Fingal Bay Favourite For Neptune Novices

Fingal Bay goes into the Neptune Novices Hurdle as ante-post favourite after making an impressive start to his racecourse career.

The six-year old is unbeaten in five runs and recently won a Grade One contest at Newbury on his latest start.

Trainer Phillip Hobbs and jockey Richard Johnson think a lot about their gelding and will be expecting a big run at the 2012 Cheltenham Festival.

Fingal Bay does already have a win under his belt at Prestbury Park, that came on November 13 in the Hyde Novices’ Hurdle. He followed that up with success at Sandown when going off 4/5 favourite in a race that involved Simonsig and Barbatos, both of whom should line up at Cheltenham alongside Fingal Bay. Those looking for Cheltenham racing tips will be expecting another close contest.

Boston Bob proved his credentials for the Neptune Novices Hurdle when winning at Leopardstown back in January. Willie Mullins’ seven-year old handled the heavy ground well to win the Grade Two contest under Ruby Walsh. The only defeat of his career so far came in a bumper race 12 months ago at Punchestown and fans of Betfair should remember this.

Another one of the Irish contenders in the race is Monksland. He made it three from three at Naas on his latest start, finishing ahead of Lyreen Legend and Degiout. Trainer Noel Meade is expected to keep him wrapped up now until the Festival to ensure he is as fresh as possible for the big race.

Last year’s winner First Lieutenant has stepped up to chase company this season and will be vying for the RSA Chase at Cheltenham, whilst 2010 winner of the Neptune Novices Hurdle, Peddlers Cross, is fancied to go well in the Arkle over a shorter trip of two miles.