Cheltenham Festival Trendwatch – the Friday undercard

Away from the championship races there are a whole host of other contests with winners to be had. Here we take a look at some key trends that should help you narrow down the search:

2:05 Vincent O’Brien County Hurdle

Horses carrying 10st10lbs or more have won seven of the last 10 runnings.

The last seven winners and 22 of the 28 placed horses during that period were officially rated between 130 and 140.

Five-year-olds have an excellent record in this contest winning five of the last ten and gaining 5 places from just 48 runners during the last decade.

Irish-trained runners have taken the laurels in four of the last five years

The Trendy Types – Discoteca (who also has the benefit of a 7lb claimer on board) and Shadow Catcher.

4:00 CGA Cheltenham Foxhunters

20 of the last 22 runners have been aged 10 or younger with the other two to score winning the race for the second time.

Nine of the last 10 winners had run in the preceding 35 days.

Being a last time out winner is seemingly imperative, with at least four of the first six past the post in the last three runnings having won their previous engagement.

2012 victor Salsify could become the seventh two-time winner for the race since 1983 this year.

The Trendy Types – Benedictus, Cottage Oak, Salsify

NB: 2012 victor Salsify could become the seventh two-time winner ofthe race since 1983 this year.

4:40 Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys Handicap Hurdle

Class tends to come the fore with all four winners having carried 11st2lbs or more.