Rite Of Passage is many people's idea of a banker bet in the Neptune Investment Novices' Hurdle after swerving a clash with Dunguib on day one of the festival.

He was my idea of a good bet at 5/1 a couple of weeks back and backed him accordingly, but he's around the 3/1 mark now and, while I hope he wins of course, I hardly consider him a banker at that price. He has won both his hurdles starts with the minimum of fuss, beating a useful yardstick in Healys Bar last time, but they weren't great races and he is yet to be tested in Graded company. Furthermore, his jumping last time wasn't as good as it was on his debut the previous month. His trainer Dermot Weld was inclined to blame Punchestown's undulating track, which is a concern in itself as Cheltenham isn't exactly flat.

So, unless you are on at bigger prices, there are better bets to be had and one horse who could be a shade over-priced is QUEL ESPRIT at 12/1 (William Hill). The fact he is also entered in the Albert Bartlett might have something to do with that but, if his Betfair odds of 12 are anything to go by (he's as big as 18 for the AB), he will be lining up here, and it's worth remembering he was ante post favourite for this race after winning his first two hurdles starts, including in Graded company.

His bubble was burst somewhat last time out at Leopardstown but a lack of pace may have contributed to that defeat, and his conqueror, Coole River, has since given the form a boost by winning a decent race at Navan. Furthermore, his trainer Willie Mullins will know what's required having won the last two renewals. All five of his wins (including three bumpers) came on soft / heavy going but, as he showed when fourth to Dunguib in last season's Champion Bumper, he goes on goodish ground and may even be better for it.

I just think he's the wrong price compared to some of the other fancied horses, like Finian's Rainbow (15/2 Paddy Power), who looked good when winning at Ascot last time out but is held by Reve De Sivola (12/1 William Hill) on Challow Hurdle form, and Peddlers Cross (9/1 Totesport), who has yet to win over 2m4f, something all bar one of the last 10 winners had achieved.

The next two in the betting, Quantitativeeasing (14/1 Skybet) and Get Me Out Of Here (16/1 Stan James), are likely to contest alternative events, particularly the latter who is second favourite for the Supreme. Manyriverstocross, runner-up to Get Me Out Of here in the Totesport Trophy last time, would be an interesting runner as I think he's crying out for this longer trip, although he too has an alternative handicap option. He's 25/1 with Ladbrokes, who go non-runner-no-bet, so if you back him for this and he runs in the Coral Cup, you will get your money back.

As for the rest, I've a healthy respect for Jessica Harrington's Summit Meeting (20/1 general), who has been winning on deep winter ground but has the pedigree to suggest he could do even better when encountering better ground, which is the norm at the festival these days. The same can be said for Some Present who is by Presenting out of a Strong Gale mare, which screams good ground, and that makes him worth considering at 40/1 NRNB with Ladbrokes. I'm struggling to make a case for anything else.

Recommended Bet:

Quel Esprit 1pt each-way @ 12/1 William Hill