Date: Thursday 14th March 2024
The Stayers’ Hurdle looks set to follow its usual pattern, with the race typically going to a proven staying hurdler with a solid rating and strong Cheltenham credentials.
Seven-year-olds have dominated recent renewals, while a rating of 152 or higher and previous form over three miles appear essential. Horses with experience at the Festival also hold a clear advantage.
Unlike some of the more unpredictable Festival races, this tends to reward established performers, although value can still be found away from the very front of the market.
These are the three that come out strongest on the Turf Talk figures.
TURF TALK RATINGS - LEADING CONTENDERS
| Horse | Turf Talk Rating |
|---|---|
| Teahupoo | 228 |
| Home By The Lee | 220 |
| Flooring Porter | 214 |
| Sire Du Berlais | 206 |
| Dashel Drasher | 198 |
The ratings point strongly towards the established leading contenders, with fewer obvious outsiders fitting the core trends.
MAIN SELECTION
Teahupoo (9/4 available)
He comes out comfortably on top of the ratings and fits the strongest profile for the race.
A seven-year-old with proven Grade 1 form and strong staying credentials, he ticks all of the key boxes and looks the most likely winner on paper.
BACKUP SELECTION 1
Home By The Lee (5/1 available)
A solid alternative who has already proven himself at this trip.
He brings consistency and stamina to the table and looks likely to run well again, even if he may find one or two with slightly stronger profiles.
BACKUP SELECTION 2
Flooring Porter (7/1 available)
A previous winner of the race who cannot be ignored given his course record.
While older than the ideal age bracket, his ability to perform at Cheltenham makes him a dangerous contender if able to reproduce his best form.
SUMMARY
Teahupoo fits the strongest profile and heads the ratings, with Home By The Lee a solid alternative and Flooring Porter bringing valuable course form into a race that typically rewards proven stayers.
