JP McManus may be rueing his swift buy of Franchoek this afternoon, after his newly acquired hurdler was well and truly scalped by Harper Valley in the opener at Cheltenham.
 
Starting as the well-supported 1/3 favourite, Alan King's hurdler appeared to have the race in his control, when kicking for home at the bottom of the Prestbury Hill. However, on-board pilot Robert Thornton perhaps hadn't bankered on the 10/1 chance Harper Valley cruising in behind, and Gordon Elliott's charge - who was in receipt of 7lbs from the favourite- duly went on to win.
 
Bookmakers Blue Square immediately quoted him as a 14/1 chance for the Triumph Hurdle in March, easing out Franchoek to 10/1 from 7/1.
 
Kate Miller, PR for Blue Square, said: ''There was certainly an air of stunned surprise at Cheltenham when this result went in. Harper Valley had only manged two third spot's in his previous starts, and didn't seem a match for the favourite, who had won so impressively here last month. However, the addition of blinkers today certainly appears to have aided him, and he looks a strong contender for the Triumph now.''
 
Triumph Hurdle Betting

10/1      Franchoek (from 7/1)
10/1      Ashkazar
14/1      Harper Valley (1st show)
16/1      Mamlook
16/1      Celestial Halo
20/1      Tremlett
25/1      Art Professor
25/1      Zaralabad
25/1      Tatenen
25/1      Metaphoric
25/1      Sagredo
25/1      Consulate
25/1      Silverhand
25/1      Tinagoodnight
25/1      Prince Erik
25/1      The Grey Berry

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