Alfie Clear Favourite at Head of Pertemps Market

The Pertemps Final Hurdle, run on the third day of the Cheltenham Festival, is always a fiercely competitive three-mile handicap event often attracting a maximum field of up to 24 runners, writes Elliot Slater.

This year Paul Nicholls' Alfie Sherrin, an impressive winner of a Newbury handicap hurdle last time out, is the clear market pick as 6/1 favourite with Cheltenham Festival betting, and it is currently 10/1 bar. Following his Newbury success Nicholls observed that Alfie Sherrin is a big baby and that he had been surprised by the manner of his win in such a tough heat. Those comments might make some punters wonder whether the hurly-burly of a big field at Cheltenham might not prove just a little too much for the seven-year-old on only his fourth outing over timber.

Both Nigel Twiston-Davies and Jonjo O'Neill have won the Pertemps Final twice in the last nine years, so it makes sense to take a good look at their entries. Twiston-Davies could be represented by last year's 16/1 winner Kayf Aramis (trained then by Venetia Williams), as well as other likely sorts Ballyfitz (won the race in 2008), Made In Japan, Petitfour and South O'The Border.

O'Neill has seven horses declared at the initial entry stage, amongst whom City Theatre, Don't Push It, Raise You Five and Ringaroses, look the prime contenders. Seasoned punters like to know just which horses are entered for such races at the early stage before seeing which horses the trainer finally chooses to represent the yard on the day.

Don't Push It, seventh in the race last year when a well fancied 8/1 chance with Cheltenham betting Odds, could be the O'Neill first string, but not everyone will feel that his preparation in competing in some high class chases, is ideal for this three-mile hurdles test. Twiston-Davies' pair of previous winners Kayf Aramis (16/1) and Ballyfitz (20/1) are also likely sorts who should give supporters a serious run for their money.