Awapuni Hurdle betting guide with form, tips and latest news
JUMPS racing in New Zealand is more popular in the winter than flat racing and one of the important lead-in races to the Grand National runs this Saturday.
The $50,000 Awapuni Hurdle at Trentham has attracted a quality field of 10 runners for the 3000m journey and there is currently six runners at single-figure odds, which should make for another exciting jumping contest.
We have done the form for the Awapuni Hurdle and found our best bet and best each way value. Punters can find New Zealand betting markets with all of our recommended bookmakers and the odds are better than those offered in New Zealand.
2017 Awapuni Hurdle betting market
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Awapuni Hurdle best bet – Upper Cut
Last season’s Grand National Steeplechase winner is progressing well towards defending its title and despite running over hurdles on Saturday, it should give a fair account.
The Mark Oulaghan-trained 10-year-old won narrowly over hurdles last start over an unsuitable distance and the wet track conditions are right up its alley.
It has won five from 17 starts on the heavy surface and Oulaghan couldn’t be more impressed with its form this winter.
“He’s coming up pretty well and I couldn’t be happier with him,” Oulaghan said.
“He’s had a few things go wrong in the past, but he’s good now and going well.”
Upper Cut will get the benefit of carrying 5kg less than jumping champion Sea King and it was a winner on this day two years ago when scoring its fourth career jumping win.
Although the race won’t be run at Awapuni due to safety concerns, it should be able to handle a bog Trentham track and many of its rivals have only been battling away this season.
Upper Cut is currently paying $8.50 at Sportsbet.com.au which is better than the $7.50 being offered on local totes in New Zealand.
Awapuni Hurdles value bet – Max
Max is a solid each way chance after finishing second behind Upper Cut at Hawera and it has since won nicely at Ellerslie.
The relatively young jumper at seven years of age has won only two races from 11 attempts, but it has always shown good ability over the jumping circuit and it has hit top form at the right time.
The son of Gallant Guru is bred to handle the mud and both wins have come on a heavy track. It scored by 1.3 lengths in a maiden hurdle last start and although it’s meeting some seasoned campaigners in this, its form is trending in the right direction.
Senior rider Isaac Lupton is in the saddle and he will be keen to avenge the fall he had aboard Max the last time they visited Trentham.
Sportsbet is offering $8 for Max which is a fair each way price for the new horse on the scene.