Betfair Hurdle Weekend: Newbury and Naas Analysis
How the Betfair Hurdle informs Cheltenham entries
Betfair Hurdle weekend is one of the last meaningful pointers ahead of the Cheltenham Festival and gives form lines that trainers and punters both watch closely. This preview expands on the race-by-race notes and adds practical guidance on interpreting those runs responsibly ahead of the big spring targets.
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Betfair Hurdle weekend always provides a good level of clues for the Cheltenham Festival as it’s one of the final stops before jump racing’s Olympics.
Although rain has decimated racing at both Warwick and Uttoxeter, Newbury and Naas are fit to continue and, as such, I have a few fancies to consider.
1:30 Newbury – Emitom @ 9/2 with William Hill Win
Despite his age of 10 and the fact he was once rated 155, no one can fault the form that Emitom is in.
Since joining Alan King’s yard from Warren Greatrex, the Grade 1-placed gelding has improved 10 pounds from one victory and two seconds.
Saint Davy fluffs the last but is ultimately too good for Emitom in the @RacingTV Handicap Hurdle as the seven-year-old scores on handicap debut for the @JJONeillJnr and @JonjoONeill combination 🥇 pic.twitter.com/X2Nfn3Jr9S
— Ludlow Racecourse (@LudlowRaceClub) January 5, 2024
His success on stable debut at Newbury in March 2023 saw him beat Hyland, a horse who has improved 13 pounds since, and his second to Saint Davy last time out has received a form boost as the winner won the valuable Heroes Handicap Hurdle at Sandown last weekend.
Up just two pounds for that effort at Ludlow in January, he has a great Newbury record (two wins and one second) and should relish soft conditions.
3:15 Newbury – Our Champ @ 33/1 with William Hill EW
At the start of the week, I highlighted Our Champ as an interesting outsider for the Betfair Hurdle, and my opinion of him has failed to change.
The six-year-old has improved markedly since joining Chris Gordon from Paul Henderson, notably due to his two successes towards the start of the season.
First Cheltenham winner for Freddie Gordon as Our Champ wins the Financial Development Handicap Hurdle 👏 pic.twitter.com/T71Gaudt8C
— CheltenhamRacecourse (@CheltenhamRaces) October 27, 2023
The final one of the pair occurred at Cheltenham when he danced in under Freddie Gordon – who was claiming three pounds due to the conditions of the race – off a mark of 117.
Three slightly underwhelming runs since has the Champs Elysees gelding back on a mark of 124, though Freddie Gordon is able to claim five pounds today.
A return to that Cheltenham form is required, but connections have hopefully sorted out a small wind issue as today is his first run after a wind-op and he is also racing with a tongue tie.
If he handles the ground, which is a slight unknown, then he can certainly outrun his odds.
3:15 Newbury – Altobelli @ 7/1 with William Hill EW
However, although Our Champ deserves a big shout for the Betfair Hurdle, this week’s large quantity of rain means Altobelli is also one to keep onside.
Unfortunately for Harry Fry and connections, the ground turned to be a bit too quick at Ascot on his last start, yet he ran a belter to finish second to Luccia and Impose Toi, two top-class Nicky Henderson horses.
Held on! Luccia wins the Betfair Exchange Trophy at @Ascot for Paul O'Brien and @sevenbarrows! pic.twitter.com/pVt2Px6BDO
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) December 23, 2023
The Betfair Exchange Trophy was certainly his season-long plan, so his promising second on seasonal debut was a pleasant surprise.
Furthermore, ignoring his disappointing effort in a Grade 1 at Aintree, the Maxios gelding is still unexposed and he even beat Ginny’s Destiny in an Exeter bumper which is good form.
Seven places with William Hill is generous, so a double-pronged attack of him and Our Champ is my angle into the Betfair Hurdle.
3:40 Naas – Riviere D’Etel @ 7/2 with BetVictor Win
Anyone who knows a little bit about my cliff horses will appreciate the love I have for Riviere D’etel, so I’m excited to see her back out today.
She caused a slight surprise – based on the market – to bolt up at Fairyhouse on her last start, though her form with Captain Guinness from the last two renewals of the Fortria Chase puts her in the mix for any high-level mares’ chase.
Captain Guinness is back to winning ways, seeing off the plucky Riviere D'etel to win the G2 Fortria Chase on his seasonal reappearance 🏇@rachaelblackmor | @HenrydeBromhead | @NavanRacecourse pic.twitter.com/1SBKikfnKj
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) November 13, 2022
Furthermore, although a return to a left-handed track isn’t ideal, she ran well in last year’s Grade 2 Mares’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival before falling and she has good form at Leopardstown from her novice chasing season.
Her jumping to the right is accounted into the price, but her form over two miles puts her right there and both Allegorie De Vassy and Maskada need to answer some questions.
3:50 Newbury – Hometown Boy @ 8/1 with William Hill EW
Although his career has had its bumps in the road, there’s a chance that Hometown Boy could make use of his current rating of 135.
The nine-year-old had 929 days off the track between his Aintree success off 137 over hurdles in April 2021 and his chase debut at Carlisle in October 2023.
👏 Fair play to @CM_Gethings
Down on his nose at the last, Hometown Boy is gathered up by the jockey to provide trainer Stuart Edmunds with a second winner of the 2021 Randox Grand National Festival at @AintreeRaces
Results & free replays ➡ https://t.co/sBcsavHpYf pic.twitter.com/gG5ZDG5EhZ
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) April 10, 2021
His 22-length defeat may look bad on paper, but he was travelling well at the front of the field before he overreached at the fourth-last.
