Cheltenham Tips: 1.20 Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle

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1.20 Ballymore Novices' Hurdle Tips

Wednesday 17 March | Age: 4yo+ | Prize: £125,000

The Ballymore Novices Hurdle is a Grade 1 National Hunt hurdle race, open to horses four years and older who are novices (meaning they hadn’t won a race over hurdles prior to that season), the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle is run on the Old Course over a distance of about two miles and five furlongs (2 miles 5 furlongs and 26 yards).

If it wasn't for a one length defeat to the very smart Ferny Hollow (last year's bumper winner) BOB OLINGER would be undefeated in his career to date and he looks a very smart horse to me.  

Although there are only 7 runners there is a fair bit of competition here, particularly in the shape of Bravemansgame and Gaillard Du Mesnil but I think Bob Olinger could be something special and a cut above the rest.

He has no problem with stamina but also has a turn of foot off a strong pace which will serve him well here.

Voice of Value's Ballymore Novices' Tip

• Bob Olinger 4pt win at 13/8 with Casumo

BOB OLINGER put down a marker for the year ahead when running Champion Bumper winner Ferny Hollow close over hurdles at Gowran Park in November.

The pair drew 45 lengths clear of the third and the promise of that effort has been fulfilled at Navan and Naas. His latest success came at Grade 1 level (recording good speed figure) and Henry de Bromhead’s gelding looks the one to beat.

Bravemansgame mopped up the 2m 4f Grade 1 Challow Hurdle at Newbury, finishing strongly, and is on an upwards curve for
Paul Nicholls. He was beaten a neck by subsequent Betfair Hurdle winner Soaring Glory at Chepstow on his return to action
and is improving.

Willie Mullins’ Gaillard Du Mesnil, a former French purchase, has won his last two races, both at Leopardstown, and clearly enters calculations.

Thommo's Ballymore Novices' Tips

• Bob Olinger 13/8 Casumo

No

Silks

Runner

Jockey/Trainer

Odds

3

Bravemansgame
36-2111

J: H Cobden
T: P F Nicholls

8/11

---

5

Gaillard Du Mesnil
222-211

J: P Townend
T: W P Mullins

6/4

---

2

Bob Olinger
11-211

J: Rachael Blackmore
T: H De Bromhead

7/4

---

6

Keskonrisk
1-13

J:
T: J P O'Brien

11/4

---

1

Bear Ghylls
1-111

J: Matt Griffiths
T: Nicky Martin

7/2

---

7

Optimise Prime
8113

J: D A Jacob
T: B Pauling

8/1

---

4

Does He Know
2-111R8

J: David Bass
T: K C Bailey

NR

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