Tidal Bay was another previous Festival winner to roll back the years on Saturday earning a 10/1 quote (from 25s) for the World Hurdle after proving his ability to stay the trip with victory in the Cleeve Hurdle.
The 2008 Arkle winner, who has a formidable strike rate at the track, was returning to hurdles after a lengthy barren spell over fences and powered up the hill to gallop into third favouritism with Sky Bet for the stayers’ hurdling crown.
Taranis was cut into 20/1 from 66s with Sky Bet for the Gold Cup after making a winning comeback from injury in the Argento Chase on the same card.
On a day when past Festival winners reminded us of how good they once were, Paul Nicholls’ second string made light of a 766-day absence to spring a 16/1 shock.
He was winning his first start since breaking down in the 2007 King George and the 2006 Ryanair Chase winner further strengthened the Champion trainer’s hand for the Gold Cup.
Matt Doyle of Sky Bet said: ‘Denman’s absence may have made it a far from vintage renewal, but Taranis has highlighted the Champion trainer’s firepower behind the front two in the Gold Cup market.’
Among the other performances to note on Cheltenham Trials Day, Restless Harry was given a 6/1 first show quote for the Albert Bartlett when striking a blow for Robin Dickin’s small stable by winning the Grade 2 Novices’ Hurdle.
Although he is likely to step up in trip for his Festival target, his Newbury conqueror Reve de Sivola had his odds trimmed into 10/1 from 14s for the Neptune Investments Novices’ Hurdle.
Follow this link to Sky Bet and get a free bet on any of the Cheltenham Festival antepost markets.
Sky Bet Market Movers:
Cheltenham Gold Cup
Taranis 20/1 (from 66s)
World Hurdle
Tidal Bay 10/1 (from 25s)
Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle
Restless Harry 6/1 first show
Triumph Hurdle
Baccalaureate 33/1 first show
Advisor 16/1 (from 25s)
RSA Chase
Hey Big Spender 33/1 unchanged