(3 minutes read)
The Stayers Hurdle on Day 3 (Thursday 16th March 2023) of The Cheltenham Festival looks to be a fascinating betting heat for this year’s renewal.
Flooring Porter returns to attempt a sensational hat trick of wins, a feat not achieved since the likes of Big Bucks.
But he faces a stiff task as the Irish trained Blazing Khal who emerged as the most progressive staying hurdler last season, landing two impressive victories at Cheltenham in autumn 2021 and now back after a 428 day layoff. He was impressively victorious in his comeback race at Navan recently.
And of course, the enigmatic but aging Paisley Park is also back for yet another shot at the top stayers prize.
We check out best bets, best odds and the best each way bets from our partner firms Bet365, William Hill, Bet Victor, Betfred and Boylesports.
Blazing Khal
The outspoken Harry Findlay, professional gambler and former owner of legendary chaser Denman, has pinpointed Blazing Khal as the nap of the Cheltenham Festival.
Based on the 7-year old’s two wins at Cheltenham in 2021, it is easy to see why. The patiently ridden horse doesn’t always travel well and has been clumsy at the odd hurdle but his finishing style is formidable.
It was some performance to come back after such a lengthy absence and he won with something in hand. This is a top quality staying hurdler and it’s highly likely we have not seen the best of him yet. Our selection and best priced at 11/4 with Bet365 and William Hill.
Teahupoo
Made the headlines earlier this season by ending the unbeaten run of the dual Champion Hurdler Honeysuckle when narrowly landing The Bar One Racing Hatton's Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse.
More significantly, he proved himself over the 3-mile distance with a convincing win in the Galmoy Hurdle at Gowran Park. He had plenty in hand at the end and travelled well in the latter race but difficult to regard him in the same class as Blazing Khal.
Could go close at 4/1 best with Bet365, William Hill and Boylesports.
Maries Rock
The Mares Hurdle winner from last season has more than proved herself at the 2m 5f distance. She was very impressive in the recently run Relkeel Hurdle where she had the classy I Like To Move It some 15 lengths behind.
That horse went on to win the Grade 2 Kingwell Hurdle very impressively so the Relkeel form is rock solid. It’s just slightly unfamiliar territory for the Nicky Henderson trained Maries Rock tackling 3 miles for the first time so that is a major question mark.
The 7ib mare weight allowance certainly helps her cause, however. 9/2 best with Bet365, William Hill, Betfred and Boylesports.
Flooring Porter
Gavin Cromwell’s horses have run into a rich vein of form recently with 7 out of their last ten race entries either placing or finishing 1st (3 winners in fact).
The team are attempting the hat trick of wins, but this year’s renewal looks a lot tougher than last year. He has had the two runs so far this season and definitely showed improvement in his last run after an indifferent start to the season.
I think he has a bit more to do here to keep tabs with horses like Blazing Khal and Teahupoo who look a bit special this season. 6/1 best with Bet365, William Hill, Bet Victor, Betfred and Boylesports.
The Each Way Chances
Klassical Dream always gives a good account of himself but will have to improve significantly to figure here (10/1 Bet365, William Hill). Home By The Lee (6/1 William Hill) from the Joseph O’Brien yard has come on leaps and bounds this season, seeing off the talented but inconsistent Bob Olinger at Navan last autumn.
However, he really comes into the equation after winning the Grade 1 Jack de Bromhead Christmas Hurdle very impressively last Christmas.
The real value of the race has to be Paisley Park who despite being now 11 years old, never knows when to throw in the towel. If the major players in the market are struggling to stay up the hill, the 14/1 (Bet365, William Hill and Boylesports) for the Emma Lavelle trained hero could be amazing value as he is certified to be in the firing line.
Stayers Hurdle - The Verdict
Blazing Khal is simply too good to ignore, and I don’t think we have seen the best of him yet. Paisley Park looks like a very enticing and fun each way flutter. The reaction if he pulls this off will be thunderous in the winner’s enclosure.
Blazing Khal WIN with 11/4 with Bet365 and William Hill
Paisley Park EACH WAY at 14/1 with Bet365, William Hill and Boylesports.
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