Although the summer is the time for the stars on the Flat to shine in the sun, it won’t be long before the jumpers are back in action.
Now the dust has settled on the 2019/20 National Hunt campaign, we have put together what we believe are three great bets for next season.
Lostintranslation to Win Betfair Chase (2/1)
Lostintranslation proved his class last season in what was his best campaign outside of novice company. Not only did he prevail in two races, he was third in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, coming home just 1½ lengths behind Al Boum Photo as you can read at https://www.theguardian.com/sport.
Colin Tizzard’s chaser’s biggest win came in the Grade One Betfair Chase at Haydock. He went off as the 5/4 joint-favourite at the Lancashire racecourse where he defeated two-time winner Bristol De Mai.
Lostintranslation is a chaser you should have on your side next season. He is 2/1 at https://www.betfair.com/sport/horse-racing to defend his crown in the Betfair Chase, while those who want to back him in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, can get 14/1 on the eight-year-old.
Altior to Win Tingle Creek (7/2)
The Queen Mother Champion Chase was expected to be the race of the week at the Cheltenham Festival in 2020, however, Altior and Chacun Pour Soi both had to miss the contest due to injury.
Altior has been off the track since February now and a long break is exactly what he may have needed. Hopefully Nicky Henderson’s superstar can return to his best next season.
It is worth remembering that Altior has won 15 of his 16 races over fences. His only defeat came in the Ascot Chase where he featured over 2m5f for the first time. Expect to see him campaign back at 2m next season.
His return to action is likely to come in the Tingle Creek where he is as big as 7/2 to win the race for the second time in his career. If all goes well, he should be back at the Festival in 2021 for the Queen Mother Champion Chase.
Champ To Win King George VI Chase (8/1)
Champ was one of the star novice chasers last season, with the highlight of his campaign being his victory in the RSA Chase at the Festival. A full report on that success can be found at https://www.itv/com/racing.
Henderson’s runner won three of his four starts. His only blip came in a Grade Two contest at Cheltenham where he fell at the last fence when clear of his rivals.
His success in the RSA Chase suggests he could be a Gold Cup horse this year. He powered home up the hill at the end of that 3m contest so the distance is clearly not a problem for him.
Champ’s first real test against the older horses in the 2020/21 season may be the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day. He is 8/1 to win that race and given it has an open feel to it. He looks great value to add his name to the roll of honour.
It should be an exciting National Hunt season and one where hopefully you will find plenty of winners throughout the campaign.
