Stayers Hurdle Betting Preview

Following the successful odds on shot State Man and distinctly less successful 2/9 chance El Fabiola, the Thursday highlight of the Stayers Hurdle provides a much more appealing betting heat. We do have a clear favourite for the race, but he is unlikely to come anywhere near Even money, with a host of talented performers behind him in the market.

Teahupoo Bids to Go One Better

Without a winner on the opening day and drawing a blank on Day 2 at the time of writing, Gordon Elliott will likely be slightly disappointed with the meeting thus far. Whether that losing run extends into Day 3 remains to be seen, but the County Meath handler looks to boast one of his best chances of the week in this contest.

Elliott saddled the first and third home twelve months ago, and the 2023 third-place finisher, Teahupoo, is proving all the rage in the market at 7/4 with Betfred. Watching last year's race back, the horse was possibly slightly unlucky, having been forced to switch in the straight and only going down by ¾l at the line. Given a lighter campaign this time, he returned with a fine effort at Naas to see off the talented Impaire Et Passe in the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle. He undoubtedly boasts sound claims, but whether he deserves to be so short in the market, we aren’t so sure.

Best of the Rest

Next on the list, at 9/2 with Betfred, is one of the great British hopes in this year’s Championship races – the Fergal O’Brien-trained Crambo. This son of the excellent sire Saddler Maker arrives as the new kid on the block in the staying division, having claimed a first-career Grade 1 last time out in the Long Walk Hurdle to deny Paisley Park in a thriller. One of few runners in the field likely to be improving, he shouldn’t be far away.

Emmett Mullins has already struck at this meeting, and one of the best target trainers in the business has solid claims of adding to his tally with Noble Yeats. The 2022 Grand National hero is proving equally adept over the smaller obstacles and goes well at this track - having finished a fine fourth in the 2023 Gold Cup. Warming up with a last gasp win over course and distance in the Cleeve Hurdle, he rates a threat to all at 13/2 with Betfred.

Willie Mullins may not have the hot favourite, but that may not prevent him from going close. Flying the Closutton flag is Sir Gerard – a horse who loves this meeting. The winner of the 2021 Champion Bumper and 2022 Ballymore Novices Hurdle, he didn’t take to chasing but has class to burn and warmed up with a smooth success at Punchestown.

In a stacked field, we still haven’t mentioned the three previous winners – Paisley Park (2019), Flooring Porter (2021,2022), and 2023 champ Sire Du Berlais.

In common with Sir Gerhard, Flooring Porter heads here having failed to shine over fences. Those two previous Stayers Hurdle wins aren’t to be sniffed at, but he hasn’t enjoyed the smoothest campaign, which may count against him. The 12-year-old Paisley Park would be one of the most popular winners of the week but has finished second in all three starts this season and may find at least one too good. The enigma that is Sire Du Berlais is hard to recommend on this season's form, but such was the case ahead of his shock win in 2023. Another course specialist, could he turn back the clock one last time?

Best Bets

One of the most enthralling contests of the meeting lies in store in this red-hot renewal. Much as we would love to see Paisley Park or Sire Du Berlais claim the prize for the old boys, the two we like best are Crambo, and Noble Yeats, with narrow preference for the latter. With the ground riding as it is, his deep stamina reserves can see him get on top late in what should be a thriller.

However, Paisley Park has been running so well this season – particularly when only losing out to Noble Yeats by a head in the Cleeve Hurdle - we can't leave him out entirely. He’s 6lb better off with that rival here and, with the ground coming in his favour, looks a solid value each way option at 12/1 with Betfred.

• Noble Yeats to win - 13/2 with Betfred
• Paisley Park each way - 12/1 with Betfred

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