2024 Boodles Handicap Hurdle Tips - Trends and tips for this juvenile contest

Jon Vine

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Last updated: 05 Mar 2024

Jon Vine 05 Mar 2024

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Free guide to the 2024 Boodles Handicap Hurdle
This handicap takes place on day one of the Cheltenham Festival on Tuesday 12th March
Kala Conti and Karia Des Blaises feature in our verdict

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Michael O'Sullivan celebrates on board Jazzy Matty after winning the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle during day one of the Cheltenham. (Getty)

The penultimate race on Champions Day is the Boodles Handicap Hurdle, where a field of 22 juveniles will make their handicap debuts.

Here's our free guide to the 2024 Boodles Handicap Hurdle, which includes some key ten-year trends and our best betting tips in the verdict.

2024 Boodles Handicap Hurdle Key Ten-Year Trends

10 of the last 10 winners had never run at Cheltenham before
10 of the last 10 winners were rated 125 or higher
9 of the last 10 winners had won during that season
9 of the last 10 winners had run on or after January 20th

2024 Boodles Handicap Hurdle Tips

Irish raiders have won the last six renewals of this juvenile handicap, while also accounting for 60% of the top five placers in that period. Just two British horses can be backed at 25/1 or shorter, one of which is Paul Nicholls' Liari, who may have to shoulder top-weight if Kala Conti doesn't take up her entry.

Lark In The Mornin has been the talking horse heading into this year's Boodles. Joseph O'Brien's raider is yet to win over hurdles and connections have said that the favourite might not run if the ground is too soft.

Willie Mullins has seen plenty of fancied horses get beaten in this handicap. Batman Girac caught the eye when staying on for fourth in the Grade Two at Leopardstown over Christmas, and he'll likely be ridden by Paul Townend. Mullins could also be represented by mares Miss Manzor and Karia Des Blaises.

In contrast, Gordon Elliott's record in this race on day one of the Cheltenham Festival is excellent and he accounts for ten of the entries. Wodhooh is unbeaten over hurdles, winning two Listed races on British soil, with Ndaawi also coming into this handicap on the back of an impressive victory.

Four of the last five winners of the Boodles ran in the Rated Hurdle at Naas in February. William Durkan's Eagle Fang ran out a five-length winner of that contest this year, but the winner was facing a depleted field and hung badly left during the closing stages.

French raider, Milan Tino had his mark dropped by ten pounds by the British handicapper and boasts plenty of form at the track. Henry De Bromhead's Nara won a Listed hurdle on her sole French start and could have been handed a lenient mark, following two under par performances in Ireland.

Verdict

Boodles Handicap Hurdle 2024

The Boodles is one of my least favourite races during the Cheltenham Festival. I won't be backing one of the market leaders, but there are a couple of runners who I fancy at longer prices.

I would be keen on Kala Conti, especially if Gordon Elliott booked a claimer to ride his top-weight. Gordon Elliott's mare won a Grade Two over Christmas and kept on well to finish just three lengths behind Kargese in the Spring Juvenile. She would certainly bring a touch of class to this handicap and she would give Danny Gilligan or Harry Swan a decent spin.

Another mare who's worth an each-way punt is Karia Des Blaises. Willie Mullins recruit hacked up on her first start over hurdles in a 17-and-a-half contest in France. After a poor stable debut behind Kala Conti over Christmas, Karia Des Blaises ran a cracker to finish a close second behind stablemate Miss Manzor at Fairyhouse, staying on past Ndaawi in the closing stages. 33/1 is worth taking.

Kala Conti E/W

2024 Boodles Tip 1

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Karia Des Blaises E/W

2024 Boodles Tip 2

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