Denman has swerved the Scottish Grand National in favour of today’s Grade 1 Punchestown Guinness Gold Cup, to be run over a distance of three miles and one furlong. UK viewers can catch him live on At The Races at 5.30pm, Sky channel 415. He faces a very strong field in the showpiece of the Punchestown Festival, and it is hardly surprising that his odds have drifted out to 13/8 from an early show of 5/4 from the bookies.

The going is said to be on the slow side of good, which shouldn’t inconvenience the runners. However there are a couple of horses in the field that would prefer much softer conditions.

Let’s take a look at each of the runners and their betting odds for the Gold Cup. Is Denman a value bet at 13/8 with William Hill? Or can we find an outsider to run a big race at rewarding odds?

13/8 Denman

The 2008 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner will again be partnered by jockey AP McCoy, who has won the Grand National since last sitting on board ‘The Tank’. To give you an idea just how classy Denman is, his official rating is 180, and the next best horse is rated just 162. This graded race is not a handicap, so in theory Denman should thrash all of his opponents by at least 18 lengths.

But this is horse racing, and there are a number of important facts to take in surrounding the race. Denman’s trip by ferry across the Irish sea may be seen by some as a negative, but I’m concerned by his recent string of form: 22F-1U2. He would certainly prefer a bit of give in the ground and the horse isn’t getting any younger at 10 years old.

Trainer Paul Nicholls is a legend of the game, but even his recent form isn’t great. Twist Magic refused to race in yesterday’s Champion Chase, and his fancied pair of Advisor and Meanus Dandy were both thrashed last weekend up at Ayr.

Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to see him rout the field, but he won’t make you rich at short odds of 13/8.

5/1 Cooldine

Willie Mullins has to be respected at Punchestown, and especially in these Grade 1 races. Mullins recorded a sensational 700/1 treble Grade 1-treble yesterday, which reminded punters just where their money should be going this week.

Cooldine is a class act on his day, and he won the 2009 RSA Chase at Cheltenham by a whopping 16 lengths. He was then beaten here by Rare Bob at 5/6 last year, and he hasn’t had his head in front since. Backers are taking a leap of faith here, but he has the potential to bounce back for a top team.

11/2 Joncol

Beat Cooldine in the 2010 Irish Hennessy, and won at this track last December. He’s an improving sort, but isn’t certain to go on the ground.

13/2 J’y Vole

13/2 could be a terrific price for J’y Vole today, but then again it may be dreadful. Let me explain.

Being a half-sister to yesterday’s Champion Chase winner Golden Silver, this mare is in receipt of 5lbs from all of her rivals. She has improved dramatically, and was third in this year’s Ryanair Chase at 28/1. To give you an idea of her improvement, she won a handicap at this festival last year off a mark of 134, but now she can boast a rating of 157.

The ground isn’t a worry, and Willie Mullins holds her in high regard. Looks the one to be on, each way of course!

11/1 Tranquil Sea

The 2009 Paddy Power Gold Cup winner ran terribly at the Cheltenham Festival, and is hard to fancy today. Another one that may prefer it softer.

18/1 Barbers Shop

The Queen‘s Barbers Shop is due a big win, but 3m would appear a stretch. I thought he had a good chance in the Ryanair, but he only managed seventh.

28/1 Rare Bob

A good third in the John Smiths Handicap at Aintree, but not classy enough to win a race as good as this.

33/1 Notre Pere

Won this race last year at odds of 15/8, but hasn’t performed since. Wants boggy ground.

33/1 Planet Of Sound

Not certain to see out the trip.

41/1 War Of Attrition

Won this race in 2006 after the Cheltenham Gold Cup, and he’ll be retired this year. Connections won’t want him to have a hard race, but there is part of me that thinks he could run into a place at the very least.

War Of Attrition has won six of his ten starts at this track, could he be worth a final sentimental investment?

75/1 Siegemaster

Fell in the Irish National this year.

110/1 Follow The Plan

Hard to fancy, but has bits and pieces of form as a novice. Monitor in the betting perhaps.

Betting Advice:

1pt ew J’y Vole @ 13/2 (Bet 365, 1/4 odds 1-2-3)

1pt win War Of Attrition @ 41/1 (on Betfair)

bookies.com is your best bet for comparing Punchestown betting odds.

