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Cheltenham 2010 Betting: The RSA Chase
Eoin Ryan / 09 November 2009 Free Bet View Market
Mikael Dhaguenet is named in no fewer than seven of Betfair’s Cheltenham 2010 antepost markets.
“As yet there is no firm word on when we are likely to see Mikael Dhaguenet in action (had shin splints over the summer) but should he prove as talented over the bigger obstacles as over hurdles, he will head into Cheltenham 2010 as an Irish banker for many.”
He trades at [8.00] on Betfair right now and whilst this race would appear to be the most likely target of his come next March, punters should note that he is named in no fewer than seven of Betfair's Cheltenham 2010 antepost markets. Indeed, he trades at just [14.00] in the antepost market for the Arkle, over 2 miles.
Certainly, Mikael Dhaguenet's form last season - highlighted by his Ballymore Properties win at the Festival - would suggest that a stamina test will be required over fences to see him at his best but his trainer makes no secret of the fact that he believes his horse has the speed to win over shorter trips too. As yet there is no firm word on when we are likely to see Mikael Dhaguenet in action (had shin splints over the summer) but should he prove as talented over the bigger obstacles as over hurdles, he will head into Cheltenham 2010 as an Irish banker for many.
Another who has yet to step out this season but of whom much is expected is Nicky Henderson's Punchestowns. His second to Big Bucks in the World Hurdle at last season's Festival makes him an obvious candidate for the RSA Chase, though his jumping at times last term was less than foot-perfect. It will be interesting to watch him first time out of over fences.
Others prominent in the betting - and of whom we already have some evidence of wellbeing - include the Paul Nicholls-trained Pride of Dulcote [15.00], Noel Meade's Pandorama [21.00] and Mouse Morris's Venalmar [34.00]. Pride of Dulcote created a big impression at Worcester recently, when landing long odds-on in effortless fashion. It's worth noting that the well beaten runner-up that day, Any Currency, won handily in a good class handicap chase at Sandown on Saturday, so the form already looks smart.
Pandorama was amongst the smartest staying novice hurdlers last season (only beaten once - and by Mikael Dhaguenet) but was unimpressive in winning his Beginners Chase at Punchestown last month; scrambling home by a head from Clan Tara and losing ground at his fences. Venalmar, winner of the Ballymore Properties in 2008, was off the track last season due to injury and made his comeback over a wholly inadequate 2 mile trip at Thurles last week. Still, it was a somewhat disappointing display - even if market weakness marked your card - and although it's too early to write the seven year-old off entirely, his next outing will need to bring significant improvement if he is to be a player at Cheltenham this season.
