Opus Energy Novices’ Hurdle highlighted by River Maigue and Dodging Bullets
Quite a few can be short listed for making the most out of their attempt in the Grade 2 Opus Energy Novices’ Hurdle (Registered As The Sharp Novices’ Hurdle). Gathered for the two mile and 110 yard challenge are eight runners who are four-year-old and above. The race will be held at Cheltenham on Friday, 16th November. The field of course has the Paul Nicholls and Nicky Henderson trained arsenal who will make sure that the race becomes a hard nut to crack for the rest in the line-up.
Trainer, Nicky Henderson, has secured his chances with, River Maigue, while Paul Nicholls has saved chances with, Dodging Bullets. The former has been active and successful at flat racing and is highly respected in his debut at hurdle racing.
The five-year-old Irish bay gelding, River Maigue, has been successful in two out of the three career outings. The race will not only serve as the hurdle debut, but will also be his first shot at the graded level.
Zagreb’s bay gelding delivered just what was asked from him during his most recent outing. He captured the winner’s prize money in the Killie Pie Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race on 21st April, 2012 at Ayr race course over two miles.
The 5 to 1 entry for the race has been racing with jockey, Barry Geraghty, ever since the new season began, and the team will stay the same for the race today.
On the other hand, the four-year-old bay gelding, Dodging Bullets, has got just the profile for claiming the race. After an uncertain start of the season, Dubawi’s gelding proved his ability in the fourth outing.
Riding under, Ruby Walsh, he won the Masterson Holdings Hurdle on 20th October, 2012 at Cheltenham race course over two miles and half a furlong. He defeated Hi Note by eight lengths.
Another entry for whom the race will be yet another chance at the hurdle is the one with 7 to 2 odds, Tominator. He has been paired with jockey, A. P. McCoy, who has an impressive strike rate.
Court Minstrel has been successful here recently and can become a hard one to contain in the field.
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own and in no way represent bettor.com’s official editorial policy.
Tags: