WE’RE MIDWAY THROUGH the 2021 Cheltenham Festival.
Racing journalist Johnny Ward is bringing you his best tips throughout the week — along with William Hill’s latest prices — and here are some bets to consider for Thursday.
How good might Envoi Allen be?
He ran in one point-to-point and won by ten lengths, the only time he was not sent off favourite.
He ran in three bumpers and won them all, including the Cheltenham Bumper.
He ran in four hurdle races and won them all, including the Ballymore at Cheltenham.
And if he takes Thursday’s Marsh Chase he’ll have run in four chases and won them all, yet William Hill has been dangling a bit of 4-6 about. I can’t envisage defeat, but perhaps stranger things have happened.
Here are three at bigger prices:
Samcro — 12/1 (Ryanair Chase, 2.30)
This looks an open edition. Samcro is unbeaten at Cheltenham and he’s reportedly in good nick coming here. He made a bright return save for one mistake and the stable’s runners were off when he ran as if something were amiss at Leopardstown.
So we do have to take a chance on him but Denise Foster’s horses are thriving and he’ll appreciate the ground here. He still seems to have plenty of class.
Farclas — 13/2 (Paddy Power Plate, 3.40)
This is a big ask for The Shunter under a 7lb claimer, stepping up in trip with not much chase experience. Farclas is rock-solid for Jack Kennedy, who enjoyed a double on day one. He did not quite see out the trip at Leopardstown but travelled and jumped like a dream.
The 2018 Triumph Hurdle winner has plenty going for him, dropping slightly back in trip on much better ground. William Hill offers five places. All going well he should place at worst.
Mighty Blue — 20/1 (Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle, 4.15)
With no wins to her name over hurdles and three of these ahead of her last time, it may seem daft, but if ever a horse were crying out for a big field and better ground with the probable strong pace, it’s Mighty Blue.
A typical Authorized-bred, she is a bit strong in her races, but remember she’s rated 104 on the Flat so it’s still a learning experience for her. She could go really well.
Odds above correct at the time of writing. For all the latest prices, visit williamhill.com. 18+, always gamble responsibly. For more information, see gamblingtherapy.org
