‘He will reverse the form at Cheltenham’ – the one huge eyecatcher at the weekend

Adrian Wall looks at the Stayers’ Hurdle ante-post market following an epic Sunday battle in Ireland.

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What a race!!!

The BAR 1 Hatton’s Grace Hurdle turned out to be the best race of the weekend as we were treated to two top-class horses fight out a thrilling finish, which ruffled some ante-post feathers in the process.

Nothing beats the jumps season! Last week we were treated to a finish for the ages as Gaelic Warrior battled back to beat Fact To File in the John Durkan, and a week later Teahupoo and Ballyburn fought out one of the best finishes you are likely to see.

Teahupoo got first run on Ballyburn in the hands of Jack Kennedy and looked home and hosed approaching the final hurdle, but Paul Townend galvanised the fast-finishing Ballyburn, who literally ate the ground in the closing stages, and was beaten only by a nose.

Ballyburn is the new Stayers’ favourite

Things didn’t really go to plan for Ballyburn over fences last season, despite landing a Grade 1 at Leopardstown in February. Turned over at short odds at both Cheltenham and Punchestown, Willie Mullins made the big call to send him back over hurdles.

At this moment in time, it looks like the correct choice. There’s no doubt that he is the one to take out of the Hatton’s Grace and most would expect him to reverse the form with Teahupoo over further in the Stayers’ at Cheltenham given the way he finished off his race.

Another thing that must be factored in is Gordon Elliott’s form at present. He is on absolute fire and had an unbelievable weekend. His horses were in peak shape, whereas maybe Willie’s still have a bit of improvement in them to come.

15:20

Cheltenham

Ballyburn

Analysis

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