Which favourites are vulnerable at this year’s Festival?
There are set to be more on odds-on shots this year than any previous Festival and we look at which horses at short prices might be vulnerable
Plenty of punters will be trying to find each-way alternatives and some of the favourites have stronger profiles than others.
It’s hard to knock the likes of Allaho and Honeysuckle in their respective races. The former has probably scared off his main opposition already thanks to his domination of the 2m4f division over the last 12 months. The latter contests a weaker renewal of the Champion Hurdle than the race she won last year.
Shishkin (pictured) is another with a solid profile. Arkle winners have a strong record when bidding to win the Champion Chase 12 months later and he had his main market rival in behind when at Ascot last time.
If there’s one to take on at short odds, it might be Bob Olinger. He could hardly have been more impressive when winning last year’s Ballymore but he hasn’t totally convinced with his jumping, despite maintaining his unbeaten record over fences.
It’s conceivable - and arguably probable - that his jumping will improve on just his third chase start but there’s a bigger concern revolving around the opposition. Galopin Des Champs has looked exceptional in the jumping department for a novice and he made easy work of a Grade 1 when outjumping his rivals throughout at Leopardstown last time. If connections decide this is the race he’s going for (also entered in Brown Advisory), then he could be hard to beat at a venue that puts an emphasis on jumping.
