racing_news/

Zarkandar 3/1 Favourite for Betfair Hurdle
07/02/12

Zarkandar heads the market for Saturday’s Betfair Hurdle at Newbury after a total of 24 horses were left in the race at the latest declaration stage.

Long Run
© Racehorse Photos

Last season’s Triumph Hurdle winner is the 3/1 favourite with Betfred ahead of Darlan at 8/1 and Ladbroke Hurdle winner Raya Star at 9/1.

“Zarkandar looks a blot on the handicap given the way last year’s Triumph Hurdle has worked out but he’s priced accordingly and it’ll be interesting to see if he gets any shorter between now and the weekend,” said Betfred spokesman George Primarolo.

Betfred have also opened betting on this season’s top jockey at the Cheltenham Festival and make Ruby Walsh the odds-on favourite at 4/6. Barry Geragthy is the 3/1 second-favourite ahead of champion jockey AP McCoy who can be backed at 10/1.

Willie Mullins heads the market to be top trainer at Cheltenham at 5/4 with nearest rival Paul Nicholls next in the market at 2/1. Nicky Henderson is a 5/2 shot and it’s 25/1 bar that trio.

Looking ahead to the John Smith’s Grand National, Junior has been supported ahead of the unveiling of the weights a week tomorrow and is now the outright 12/1 favourite with Betfred (from 16/1).

Betfair Hurdle – Betfred bet : 3 Zarkandar, 8 Darlan, 9 Raya Star, 11 Sire de Grugy, 12 Olofi, Soldatino, 14 Final Approach, 16 Empire Levant, Get Me Out Of Here, Third Intention, 20 Ciceron, 25 Alarazi, Brampour, Ericht, Marsh Warbler, Rigidity, Sailors Warn, Ubi Ace, Via Galilei, 33 Abergavenny, Attaglance, Desert Cry, Double Ross, 40 Orzare.
¼ 1-2-3-4

Betfair Hurdle (Grade 3 Handicap)
£152500.00 added, 4yo plus, 2m 110y, Class 1
24 runners