Punchestowns Still World Hurdle Favourite

Despite defeat when odds on favourite for the Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham, Punchestowns is still considered a hot prospect by trainer Nicky Henderson for the Ladbroke World Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. Punchestowns went down by four lengths when giving the Paul Nicholls trained, Big Bucks 8lb in the race but Henderson did not seem perturbed. The Seven Barrows trainer knows he still has six weeks before the Festival and that would be more than ample time to have his talented stayer ready.

Punchestowns still remains the market leader with most bookmakers at 11/4, while Big Bucks has come in for support and is quoted at around 5/1 to repeat his success, on this performance and at level weights, he must be in with a great chance. Blazing Bailey who has so often performed so well faded in the Cleeve and has had his odds eased out to 16/1.

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