Neptune Novices’ Hurdle – Cheltenham 2017 Day Two Tips

There has been a lot of talk about the star horses missing from this Cheltenham Festival, well Wednesday could see a star being born in Neon Wolf.

The Real Deal
Harry Fry’s charge has already taken the interest of most National Hunt enthusiasts but a stage like the Cheltenham Festival is where you can really announce yourself and Neon Wolf looks to be the real deal.

Neon Wolf was Patrick Mullins’ only point-to-point winner when he guided the horse to victory for his aunt, Mags, and since moving to Harry Fry and going to the track, Neon Wolf has eclipsed his rivals in good style.

At the time of writing his trainer described it as 50-50 between running in the Supreme or the Neptune, but the latter does look to be everyone’s opinion to be most likely and despite this being his first step up to this trip, he should still be too good.

There would appear to be more depth to the Neptune than there is in the Supreme with Bacardys impressing in the Deloitte at Leopardstown and Monalee is a horse that should be backed each way.

Monalee
10/1 is a decent price about Monalee who was a good winner at Clonmel last time and was only three lengths off Death Duty before Christmas, with Death Duty looking to be one of the Irish bankers of the meeting. Monalee’s form looks to be quite decent and this is a horse who could be having a big say on the Cheltenham Festival next season over fences.

Finian’s Oscar
Another horse in this race that we’ll be hearing a lot more about is Finian’s Oscar. Including his point-to-point, Finian’s Oscar has ran in four races and won each of them, winning by eight-lengths, seven-lengths, five-lengths and four and a half lengths.

What is most significant is that he only won his point-to-point in Portrush on October 22nd, made a winning debut for Colin Tizzard in December and was a Grade One winner by January 7th. This hectic schedule for a four-year-old who has just turned five could have taken its toll though as he was at his least impressive when 1/16 at Exeter last time and he would look one to avoid next week but after a good summer break, he could come back as anything next year.

Definitely an exciting horse of the future, but for now all the attention is on Neon Wolf to win and Monalee to continue his progression and run a big race.

Recommended Bet:
Neon Wolf (9/4)

*Prices correct at time of publication