2021 Martin Pipe Tips – 12/1 shot can Fire in a winner for O'Brien and Gigginstown

The curtain is brought down on the Cheltenham Festival by the Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle. This race is usually only open to amateur and conditional jockeys, but due to Covid-19 regulations, professional riders will be allowed to take part in 2021.

The betting for this year's Martin Pipe is looking as congested as ever, with several talented hurdlers sitting prominently in the market.

I’ve taken a look through the last decade of results in the Martin Pipe and highlighted some key recurring trends.

9 of the last 10 winners ran after the 7th January

9 of the last 10 winners either won or placed on their most recent start

8 of the last 10 winners had previously run in a Graded race over hurdles

I drew up a four-horse shortlist for this year’s Martin Pipe when the entries were released. All four were talented novices representing four of Ireland’s top yards.

Wide Receiver was my initial selection, but he's been ruled out for the rest of the season with injury. I then went for Champagne Gold and Ganapathi, but they will both now run in the County Hurdle, over a trip I fear will be a little short for both.

The final name left standing on my initial shortlist is FIRE ATTACK, and he'll be my sole selection in this year's Martin Pipe.

Joseph O’Brien sent Fire Attack straight out over this trip on his hurdles debut, and he ran a belter to finish second to Fakiera in a Grade Three. Things haven’t gone to plan over two miles since then, but Fire Attack did run nicely behind a very classy sort in Thedevilscoachman last time out. Stepping back up in trip on day four of the Cheltenham Festival will definitely suit and he’s more than capable of winning off a mark of 138.