Road to Cheltenham: 16/1 Turners Novices’ Hurdle hope can make a splash

Our weekly ante-post Cheltenham Festival series continues this week and the Christmas period has given us plenty to ponder. Here we take a look at the Turners Novices’ Hurdle on Day 2 and this 16/1 shot could be worth following. Gordon Elliott trains the horse in question and we’re yet to see him over hurdles but he’s expected to enter the equation once he runs. Check out our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.

Bet £10 & Get £50 In Free Bets, Open Account Offer

Bet £10 & Get £50 in Free Bets for new customers at bet365. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. Registration required. 18+ | gambleaware.com #ad

Turners Novices’ Hurdle

Jalon D’Oudairies (16/1, bet365) was one of the top performers in bumpers last term and is expected to be near the top of the tree once he makes his debut over hurdles. A muscle problem delayed his seasonal reappearance but he should be ready to rock sooner rather than later.

The strapping son of No Risk At All was an impressive winner of a Lingstown point-to-point and subsequently switched hands for a whopping £420,000. He immediately started to show why he went for such big money and scored easily in a Fairyhouse bumper.

Elliott’s six-year-old then got the better of Redemption Day at Leopardstown over Christmas that year and that rival went on to win a Grade 1 at the Punchestown Festival. Outsprinted by the first two when third in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham, longer trips will definitely suit this term.

One would imagine it’s over fences that he’s likely to fulfil his potential but he should be very smart over hurdles nonetheless.

Jalon D’Oudairies @ 16/1 (bet365) Turners Novices’ Hurdle

Previous selections

Better Days Ahead @ 16/1 (Paddy Power) Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase

Ginny’s Destiny @ 40/1 (Paddy Power) Ryanair Chase

Magical Zoe @ 20/1 (bet365) Mares’ Hurdle

Potters Charm @ 25/1 (bet365) Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle

If you back any of our selections you can watch them live on the free Racing Post app or racingpost.com. Simply log in to one of your bookmaker accounts and click ‘Watch live’ on the racecards.

Bet £10 & Get £50 In Free Bets, Open Account Offer