by Jack Milner at BetVictor PAUL Nicholls holds a strong hand in the Triumph Hurdle Trial at Cheltenham Trials Day this weekend, however preference is for Rolling Star who is a strong-looking alternative for Nicky Henderson. A winner first time hurdling in Auteuil, he was swiftly snapped up by Michael Buckley, and has strong claims.

The Argento Chase did look a straightforward task for Cheltenham Gold Cup favourite Bobs Worth, whose form record around Prestbury Park speaks for itself. But his defection has left the race with a wide open look.

The Neptune Novices Hurdle Trial looks an absolute thriller, with leading players Chatterbox, The New One, Coneygree and Puffin Billy all likely acceptors. The focus would be on the two who are more likely to turn up in March, The New One (pictured above) and Puffin Billy, with preference for Nigel Twiston-Davies’ potential star. He was impressive last time out at Warwick, and has solid course and distance form to his name already.

The Cleeve Hurdle looks set up to be a thriller, with Oscar Whisky looking to put his World Hurdle credentials on the line, although he is not guaranteed to stay. Long Walk Hurdle winner Reve De Sivola holds great claims after his romp at Ascot, and his Cheltenham form reads 3262241335 – often in the highest company. The 6/1 on offer from BetVictor for the World Hurdle in their Non Runner-Free Bet offer looks a cracking ante-post bet for the portfolio.

All four runners can be backed through the Non Runner-Free Bet offer with BetVictor, and look a great opportunity to pad out the portfolio.

Selections

12.10 Cheltenham – Rolling Star
15.00 Cheltenham – The New One
15.35 Cheltenham – Reve De Sivola