Early Upsets for Cheltenham Festival Hopefuls

The National Hunt season has only just got underway and already we have seen last years Cheltenham Champion Hurdle winner Katchit get beat on his return at Kempton at the weekend. Trainer Alan King was not to phased when interviewed on attheraces at Exeter as he feels he needed the run and the ground was on the quick side and did not rule out him going back to Kempton at Xmas if the going is much softer. Also he stated something that we all know that Katchit is a 20% better horse at Cheltenham.

Straw Bear is 20-1 (from 16) and was eased in the betting for the 2009 Arkle Trophy at Cheltenham after finishing second in the Richard Vines Best Mate Beginners' Chase at Exeter behind Sir Harry Ormesher now 50-1 (first show), with the third, Pasco 33-1 (first show).

Both the first The Tother One 16-1, and the runner-up Gone To Lunch 25-1, in the Homesave Beginners' Chase at Exeter remain unchanged for the Royal and SunAlliance Chase.

Shalone 33-1, was the lucky winner of the Bathwick Tyres Taunton Novices' Hudle is unchanged for the 2009 Supreme Novices Hurdle.

Other Cheltenham Festival News

19 Oct 2008	Cheltenham 2009 Champion Hurdler Favourite gets Beat on Return
11 Oct 2008	Crack Away Jack cut for Champion Hurdle
23 Sep 2008	Denman could be back on track by Christmas
15 Aug 2008	Cheltenham Festival to Kick Off Earlier
14 Jul 2008	Neptune Collongues Cheltenham Gold Cup Odds
29 May 2008	Henrythenavigator Unlikely Derby Starter
08 May 2008	Cheltenham Festival Gamble Leg Spinner Backed For Swinton Hurdle
08 May 2008	Take The Stand Cheltenham Champion Hunter Chaser
29 Apr 2008	2000 Guineas Betting
25 Apr 2008	Punchestown Festival Winner Reinforces Cheltenham Form