2010 Guinness Gold Cup Betting Odds

ANTEPOST Rabobank Champion Hurdle Betting Odds (Dunguib is the 100/30 favourite)

Denman is a high-profile absentee from the Coral Scottish Grand National, but trainer Paul Nicholls could still have a say in the race with Meanus Dandy. Ayr’s biggest race of the year will be on Channel 4 at 3.20pm, Saturday 17 April.

The going will be ‘good’, so try and pick a horse that goes well in the spring. Each way punters should use either Bet365 or Paddy Power, who are both paying out on the first five horses home.

Here are the runners and their betting odds for the 4m110y marathon handicap chase.

25/1 Killyglen

Jockey Andrew McNamara comes over from Ireland for this ride. Killyglen has a touch of class and could be up to winning this under the burden of top weight, but has drifted in the betting out from 14/1.

33/1 Halcon Genelardais

Halcon Genelardais is also a classy type, but would prefer softer ground.

33/1 Razor Royale

Won the Racing Post Chase at Kempton Park this year.

12/1 Gone To Lunch

Finished second in this race last year, and has attracted money this week. Into 12s from 16/1.

20/1 Mobaasher

One of the only horses to be suited by the good ground. Well backed at the Cheltenham Fesitval into 6/1 and looks a cracking each way bet.

20/1 Faasel

Finished like a train in the 2010 Kim Muir. Interesting runner for David Pipe.

20/1 Montero

Dessie Hughes sends over Montero from Ireland. He feels that he will last the distance and go on the ground.

12/1 Theatrical Moment

Jonjo O’Neill and Tony McCoy are going for another National this weekend, bookies beware!

25/1 Auroras Encore

Has been tried over both hurdles and fences this season, and seems to run his best races at this time of the year.

10/1 Poker De Sivola

Poker De Sivola provided Katie Walsh with a win at the Cheltenham Festival, and there may be more to come. Will be suited by a good pace.

20/1 That’s Rhythm

Took a heavy fall in this last year (9/1) but otherwise has a decent chasing record: 11/1P/2221F-14.

50/1 Gidam Gidam

Gidam Gidam could run into a place, but he doesn’t look like the winner on paper.

33/1 Out The Black

Third in this last year, and always finishes well. Could reward punters at potentially huge odds in running on the exchanges.

33/1 Himalayan Trail

Takes his chance here on the back of two wins, price will tempt a few.

35/1 Superior Wisdom

A consistent type but made a bad error in his recent Fontwell race.

33/1 Chiaro

Fourth in this last year and this looks to be his seasonal aim. Richard Johnson rides and the Hobbs team are in great form at present.

50/1 Ma Yahab

Last win came in 2007. Overlooked.

11/1 Meanus Dandy

This Harry Findlay-owned seven year old could be dangerously well handicapped. Paul Nicholls loves these handicaps and will be giving the leg up to his former stable jockey, Paddy Brennan.

16/1 Dom D’Orgeval

Hasn’t won for three years now, but his two recent seconds read well. Backed in from 20/1.

18/1 Merigo

Stamina assured and Timmy Murphy is a good jockey booking. Wants softer conditions though.

33/1 Lothian Falcon

Form not as good as it once was with Lothian Falcon.

50/1 According To John

Tried with blinkers, but it looks like a last resort.

66/1 Present M’Lord

Not good enough to win this race.

66/1 Idle Talk

Another horse that has seen better days. Pass.

80/1 Lorum Leader

Dreadful form – no chance.

17/1 Scots Dragoon

Won the Grand Military Gold Cup very well, and jockey David Bass is able to claim an important 7lbs.

50/1 Cleni Boy

This French-bred attracted some decent each way money before the 2009 Becher Chase. Ran a decent race until falling. Has been selected by Pricewise at 66/1.

80/1 Western Gale

Out of the handicap. Can’t touch with a barge pole.

50/1 No Panic

Everything seems against him here.

120/1 Craiglands

Stamina unproven. Would be a disaster for punters!

