Exciting novice hurdler Dunguib has been installed as short as 4-1 with Sky Bet for next year's Champion Hurdle after a string of impressive performances so far this season.
Philip Fenton has all but ruled out this year’s Champion Hurdle for his stable star, even though Sky Bet were ready to promote him to outright favouritism if thrown in at the deep end for a wide open renewal.
However, the six-year-old will instead line up in the Supreme Novices’ and is the banker of the meeting for many as 4/6 favourite with Sky Bet for the opening race at the Cheltenham Festival in March.
Matt Doyle of Sky Bet said: ‘He is potentially the best hurdler we have seen since Istabraq and would start favourite for this year’s Champion Hurdle as a novice, let alone next, if given the chance.’
‘It is not too late for connections to change their mind, but the 4/1 on offer with us for the 2011 Champion Hurdle would look a fair price if he emulates Istabraq by taking the novice route to superstardom.’
Sky Bet have also priced up the 2011 Cheltenham Gold Cup making reigning champion Kauto Star an 11/4 favourite from next best Denman at 7/2.
The two chasing heavyweights have shared the spoils for Champion trainer Paul Nicholls in the last three renewals, but Sky Bet make Punchestowns 7/1 to break their stranglehold next year.
The current RSA Chase favourite – a runner-up to Nicholls’ Big Buck’s in last year’s World Hurdle for Nicky Henderson – is followed in the betting by stablemate Long Run at 12/1.
Among the other novices coming through the ranks Diamond Harry is bracketed at 20/1 with last year’s RSA Chase winner Cooldine, who heads the Irish challenge from 25/1 chance Joncol.
Follow this link for all the latest prices for this year's Chelteanham festival at Sky Bet