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Sharp Novice Hurdle Odds: Steps To Freedom One To Beat in the Grade 2

Having spent almost 18 months running poorly in some of the better Flat Handicaps whilst with the Howard Johnson stable, Prospect Wells, who is now under the tutelage of champion trainer, Paul Nicholls, made an impressive winning debut in his first run over hurdles at Chepstow at the end of last month. This son of Sadler’s Wells has undoubted class and should move up the scale rapidly now that he is at Ditcheat with Nicholls, all of which makes his appearance in this Grade 2 Sharp Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham on Friday so much more compelling. What is more is that he is likely to go off as the second favourite in a competitive field and has odds currently of around 10/3 with Paddy Power to win.

If Prospect Wells is to win he will have to see off the challenge of the other market principle, Steps To Freedom, who is trained in Ireland by Jessie Harrington. This 5 year old, who is the favourite with odds of 2/1 to win this race, is unbeaten in his two starts since making the transition from the flat to hurdles. In the second of those runs the Grade 3 Specialist Hurdle at Punchestown in October, he was very impressive coming from last to first in the last couple of furlongs to win very cosily by just under two lengths. If he can follow those wins up with a third in this then it is likely he will be sent to Fairyhouse to contest the Grade 1 Royal Bond Novice Hurdle in December. He has already been backed antepost to win the Supreme Novice Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in March, for which he is currently the third favourite with odds of around 14/1.

All that said these two are not the only entries with chances in this, Ericht from the Nicky Henderson stable is a very highly regarded five year old, who went off as the favourite with odds of 5/1 to win the Champion Bumper at the ‘Festival’ back in March. He could only manage sixth place in that race but he has schooled well over hurdles at Seven Barrows and is very highly regarded by his connections, which is why his odds at the moment are as short as 4/1, and which are available from paddy power

Although well beaten last time out in a Novice Hurdle at Cork in October, the Henry De Bromhead trained, Absolutlyfantastic comes to Cheltenham this week in great form. That defeat, his only one in three starts over hurdles was against the highly regarded Rebel Fitz already a winner of three Novice Hurdles and it should not be enough to punters off from backing him in this. He may not be quite good enough to win but the stable is in good form and they have enjoyed plenty of success at Cheltenham down the years. Absolutlyfantastic has very attractive odds of 10/1 and should be considered as the best each way option in the race..

Of the rest Ohio Gold from the Colin Tizzard yard which saddled Cue Card to win this 12 months ago. This five year old is thought good enough to win Graded races and opened up his account this season with a second place in a competitive Maiden Hurdle at Chepstow earlier this month. He can be backed with odds of 14/1 with Paddy Power.

Sharp Novice Hurdles Odds

2/1 Steps To Freedom
10/3 Prospect Wells
4/1 Ericht
10/1 Absolutklyfantastic
10/1 Redera
14/1 Ohio Gold
20/1 Sublime Talent
20/1 Flycorn
50/1 Gumball

Odds provided by Paddy Power.com who will be operating a comprehensive service throughout this Cheltenham Open Meeting this week.

Posted: Thursday, 10th November 2011
Author: Rodney Wise
Tags: cheltenham, sharp novice hurdle, steps to freedom, paddypower,

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