2021 Cheltenham Festival: Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When does the 2021 Cheltenham Festival take place? Tuesday 16th March – Friday 19th March, 2021
What time does the Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle start? Thursday 18th March, 2021 – 13:55 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for the 2021 Cheltenham Festival? The 2021 Cheltenham Festival will take place without spectators
What TV channel is the 2021 Cheltenham Festival on in the UK? ITV will be televising the first six races of each day, while Racing TV subscribers will be able to watch all of the action
Where can I stream the 2021 Cheltenham Festival in the UK? The first six races of each day can be streamed live on the ITV Hub, while Racing TV subscribers can live stream all of the action
THE LOWDOWN
This big field for the Pertemps has thrown up plenty of intriguing chances and perhaps none more so than Imperial Alcazar. He has been handed an 8lb rise for a win at Wawrick in January but that success is arguably the pick of the form. Nicky Henderson’s Champagne Platinum is likely to go close having finished in the frame two races in succession on his return to hurdling. He has two wins to his name over the hurdles but they came back in 2018 so he will need to roll back the clock to come out on top here. Brinkley also makes appeal at a double-figure price as he goes in search of a hat-trick but this is a step-up in class. Both of his recent successes came with the cheekpieces on and they seem to be doing the trick for David Pipe’s 6-year-old.
THE PREDICTION
An interesting affair could go one of several ways but slight preference is for Imperial Alcazar. He looked very strong in his win over Wawrick last time out and looks to have further improvement in him despite his 8lb rise. Other horses in the field also have a weight increase to contend with but Fergal O’Brien’s horse can be the one to deal with it.
Tip: Imperial Alcazar @ 5/1 – CLICK HERE TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF PARIMATCH’S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30!)
