12.40pm Cheltenham Tips & Betting Preview 18/11/2017

A select but quality field for this Grade 2 Triumph Hurdle trial with a prize of £17,085. Read on for expert analysis and betting tips.

IN SUMMARY: Philip Hobbs sent out Defi Du Seuil to win this last year and he is represented this year by GUMBALL. A wide margin winner on both hurdles starts to date, he trounced a subsequent listed winner last time and ought to take all the beating here. Apple’s Shakira is something of a talking horse and may give the selection most to do on her first start for champion trainer Nicky Henderson.

1 APPARITION – Has had just three starts over hurdles and confirmed debut promise when scoring by the narrowest of margins on his second start. Was subsequently well put in his place by the smart Espoir D’Allen however and may just find a couple of these too good.

2 EH GEORGES – Made his debut on the flat in France and then ran out a game winner when switched to hurdles next time. The form of that hurdle win doesn’t look anything special however and he’ll need to take a step forward to get involved today.

3 ERAGON DE CHANAY – Has made three starts in total and switched to Gary Moore having won on debut in France. Finished a moderate third on stable debut but took a step forward from that to win comfortably next time, this is much harder however and he needs more.

4 GUMBALL – Finished third on his only start in France and has looked a very smart prospect in winning his first two starts for Philip Hobbs. Jumped scruffily but cleared away to win by thirty-one lengths on debut and then hammered a subsequent listed winner by eight lengths at Chepstow, should be heavily involved.

5 SPEEDO BOY – A useful flat performer who put the experienced gained from his hurdles debut to good use when winning last time. The form of that race isn’t too exciting however and he will need to take a big step forward to make his presence felt.

6 APPLE’S SHAKIRA – A full sister to the brilliant Apple’s Jade who makes her British debut having had just one start in France where she absolutely bolted up. Nicky Henderson has described her as ‘electric’ in front of a hurdle and she is the unknown quantity here.