Gallagher Novices’ Hurdle Odds: Ballyburn leads the way for Mullins

The Gallagher Novices' Hurdle (13:30), the opening race on Day 2, is arguably the strongest of the four novice hurdles run at the Festival. In fact, four of the last six favourites have won and there has only been one winner priced at over 8/1 since 2007.

Willie Mullins is the most successful trainer with six winners, while Gordon Elliott has been victorious recently with Samcro (2018) and Envoi Allen (2020).

Ballyburn @ 1/2

The Willie Mullins-trained Ballyburn leads the betting for the Gallagher Novices' Hurdle with Betfred at 1/2.

He was no match for Firefox on his hurdles debut, but he has improved plenty since, enjoying a win at Leopardstown over Christmas, before bolting up by seven lengths on his return there last month.

Ile Atlantique @ 9/2

Another Willie Mullins-trained runner is next in the betting in the form of Ile Atlantique, and he's currently priced up at 9/2.

He enjoyed a win at Gowran Park in November after seven months off, and the six-year-old ran well in a Grade 1 contest at Naas in January, but he was edged out by stablemate Readin Tommy Wrong. Could have a big performance here.

Predators Gold @ 9/1

Predators Gold is third in the betting with Betfred at 9/1.

The five-year-old had an impressive hurdles debut at Punchestown in November, winning by six lengths, before back-to-back second-place finishes in two Grade 1 races at Leopardstown. Well-respected, and could be an outside chance.

Handstands @ 12/1

Ben Pauling's Handstands has made the perfect start over hurdles, winning at Hereford on his debut, before further triumphs at Newcastle and Huntingdon.

Harry Cobden was in the saddle for the most recent triumph in February, and will be once again on Wednesday afternoon, looking to maintain this brilliant start.

Jingko Blue @ 14/1

Jingko Blue is another horse that has made a promising start over hurdles, finishing runner-up at Warwick before enjoying back-to-back wins at Newbury and Sandown.

The five-year-old will be ridden by Nico de Boinville, and is currently priced up at 14/1.

Mercurey @ 18/1

Another Willie Mullins-trained runner this one, and Mercurey missed all of last season, but opened his account over jumps with a 22-length victory at Punchestown last month.

Plenty more needed to get involved here, but the longer distance may suit him.

Jimmy Du Seuil @ 25/1

The last of the Willie Mullins runners in this race, and the five-year-old can be backed at 25/1 at the time of writing.

The ex-French performer got off the mark at Clonmel in January, despite an indifferent round of jumping. Paul Townend was the jockey that day, but Wednesday afternoon will see Sean O'Keeffe take the reins.

The Grey Man @ 250/1

Last but not least, Harriet Dickin's The Grey Man is the massive outsider for this race at 250/1, and the five-year-old finished second at Ludlow last month over hurdles, but looks impossible to fancy amongst this company.

Find more Cheltenham Tips here at Betfred Insights