Johnny Dineen Backs Underdog Horse Over Supreme Favorites
Johnny Dineen faces a setback as his star horse, Narciso Has, withdraws from the upcoming Triumph Hurdle. With less than two weeks to the major festival, this decision alters Dineen’s plans significantly.
Festival Squad Update
Dineen has boosted his festival squad by adding two new horses. Notably, one of them represents his first British-trained entry. The latest developments reflect a strategic shift in tackling the competitive festival environment.
Constitution Hill’s Track Record
Recently, Constitution Hill impressively won at Southwell on the Flat. Dineen and analyst David Jennings are considering whether this horse should compete in the Champion Hurdle next. Dineen believes running in the Champion Hurdle offers significant upside, despite the risks involved.
Promising Performers
In other racing news, How’s Hannah has made a remarkable start to her career over jumps. The mare has won three races, all on soft ground, solidifying her reputation as a strong contender for future events.
- How’s Hannah: Impressive over soft ground
- Low Kick: A £170,000 purchase bouncing back from a disappointing performance
- La Luna Artista: Targeted for Aintree instead of Cheltenham
Strategic Bets for Upcoming Races
Dineen shows interest in betting on Wendigo for the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase at 9-2. He also has his sights set on Leader D’Allier at 14-1 for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. Dineen expresses doubt over the favorite, Final Demand, indicating a more competitive race ahead.
David Jennings’ Bold Choices
Meanwhile, DJ has included Release The Beast in his squad, standing at 25-1 for the Grand Annual Handicap Chase. Jennings believes this horse has been well-prepared for the race, despite concerns over its previous performances.
Current Festival Squad Lineup
Dineen’s updated roster includes:
- Romeo Coolio: 9-2, Arkle Novices’ Chase
- Wendigo: 9-1, Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase
- Leader D’Allier: 14-1, Supreme Novices’ Hurdle
DJ’s selections feature:
- Sir Gino: 9-2, Champion Hurdle
- Sortudo: 25-1, Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle
- Release The Beast: 25-1, Grand Annual Handicap Chase
As the festival approaches, all eyes will be on the horses and the strategies laid out by Dineen and Jennings. This year’s races promise to be thrilling and unpredictable, setting the stage for potential upsets and standout performances.
