DETROIT CITY hardened into 3.75 (11-4) favouritism in the Champion Hurdle betting on Betfair today after the merit of his seasonal winning exploits were further underlined and one of his main Cheltenham rivals disappointed.

 The grey’s recent Sandown victim Straw Bear dotted up at Wincanton and Mac’s Joy could only finish an 8 length second to Champion Chase second favourite Newmill in the Red Mills Trial Hurdle at Gowran Park.

 Straw Bear may have only beaten a disappointing Afsoun by 7 lengths in the Kingwell Hurdle but he has shortened into 11.5 (10 ½-1) on Betfair for the Champion.

 Mac’s Joy has drifted to 15 (14-1) after his odds-on defeat and another Red Mills also-ran, Harchibald, last of five on his admittedly unfavoured heavy ground, is out to 24 (23-1).

 The high-class Newmill is 5.6 (9-2) for the Champion Chase after showing his well-being, albeit over hurdles, and another possible for that race is Monet’s Garden, who posted a very impressive victory at Ascot.

 But the Ryanair Chase remains that grey’s first choice of Festival engagement on decent ground and he is the 4.6 (7-2) favourite for that race on Betfair.