he produced a devastating display to qualify for this race. Notably, he was ridden by Harry Skelton, his only ride for Jeremy Scott this season and one of just six in the past five seasons — a strong indication the yard holds him in high regard.

He has gone up another 7lb, but given his rate of improvement that may not be enough to stop him.

At 33/1, he makes plenty of appeal.

Friday - County Hurdle

Secret Squirrel – 33/1

Secret Squirrel was highly progressive last season before a heavy fall in the Handicap Hurdle ruled him out for the remainder of the campaign.

Earlier form reads well.

On his seasonal debut he finished third behind Our Champ, who later rose 9lb in the ratings, and Break My Soul, who improved 18lb before going chasing.

Next time at Ascot he fell when still involved, having been close to Kabral Du Mathin (now rated 23lb higher) and Fiercely Proud (now rated 9lb higher).

He then produced a career-best performance when comfortably beating Kabral Du Mathin at Windsor, recording an RPR of 135.

Even in the race where he fell last season, he was travelling strongly and likely would have finished third behind Joyeuseand Lump Sum.

After 371 days off, he returned with an excellent run in the Kingwell Hurdle, recording another RPR of 135 despite being 10lb and 11lb wrong with Rubaud and Alexei.

He should improve significantly for that run and, as a seven-year-old, may still have more progress to come.

At 33/1, he looks seriously interesting.

Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle

Andashan – 25/1

Andashan was initially outpaced over 2m½f at Newbury on his handicap debut, but he stepped forward significantly next time when finishing a clear second to Kabral Du Mathin at Haydock over 2m3f.

That form looks strong now that the winner is rated a stone higher.

He improved again when stepped up to 2m4½f at Newbury, winning comfortably. In truth, the margin could easily have been 10 lengths or more had his jockey not kicked for home three fences from the finish.

With that performance in mind, the 6lb rise he received could prove lenient.

At 25/1, he makes plenty of appeal for the Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle.

Final Thoughts

Cheltenham Festival handicaps are notoriously competitive, but big prices regularly outrun their odds.

If one of these outsiders hits the frame — especially with the extra places on offer during Festival week — it can make a huge difference to your overall returns. 

The 1xBet horse racing season is in full swing, with several prestigious events still ahead. The jump races at the Cheltenham Festival will provide fans with plenty of spectacular highlights and fresh intrigue. In our preview of this major event, we have taken a look at the dark horses in the key races and compiled a list of interesting betting ideas.

The analytical piece was prepared by Emmet Kennedy — Presenter, Producer, and Owner of The Final Furlong Podcast, Broadcaster with TalkSPORT, and Broadcast Consultant —  with the support of 1xBet Ireland.

1XBET AND TERMINUS PLATFORM IRELAND LIMITED DO NOT SPONSOR ANY OF THE EVENTS ABOVE AND HAVE NO PARTNERSHIP WITH ASSOCIATED SPORTS LEAGUES AND/OR ASSOCIATIONS.