2023 Bristol Novices' Hurdle Tips - Skelton's can snatch Grade Two prize

Jon Vine

Editor

Last updated: 14 Dec 2023

Jon Vine 14 Dec 2023

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Odds and betting predictions for the 2023 Bristol Novices' Hurdle
This Grade Two takes place at Cheltenham on Saturday 16th December
Illico De Cotte is our best bet at 7/1

Expired

Bucksy Des Epeires ridden by Charlie Deutsch (red cap) beats Illico De Cotte ridden by Harry Skelton (red silks) to win The Favourite From The Sun Every Day Maiden Hurdle Race at Lingfield Park. (Getty)

The Grade Two feature at Cheltenham on Saturday is the Bristol Novices' Hurdle. This three-mile contest has been won by plenty of future Grade One winner, including a Gold Cup winner in Coneygree and two Grand National winner, Bindaree and Comply Or Die.

Here's our guide to the 2023 Bristol Novices' Hurdle, including our best betting tips.

2023 Bristol Novices' Hurdle Odds

You can find the latest betting for the 2023 Bristol Novices' Hurdle here on our website...

2023 Bristol Novices' Hurdle Tips - Illico De Cotte

Shanagh Bob was the 2/9 favourite when he registered a seven-length victory on his hurdles debut. James Bowen was forced to stoke his mount up to stretch clear in the closing stages and his jumping wasn't particularly fluent. Three of the five horses Shanagh Bob beat that day are rated around the 110 mark and the Paul Nicholls horse who finished third was thrashed in another maiden hurdle at Exeter earlier in the week.

There are plenty of viable options if, like me, you fancy taking on the market leader. Destroytheevidence has to be a player if he handles the soft ground. Cadell was carrying a penalty when beaten by Kerryhill at Kelso and I was impressed with the way Lucinda Russell's charge responded to pressure during that defeat.

I like the look of ILLICO DE COTTE (7/1), who was snapped up by Robert Kirkland for £100k and sent to Dan Skelton's yard following an emphatic point-to-point victory on Irish soil in March.

Skelton's recruit was backed into odds-on favouritism ahead of his hurdles debut at Lingfield last month. Harry Skelton attempted to make all, but his mount was beaten a nose by Bucksy Des Epeires, who scored on debut for the in-form Venetia Williams.

Bucksy Des Epeires boosted that form at Sandown last Saturday, finishing a clear second behind the impressive Spirit D'Aunou in a Class 2 Handicap Hurdle. Dan Skelton's horses have improved for their first starts of the season and this strapping son of Kitkou should have no trouble lasting the trip, seeing as his 12-length point-to-point triumph came on heavy ground.

Live Stream

If you plan on watching any of Saturday's races live from Cheltenham, then check out our Bristol Novices' Hurdle Live Stream page.

Verdict

2023 Bristol Novices' Hurdle

Illico De Cotte is our best bet in the 2023 Bristol Novices' Hurdle.

Illico De Cotte

2023 Bristol Novices' Hurdle Tips

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