Vincent O Brien County Hurdle

A 2m1f handicap hurdle race.

County Hurdle Trends

Nine out of the last ten winners had an official rating between 128-145

Nine out of the last ten winners last outing was within thirty-five days

Nine out of the last ten winners carried 11st 1lb or less

Nine out of the last ten winners had run at least four times that season

Eight of the last ten winners were making their first appearance at the Festival

County Hurdle Analysis

The last of our stats goes against the traditional view of one of the possible requirements of a Festival winner: previous form at a Festival.


Only Fontanesi and Silver Jaro had previously run at a Cheltenham Festival and both had run poorly so it would seem that for the purposes of the County Hurdle at least we are looking for horses coming into the environment for the first time.

County Hurdle Analysis

For a trainer renowned for his three mile chasers it is a testament to Paul Nicholls that he has also been able to train three winners and a second in the County Hurdle in the last five years.


Even at the SP's of 7/1, 4/1 and 20/1 his supporters in this race are showing a tidy profit but some may have got bigger prices about the first two winners especially.


All of the horses concerned had disappointed slightly at some point previously in their winning season so if a well fancied Nicholls' hurdler fails to deliver in an early season hurdle, make a note of it and perhaps it may end up in something like the 2010 County Hurdle.

County Hurdle Tips

Paul Nicholls has Tito Bustillo here and he looks to have a live chance of providing back to back winners in this race for the Champion Trainer but his best form appears to be on softer ground and he is reluctantly passed over.

The best trial for this race in Ireland, the MCR Hurdle, could be the key to finding the winner here. Won by Puyol but with the places all filled by Willie Mullins horses and it could be that whichever of those horses (Tawaagg or Tarkari) receives the most support in the market will go very close.
Tarkari has gone on and won in pleasing style at Leopardstown after the MCR in a twenty runner handicap so he knows how to get his head in front in a competitive race.
David Casey has been secured by Willie Mullins to partner Tarkari who can continue the good run of five-year-olds in this race.

Back Tarkari each-way at the best odds by clicking on the bookmaker logo by its name below

County Hurdle Odds

 

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