Cheltenham Ante-Post Tips 2024: Take a punt on this 33/1 Triumph Hurdle hope

As it's my final column before Christmas and I'm very much in the festive spirit, I've added my biggest-priced selection so far to the 2024 Cheltenham Festival antepost book.

After studying the entries for Leopardstown on Boxing Day, I'm pulling the trigger on this Willie Mullins-trained juvenile for the Triumph Hurdle.

Earlier this week I decided that, in my quest of finding one at sizeable odds, it would be the Triumph Hurdle next on the antepost agenda.

So far, we've only seen a handful of likely types in that division - namely Burdett Road, Mighty Bandit, Nurburgring, Kala Conti and Wodhooh - and the standard set is not an unreachable one.

The great Willie Mullins is yet to unleash anything of note, but he's got a fair few entered over the Christmas period - hence the timing of this selection.

Salvator Mundi was the one I had in mind but he, plus talking-horse Majborough and Anzadam, were absent from the entries which is concerning. I suspect one or two will be held back a season.

Instead, I'm chancing that it's Karafon who triumphs come that Friday in March.

He was bought by Simon Munir & Isaac Suede and sent to Closutton after a highly-promising third in a Listed contest for unraced three-year-old colts & geldings over in Auteuil back in September.

He wasn't beaten far that day by Milan Tino - subsequently third behind the extremely-useful Jigme and then Burdett Road - and Kingland, whose form also ties in with the aforementioned French star.

That looks fair form and, as is so often the case, you'd have to imagine there's plenty of improvement to come now this son of Karaktar is under the care of Mr. Mullins, who gave him a positive review in a stable tour earlier this year.

"He's another nice juvenile hurdler who will hopefully work his way into a Triumph Hurdle contender."

Willie Mullins on Karafon

It appears the three-year-old has continued to impress at home, for he's one of Mullins' five entries for the G2 juvenile hurdle at Leopardstown on Boxing Day.

Won last year by subsequent Triumph winner Lossiemouth, the entry alone is likely a tell as to the 33/1 selection's ability and the regard in which he's held.

If he's declared, expect those odds to shorten - and if he performs well or even wins, you're looking at close to single figures.

Alternatively, don't be put off if they opt to go down an easier path - but I do fancy it'll be the former, and therefore suggest getting him in the book now.

Stay tuned to Betfred Insights for more Cheltenham Tips as we build-up to the 2024 Festival