Preview & Betting Insight

A typically wide-open renewal of this historic Festival Hunters’ Chase, with a strong blend of proven Festival form, rising hunter talent, and point-to-point success stories lining up over the demanding 3m2½f trip.

🔥 Strongest Contender: ANGELS DAWN (S. Curling / Mr P.A. King) 3/1

A top-class staying mare and winner of the 2023 Kim Muir over C&D, Angels Dawn sets the standard here. She was running a huge race in last year’s renewal before falling two out and has warmed up with two strong point victories this winter. The Timeform top-rated runner, her stamina, jumping, and Cheltenham experience make her the one to beat.

Verdict: Clear form pick, ticks every box – hard to oppose if jumping holds up.

⚠️ Main Danger: WILLITGOAHEAD (Gordon Elliott / Mr J.L. Scallan) 5/1

A progressive type from the Elliott yard, Willitgoahead arrives on the back of an authoritative success at Thurles, where he travelled powerfully and quickened clear. Still open to plenty of improvement, he boasts strong breeding for this test and his form ties in well with some established yardsticks. With a bit more polish to his jumping, he could be a real threat to the favourite.

Verdict: Unexposed and improving, looks the chief threat on upward trajectory.

💰 Each-Way Value: FAIRLY FAMOUS (Mrs G. Andrews / Miss Gina Andrews) 10/1

A previous winner over C&D, Fairly Famous often goes under the radar but is tailor-made for this test. He beat subsequent Foxhunters’ winner Premier Magic here last spring and shaped well in a strong renewal at Stratford when third to What A Glance. With top amateur Gina Andrews booked and strong stamina credentials, he represents cracking each-way value at double-figure odds.

Verdict: Track specialist with a proven profile – overpriced and rock-solid EW shout.

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🏁 Summary:

• Strongest Contender: Angels Dawn (Class, course form, stamina, TFR top-rated)
• Main Danger: Willitgoahead (Progressive, well-trained, improving rapidly)
• Each-Way Value: Fairly Famous (Proven C&D winner, ideal profile, overlooked in market)