Bleu Et Rouge makes plenty of each-way appeal at 14/1 in the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury today (3.35).
Willie Mullins’ six-year-old was a very smart novice hurdler, beating Tombstone by 3 lenths in a Grade 1 at Leopardstown and finishing a fine 9 3/4 length fifth of 11 to subsequent Champion Hurdle winner Buveur D’air in a Grade 1 at Aintree to officially be rated 145.
He then had his attentions switched to chasing at the start of last season and overcame errors to make a winning debut at Leopardstown.
Bleu Et Rouge looked far from a natural over the larger obstacles and unseated next time up before finisng a distant fourth to Disko in a Grade 1 at Leopardstown to be rated 147.
He is now able to race in this off 145 and comes into the race having been tenderly handled on return to action at Fairyhouse when 15th of 20 to David’s Charm before posting an eye-cacthing efforts last time out when fourth of 17 to Hunter Call in a decent contest at Ascot where he travelled smoothly into the race two from home before keeping on at the one pace to be beatem six lengths.
That should have put him spot on for this and the tigue-tie now goes on for the first time in a race which should be run to suit.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 2pts each-way Bleu Et Rouge (14/1 generally availble – use BOG firms paying 5 places)