Melon into 5/2 for International Hurdle; Disko cut for King George
Published:
Three runners have seen their odds dramatically cut ahead of Saturday’s International Meeting at Cheltenham.
The International Hurdle in particular has seen significant movement.
Melon has been chopped to 2/1 from 5/2 for the Grade 2 contest following a flurry of bets.
He made a winning return on his reappearance at Down Royal last month and is fancied to go one better than his second to Labaik in last year’s Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.
Willie Mullins’ mount remains behind The New One, who has been eased out to 13/8.
In the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup, it’s 5/1 shot Clan Des Obeaux that remains the favourite ahead of Le Prezien at 6/1 and Starchitect at 6/1.
However, King’s Odyssey has been attracting money and is now 8/1 from 10s.
There has also been support for Guitar Pete who has shortened from 20/1 to 16/1 this afternoon.
Looking further afield and we’ve also seen momentum for Disko in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.
Might Bite (6/4), Bristol De Mai (10/3) and Thistlecrack (5/1) head the betting, but it’s Disko that has been attracting the attention of our punters, who have shifted Noel Meade’s mount from 20s into 16/1.
The six-year-old won on his seasonal bow in a Grade 2 contest in Ireland and cannot be discounted for the Christmas feature.
Nicola McGeady of Ladbrokes said: “Money today for Melon strongly suggests that Willie Mullins will send the five-year-old across the water for the International Hurdle. If he is a definite runner, we reckon he will go off as favourite on the day”
“With Sizing John out of the King George, the race looks to be opening up a bit with Disko the latest to attract a gamble.”
All Odds and Markets correct as of date of publication
