The
Cheltenham Festival is getting closer by the day.
From
the 13th - 16th March, National Hunt racing goes crazy at Prestbury
Park, Gloucestershire.
With
a plethora of Grade 1 races, punters are spoiled for choice.
Let's face it, this occasion of equine brilliance is all about
winning. The Cheltenham betting experience is like no other.
They say money talks and that is often the case for many victories
which see an enthusiastic crowd caught up in the moment of watching
some of the greatest horses making history.
For
many, the Cheltenham Gold Cup is the highlight of the National Hunt
racing calendar. This contest is run over a distance of 3 miles 2
1/2f. This Grade 1 race is open to horses aged five years and older.
Twenty-two fences make the difference between success and failure.
Remember
the horses which made history and set the standard for others to
follow.
The
likes of Golden Miller, who won the race on five consecutive years
from 1932 - 1936. In this modern era, we have seen exceptions to the
rule.
Best
Mate - three-time winner from 2002 - 2004.
Who
could forget Kauto Star, Denman & Long Run.
Last
year, it was the turn of Sizing John who won for trainer Jessica
Harrington, ridden by Robbie Power. Owners, Ann and Allan Potts
rejoicing the victory with a vocal crowd when defying Minella Rocco
and Native River.
Get
ready for the latest Cheltenham betting offers from all the leading
bookmakers. Including:
- Paddy Power: Cheltenham Festival Non Runner No Bet
- 888 Sport: Bet £10 on the first race at Cheltenham and get £5 on any other
- Racebets: Win Cheltenham VIP Tickets with Racebets!
- William Hill: Cheltenham Festival Non Runner Money Back Insurance Special Offer
- Betfair: Non Runner No Bet on All Cheltenham Championship Races
This
years renewal sees the Cheltenham betting warming up
by the day. Come the big race on 16th March - 3:30 Cheltenham will
you be holding the winning betting slip?
One
trainer who has a number of leading hopes for this festival is Nicky
Henderson. His leading challenger for the Gold Cup is Might Bite. This nine-year-old bay gelding is owned by The Knot Again
Partnership. This Irish-bred son of Scorpion is very much a new face
compared with many annual campaigners of this steeplechase. Unbeaten
in his last five races, favourite on these starts as short as 1/7f.
His official rating has increased with each success to 169. Can this
gelding hit the headlines for Henderson like Bob's Worth back in
2013? Remember that day when he started 11/4f to run out a tidy
seven-length victor.
This
race has always taken some winning. With Sizing John, last year's
winner, coming back for more, it would be a brave punter to not fear
a number of opponents.
Other
leading hope, as far as the betting is concerned, include:
Native
River, trained by Colin Tizzard. This son of Indian River finished
third last year when strong in the betting. He made a winning return
when odds-on at Newbury beating the field with a touch of class. This
looks a challenger who could go very well for each-way bettors.
In
general, the Gold Cup is won by a horse fancied in the betting. It
may be wise to keep that in mind. The biggest priced winner in the
last twenty years being 20-1 shot Lord Windermere, who scrambled home
by a short head in 2014.
Fingers
crossed your bet goes well.