Cheltenham Ante-Post Tip – Champion Hurdle

Free horse racing tips. Irish bookmaker Paddy Power became the first to offer the concession of non runner no bet on the championship races at the 2017 Cheltenham Festival.  Four races will benefit from non runner no bet which means stakes will be refunded on ante-post selections placed from today, the Champion Hurdle, Champion Chase, Stayers’ Hurdle and Gold Cup.

Paddy Power’s decision to go 20-1 about Apple’s Jade for the Stan James sponsored two mile championship hurdle on the opening day of the Festival may prove costly for the firm and the mare is selected as the ante-post tip for the Champion Hurdle. The odds will look especially attractive should one or both of the market leaders, Faugheen and Annie Power, fail to make it to Prestbury Park on Tuesday 14th March.

Champion hurdle tip

While this free horse racing tip, now in the care of Gordon Elliott following owner Gigginstown House Stud’s fall out with previous handler Willie Mullins, will also be entered for at least another two races at the festival the temptation to go for the big pot may have too much pull with the last two winners of the race yet to see a racecourse this season. The 7lb mares’ allowance could prove decisive for Apple’s Jade as was the case for reigning champion Annie Power in 2016 and while not at her very best so far this season the talented five-year-old may reserve her best for the spring.

The Champion Hurdle tip was impressive in winning at Aintree and Punchestown last season but has taken time to show her best form during the present campaign. Apple’s Jade became the first horse to lower the colours of Vroum Vroum Mag on her most recent start in the Grade 1 Hatton’s Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse last month making her odds of 20-1 with the non runner no bet concession far too big with question marks hanging over both of the principles.

Recommended betting tip – 2 points each-way Apple’s Jade 20-1 Paddy Power