Robbie Power’s Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle 2022 Preview & Tips

on January 17, 2022 at 2:53 pm

Gold Cup and Grand National winning jockey Robbie Power has singled out Journey With Me as good value after casting his eye over potential winners in this year’s Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

Henry De Bromhead’s charge is 6/1 to win the Grade One contest and Power told Leon Blanche this week what he makes of the possible line-up.

He said: “Journey With Me was very impressive when he won his maiden hurdle at Leopardstown where he beat Kilcruit.

“In saying that, Kilcruit’s form this season over hurdles has been very disappointing. He was well beaten in Cork on his seasonal debut and the horse who beat him on that occasion, Largy Debut, has let the form down badly since, so you can read into that.

But Journey With Me will improve plenty for it.

“Henry De Bromhead’s horses were probably not running to their peak over Christmas. I’d imagine we will see him at the Dublin Racing Festival over 2m6f.

“Ginto is a Grade One winner in the Lawlor’s Of Naas Novice Hurdle. He was impressive and had to do it the hard way when beating Grand Jury. A strongly run and more competitive race will suit Ginto.

🏇 "He is the value in a weak Ballymore Novices' Hurdle!"

🗣️ @Robbie_Power_ previews the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle on Day 2 of the Cheltenham Festival.

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— BoyleSports (@BoyleSports) January 17, 2022

“He was idle in front that day in Naas and I think there is improvement to come, but there is a question mark over whether he might go in the Albert Bartlett.

“For me I think the Ballymore is the weakest of the three Grade One novice hurdles from what we have seen so far. When you look at the betting, the 7/2 favourite Sir Gerhard won’t go here.

“Stage Star for Paul Nicholls was very impressive at Christmas at Newbury, but it’s not the strongest field so Journey With Me at 6/1 is good value as those odds will be cut in half if he wins at the Dublin Racing Festival.”

*Prices correct at time of publication