Rupert Better Than Bare Form

If, like me, you're on the lookout for a value bet on this year's Cheltenham Race cards then maybe a second glance at outsider Time For Rupert in the World Hurdle could pay handsome dividends.

On the face of it, Paul Webber's six-year-old gelding has plenty to find to get involved against horses such as hot favourite Big Bucks, Karabak and Sentry Duty.

However, there's absolutely no doubt that the son of Flemensfirth is going the right way and he could well run into a place at a decent price in this Cheltenham Horse race.

A progressive sort last term, Time For Rupert ended his campaign with a shock 50/1 victory in a listed three-mile handicap hurdle at Aintree.

So far this season he has run twice and was short of his best on debut behind Zaynar at Ascot in November. He then stepped up to his optimum trip of three miles and showed tremendous guts to score at Cheltenham, beating Made In Japan while conceding the runner-up a massive 26lbs.

Raised to a mark of 151, Time For Rupert has all the hallmarks of a seriously progressive horse.

In Paul Webber he has one of the shrewdest handlers in the National Hunt game, and it would be no surprise to me to see him running a stormer to finish in the first three among Big Bucks and co.

Ladbrokes offer of 33/1 looks good each-way value and Time For Rupert can end this term close to the best staying hurdlers in Britain and Ireland.