Triumph Hurdle Tips: Danny boy can do the business

The Triumph Hurdle - a race that had, until Thursday morning, that great Festival rarity - an UK-trained hotpot. Sadly though, the malaise affecting Nicky Henderson's string means that the outstanding, unbeaten gelding Sir Gino isn't able to take his chance. That's a great shame for Chelters stalwart Nicky, and owner Mrs Donnelly, of State Man fame.

We still have a fantastic puzzle to attempt to solve, as these four-year-old hurdlers seek out the handsome £75,000 first prize and a place on the Festival Roll of Honour. Here we go then - our Triumph Hurdle tips are as follows: 

13:30 Cheltenham - Kargese @ 6/1

Willie Mullins trains this filly for owner Mr Alexander, and Danny Mullins rides. She arrived at Willie's in November from France, and has had two spins so far; pitched straight into a Grade 2 on debut at Leopardstown (close 2nd), before winning a Grade 1 at the same track in February.

She seems fairly easy to back as I write, and I just don't understand that. I'd have her favourite, but what do I know. That victory last month was against a red-hot field in the context of this race, as both Storm Heart and Majborough, though narrowly, were beaten.

Both are presently ahead of her in the betting (?), but I wouldn't swop her for either. All are inexperienced babies in relative terms, so can and doubtless will improve at varying rates. But I liked that last Irish outing - Danny smuggled her into it, but did find himself in front plenty soon enough.

The filly for me looked to be the one with the gears, and I could see Danny holding her up for a late, darting thrust halfway up the hill. Willie Mullins saddles over half the field, and surprisingly there's no challenger from Gordon Elliott.

Willie has trained three of the last four winners of this fine race - a contest that's produced champions in the past like Lossiemouth, Tiger Roll and even the great Persian War.

Hard to see the home brigade repelling Ireland here, and it's to them I'm looking for my each-way fancy, too.

13:30 Cheltenham - Nurburgring each-way @ 6/1

Trainer Joey O - Joseph O'Brien - handles Nurburgring, a Zoffany gelding bred more for Royal Ascot than Prestbury Park. A fairly ordinary, brief career on the flat identified that no lofty heights would be reached, so he was sent hurdling.

Steady progression has been made, and he's won two of his four races over timber. He'll need to step forward once again, but that's entirely possible. He began life in a one-mile Curragh maiden and has a shot at a famous old contest at the Cheltenham Festival. Funny old game, eh?

If you're playing, the very best of luck. Sincere thanks too for spending some of your Cheltenham week with us. It's been a privilege.

Alan.

Cheltenham tips from Betfred Insights.