Punters steam in for Black Jack in World Hurdle

THE betting for the Ladbrokes World Hurdle took another twist yesterday when Black Jack Ketchum was backed into 7-4 clear favouritism with both Ladbrokes and Cashmans.

Jonjo O’Neill’s eight-year-old lost his unbeaten record in the Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham, sparking lively debates up and down the country on whether he would bounce back.

Many thought his performance was too bad to be true, whereas others took the view it was the first time he had really been tested.

Recently, O’Neill has warned he might not even run if the ground was heavy, which forced his price to drift alarmingly on the betting exchanges.

However, two beautiful days weather-wise in Gloucestershire has made the possibility of heavy ground less likely, and the money has come flooding back in for last season’s Brit Insurance Novices’ Hurdle winner.

Cork-based Cashmans did have 2005 winner Inglis Drever as their 2-1 favourite, with Black Jack Ketchum a 7-2 chance, but a day of sustained support has seen his price slashed to 7-4, with Inglis Drever being pushed out to 5-2.

On a day when 21 acceptors stood their ground for the race there was one supplementary entry, the Paul Nicholls-trained Natal.

“The Black Jack drought now appears to be over and we’re starting to see some good money for him again,” said Ladbrokes spokesman David Williams.

“The decision to enter Natal for the race took us all by surprise, but his best hurdling form from last year suggests it would be dangerous to rule him out.”

Cleeve Hurdle winner Blazing Bailey will bid to rectify the dismal record of five-year-olds in the race along with Kasbah Bliss, while Mighty Man, third 12 months ago, could go again if the ground is suitable.

The novices Flight Leader and Labelthou stand their ground, along with the Champion Hurdle-bound Asian Maze.

Overstrand, Rhinestone Cowboy, Temoin, United and Over The Creek are other notable contenders.

Ladbrokes World Hurdle, sponsors bet: 7-4 Black Jack Ketchum, 3-1 Inglis Drever, 5-1 Blazing Bailey, 6-1 Mighty Man, 10-1 Asian Maze, 10-1 Kasbah Bliss, Labelthou, 12-1 Natal, Temoin, 25-1 Flight Leader, Overstrand, United, 33-1 Lough Derg, 50-1 Rhinestone Cowboy, Strangely Brown, 66 bar.