2024 Gallagher Novices' Hurdle Tips - No point taking on Ballyburn

Jon Vine

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Last updated: 13 Mar 2024

Jon Vine 13 Mar 2024

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Free guide to the 2024 Gallagher Novices' Hurdle
This Grade One takes place on day two of the Cheltenham Festival on Wednesday 13th March
Ballyburn features in our verdict

Expired

Paul Townend riding Ballyburn (red cap) bypass the last flight of hurdles to win The Tattersalls Ireland 50th Derby Sale Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown. (Getty)

Day two of the Cheltenham Festival begins with the Baring Bingham, which will now be known as the Gallagher Novices' Hurdle. Winners of this two-mile-five-furlong contest have gone on to contest Champion Hurdles and Stayers' Hurdles in later years, so this year's renewal must be watched closely.

Here's our free guide to the 2024 Baring Bingham Novices' Hurdle. You'll find our best betting tips in the verdict section below.

2024 Baring Bingham Novices' Hurdle Tips

Up until the last few days, it's been impossible to tell which race Ballyburn will run in at Cheltenham. Willie Mullins' star won the two-mile Grade One at the Dublin Racing Festival, having previously won well over two-and-a-half miles at Christmas.

For a while, it seemed certain that Ballyburn would run in the Supreme, sending Mystical Power up in distance. However, after the tide turned on the exchanges this week, Willie Mullins confirmed that Ballyburn would indeed run in the longer of the two races and a small field will likely be confirmed for the Gallagher as a result.

One who will likely oppose Ballyburn is stablemate Ile Atlantique, who jumped well on his hurdling debut. Ile Atlantique wasn't suited by having to make the running in the Lawlor's Of Naas, where he was outstayed by Readin Tommy Wrong. This six-year-old has plenty of ability, but having lost every battle he's been in, does he have the stomach for a fight?

Predators Gold will drop back down in trip, having finished a close second to Dancing City in the Nathaniel Lacy. While excuses can be given for his defeat to Caldwell Potter at Christmas, I was underwhelmed by his Predators Gold's effort at the Dublin Racing Festival and he'll have to step it up significantly to win the opener on day two.

Henry De Bromhead has said that Slade Steel will run in whichever race Ballyburn doesn't, so my original selection for this race looks unlikely to run. Mystical Power runs in the Supreme, with Readin Tommy Wrong stepping up in trip for the Albert Bartlett, where he'll likely be joined by British challengers Gidleigh Park and Captain Teague.

That would leave Handstands as the best of the British and, despite his victory over Grade One winner Jango Baie in the Sidney Banks, Ben Pauling's budding star remains somewhat of an unknown quantity. Jingko Blue could represent Nicky Henderson, but handicap form shouldn't be good enough in a Grade One at Cheltenham.

Willie Mullins could also run Chapeau De Soleil, Jimmy Du Seuill and Mercurey, but I can't see them being good enough to challenge. That trio, and 150/1 Josh The Boss aside, nothing else will run.

Verdict

2024 Baring Bingham Novices' Hurdle

Ballyburn is by far and away the best novice in the sport at the moment and he should claim a comfortable victory in the Gallagher Novices' Hurdle.

I was happy to take on Ile Atlantique and Predators Gold with Slade Steel before Ballyburn was declared. Handstands could be worth a small each-way wager on the day of the race, but I'm bet against Ballyburn, in a race that should suit him perfectly.

Ballyburn

2024 Gallagher Novices' Hurdle Best Bet

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