2012 Neptune Novice Hurdle Entries
The second race on day of the 2012 Cheltenham Festival, the Neptune Investment Management Novices Hurdle is a Class 1 open to 4yo+ and run over 2m5f. For 2012 there are a staggering 118 entries with 50 different trainers all throwing their hat into the ring.
Leading the contingent Willie Mullins with 17 entries and he is followed closely by Nicky Henderson, who not only has 16 entered into this race but a further 12 entered into the Supreme Novices Hurdle – although I should point out that Simonsig is entered into both.
With the odd rare exception, every horse is going to carry 11-07 and so far the favourites look likely to be Fingal Bay, Boston Bob, Simonsig (if he is entered), Make Your Mark and Monksland. There are three eight year old horses entered – Pickapocketortwo, Alderwood and Bally Sands and the youngest, and only 4 year old, is the Alan King trained Secret Edge.
I think the top two in the betting for the Neptune will be hard to beat, Fingal Bay looks a horse with a massive future and you can’t not have been impressed with the way Boston Bob gave 10lbs. I think the Neptune is the only option for Simonsig, Hes not quick enough for the Supreme as he was well beat by Fingal Bay at Sandown and he’s a horse that looks like he will need further in time.