Stuart Edmunds and the team have given him plenty of time after his seasonal reappearance which should negate any ‘bounce factor’, and his novice hurdle form when second to McFabulous could make him well-treated off his current mark.
The ground should be no issue – his half-brother, Walkinthewoods, produced his best form on soft ground – and he even comes from the same family as Simon, John Spearing’s 2007 Racing Post Trophy winner who achieved a peak rating of 152.
Quick recap of the original tips and context
The original notes list five selections across Newbury and Naas and highlight recent trainer moves, wind operations, ground preferences and recent form. These points create a framework for assessing each horse’s chances and how they might line up at Cheltenham if targets remain the same.
Key form pointers from Newbury and Naas races
When assessing these races, look for recent performance trends, weight adjustments and the quality of the horses beaten, rather than market noise alone. A run that has produced an improved winner or a subsequent strong effort elsewhere strengthens the relevance of the form.
Emitom: strengths and concerns to consider
Emitom’s current form and Newbury record are obvious positives, as is the stable change improvement noted in the original text. Concerns are age and whether a heavy season on top of a long career affects his ability to carry weight at the highest level.
Our Champ and Altobelli: form comparison notes
Our Champ benefits from a wind-op and a jockey claim that may change the race dynamic, while Altobelli looks like one for softer conditions and may outrun odds if the ground turns. Comparing the pair side by side helps decide whether to back one each-way or a combination in each-way markets.
Riviere D’Etel and Hometown Boy outlook today
Riviere D’Etel brings proven two-mile form and a handy penalty-free profile for mares’ events, but handling of track direction and jumping quirks are important. Hometown Boy is interesting from a ratings perspective if his physical issues are resolved and the stable has given him time to freshen up.
How ground conditions will influence each runner
Soft or testing ground typically favours horses that have shown form on similar surfaces and those with strong stamina lines in pedigrees. For the selections above, Emitom and Altobelli are highlighted as likelier to appreciate cut in the ground while Our Champ’s handling of soft turf is described as less certain.
When planning bets, check official going updates and late non-runners, and consider insurers or smaller stakes if weather turns unpredictable. A small move in price because of going is a normal market reaction and can be exploited if your view differs from the market consensus.
Smart staking and responsible betting guidance
Approach weekend race cards with a clear staking plan: define a unit size based on what you can afford and stay within that limit. Avoid increasing stakes after a loss in an attempt to chase value, and treat weekend previews as informed opinion rather than certainty.
Gambling is for persons aged 18 and over. If betting is causing harm, seek support via recognised organisations and use self-exclusion or stake-limiting tools with bookmakers.
Using bookmaker comparisons and offers wisely
Bookmaker comparison tools are useful for locating the best available prices and free bet offers but always check T&Cs for qualifying stakes and wagering requirements. Avoid signing up for multiple promotions impulsively; choose offers that suit your planned staking level and preferences.
Explore how each bookmaker pays out on voids, non-runners and dead-heats as these rules can affect returns, especially in early-season handicaps and novice chases with inexperience on show.
Practical checklist before placing a bet at Newbury or Naas
Check the official going, confirm any jockey changes, review recent form of beaten horses and note trainer statistics for the meeting. Also confirm the number of places paid in each bookmaker’s market and whether early prices are available for comparison.
Managing multiples and each-way selections
For the Betfair Hurdle and similar large-field handicaps, consider each-way coverage on two or three horses rather than backing single ante-post winners. Multiples can increase exposure; cap the number of selections to maintain an affordable liability.
Final practical notes before the off
Keep an eye on late declarations and ground reports on race day and be ready to adjust exposure or withdraw if new information significantly changes the race picture. Use bookmaker comparison pages to confirm up-to-the-minute odds and the availability of extra place terms where relevant.
If you choose to place a bet, do so responsibly and only with money you can afford to lose; betting should be entertainment rather than a financial plan.
You can explore current bookmaker offers through our comparison tools on our free bets page to see welcome offers and extra-place promotions. For those interested in casino bonuses, view available sign-up offers safely on our casino bonus page.
Is Emitom a strong Cheltenham candidate now?
Emitom’s Newbury form and recent improvement make him a credible contender for spring targets, but age and a long campaign are factors to weigh. Always consider each run on the day and bet within your limits; 18+ only.
What are the main concerns for Our Champ today?
Key concerns are his record on soft ground and whether the wind-op has fully resolved the issue, although the jockey claim helps his case. Treat any selection as speculative and avoid staking more than you can afford to lose.
How does soft ground affect Altobelli and others?
Altobelli appears to prefer cut in the ground and may improve for soft conditions, while some rivals might be disadvantaged by going. Monitor official going reports and make choices based on form lines, not emotion.
Should I include Riviere D’Etel in small stakes bets?
Riviere D’Etel’s form over two miles and recent Fairyhouse win give her a strong case for small stakes or each-way interest. Ensure you gamble responsibly and only stake amounts that are within your personal budget.
What staking plan suits weekend race cards best?
A flat percentage staking plan or fixed units per bet helps preserve a bankroll across a busy weekend card and prevents emotional decisions. Stick to your plan and use bookmaker tools like deposit limits if needed.
Where can I compare bookmaker free bet offers safely?
Use a reputable comparison page to see sign-up offers, odds, and extra-place terms, and always read the terms and conditions carefully. If betting, be 18+ and bet responsibly; consider smaller stakes to reduce risk.
