Asterion Forlonge Cheltenham odds cut: impressive or an overreaction?

Asterion Forlonge extended his unbeaten record to three under rules by winning the Grade 1 Chanelle Pharma Novice Hurdle on day two of the Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown, causing his odds to tumble to as short as 5-1 for the Supreme and the Ballymore at the Cheltenham Festival. Our experts offer their thoughts.

'He looks the horse to serve it up to Envoi Allen'

That was a serious performance on just Asterion Forlonge's second run over hurdles and that he's managed to destroy a classy type in Easywork speaks volumes about his engine.

I expected this may have been a bridge too far for the winner against the more battle-hardened Easywork. Not so.

It is plausible to think he could improve for a step up in trip. The owners are also responsible for Shishkin, who features prominently in the Supreme betting, and I expect the pair to be kept apart at Cheltenham.

He wasn't stopping at the line and, on this evidence, he looks the horse to serve it up to Envoi Allen in the Ballymore.
Robbie Wilders, tipster

Watch Asterion Forlonge win at Leopardstown

Robbie Wilders believes Asterion Forlonge can serve it up to Envoi Allen in the BallymoreCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

'5-1 for the Supreme seems a big overreaction'

It's hard to criticise a horse who has won every time he's set foot on a racecourse, but 5-1 for both the Supreme and Ballymore seems a big overreaction.

Asterion Forlonge has come a long way in a short time but connections seemed to have him down as a stayer, which was exactly the quality he displayed against Easywork, who may well have been flattered in his earlier wins, so I'd treat the form with caution until proved otherwise.

His price seems crazy when you consider Abacadabras is as big as
6-1 for the Supreme and I'd much prefer the owners' Shishkin for that race anyway.

The Ballymore would be more his bag, but even then he will have a lot more on his plate at Cheltenham.
Maddy Playle, RPTV

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