Shishkin was advised Ante Post following his impressive win at Newbury and he backed that up at Huntingdon when beating some fair types very easily. The noises from the Henderson camp have been extremely positive in the build up to the Festival, so it’s quite a surprise and a bit of a concern to see him so weak in the market throughout Monday evening.
Having already committed to him we won’t jump ship now, so if you’re already on let’s hope for a big run, and if you haven’t backed him yet then we’d still advise him, but perhaps just half stakes each way in light of the weakness in the market.
William Hill are paying top 7 places, Paddy Power top 5, generally top 4.
Cheltenham Festival Ante Post Advice:
Supreme Novice Hurdle, Tuesday 10th March at Cheltenham:
Shishkin (e/w) at 15/2 with Sky Bet (NRNB)
Following the racing at Newbury, Shishkin from the Nicky Henderson put in an incredibly impressive performance to win his novice hurdle in what was in effect his first run over obstacles having taken a tumble after 2 flights on what was his debut over hurdles a month ago. He’d previously been very impressive when winning his NH flat race at Kempton on his debut under rules last March. The way he quickened from a pretty decent sort in 2nd today was very impressive indeed and stamped him as a very useful prospect, with a change of gear you only associate with a decent horse. The post race interview gave a clear indication the Nicky Henderson holds him in extremely high regard, with the suggestion of getting another run into Shishkin before tackling the Cheltenham Festival. The Supreme Novices Hurdle on the opening day looks the obvious target and with Sky Bet offering Non Runner No Bet on the race to odds of 15/2 we’re advising you back him with them. He is 10/1 best price in the Ante Post markets, but with the slim chance of the Ballymore over a slightly longer trip, or the chance he doesn’t make Cheltenham the 15/2 NRNB is the advice.
The current market leaders don’t set an awfully high standard either, as we feel the Fav is shorter than he should be, with Fiddlerontheroof perhaps the one currently with the best form, but Shishkin looked the real deal today and if putting in another impressive performance pre Cheltenham, he could easily be considerably shorter on the day.