Recommended Bets:

1. MOBAASHER 20/1 (Corals, Sky Bet, Paddy Power)

2. MEANUS DANDY 11/1 (Ladbrokes)

3. KILLYGLEN 25/1 (Canbet)

bookies.com is your best bet for comparing horse racing betting odds between the best bookmakers.

Scottish Grand National Betting Odds

Scottish Champion Hurdle Betting Odds

Here are the runners for the 2010 John Smiths Grand National, which will be run at 4:15pm on Saturday 10 April at Aintree. It will be screened live on BBC1 in High Definition (HD) for the first time. The trip is a gruelling four miles and four furlongs and the going will be ‘good to soft’. Last year’s hero Mon Mome bids for a repeat win, but there are plenty of other runners worthy of a punt on Saturday afternoon.

7/1 Big Fella Thanks

Finished sixth last year as a novice, and looked in fine order when winning the Raymond Mould Supporting Greatwood Gold Cup Handicap Chase at Newbury. After that win he shot up the betting into 10s from 20s, but owner Harry Findlay hasn’t yet backed his runner.

The jockey booking of Ruby Walsh is a massive positive given that he could have chosen stablemate Tricky Trickster. Big Fella Thanks could be well backed on the day, but Paul Nicholls has sent out a shocking total of 44 losers in this race….

12/1 Mon Mome

Last year’s 100/1 shock winner was a dream result for the bookies, but this year he is bound to attract more money. He completed the course in 2008 aswell so clearly loves the place, and was given a great ride by the young Liam Treadwell. The dismal record of French-bred chasers was emphatically reversed by Mon Mome’s heroics.

The last horse to win back-to-back Nationals was Red Rum, but Mon Mome finished a gallant third in Imperial Commander’s Cheltenham Gold Cup. The worry for backers is that he has gone up 7lbs for last year’s success, but there could be more to come.

14/1 Black Apalachi

Won the 2008 Becher Chase at Aintree over the perilous National fences, but ideally needs more rain to fall before the race.

14/1 The Package

Jockey Timmy Murphy has chosen 2008 winner Comply Or Die, but The Package is very well weighted for a big run in the National. He is an improving novice and stays beyond three miles, and ran with credit to finish second to Chief Dan George at the Cheltenham Festival. Seven-year-olds have a poor record in this race though, and he looks a better bet for the Bet365 Gold Cup at 14/1 with Betfred.

14/1 Arbor Supreme

This horse is only 14/1 because of the ‘McCoy factor’, and AP isn’t even riding Arbor! This young Irish runner will be ridden by Paul Townend. Interesting jockey booking if this really is JP McManus’ best chance in the race.

16/1 Snowy Morning

Looked the likely winner in 2008, but finished a decent third on that occasion. Completed the course last year and has yet again been aimed at this race by trainer Willie Mullins. It is eyecatching that he only has to carry 10st13lb this year compared with a whopping 11st8lb last year.

18/1 Niche Market

Won last year’s Irish National, but didn’t run that well at Cheltenham last time out. Stamina is assured.

16/1 Character Building

Sold this week to Mr & Mrs Thompson, who run Cheveley Park Stud. Grey horses have a terrible record in the National but the same connections bought 1992 winner Party Politics just three days before the big race.

20/1 State of Play

Finished fourth in this last year, but his dismal run in the 2009 Hennessy is a bit worrying for me. A fresh horse nonetheless and may by punted on the day.

20/1 Tricky Trickster

Went up 3lbs for winning the Aon Chase at Newbury, but he ran a stinker in the Cheltenham Gold Cup when well-fancied to place at odds of 14/1. Has loads of stamina, but could something be amiss?

20/1 Don’t Push It

AP McCoy rides, so sure to be well-backed on the day by the housewives. Don’t Push It won at this meeting last year…

20/1 Vic Venturi

Won the Becher Chase last November, which has been won by previous National winners Silver Birch, Earth Summit & Amberleigh House over the years. Obvious chance.

25/1 Backstage

Won earlier on in the season at Ffos Las but needs the ground to dry out. Trainer could also have Silver Birch in the race.

20/1 Comply Or Die

Partnered by Timmy Murphy, Comply Or Die has finished first and second in his two Nationals. Something of a course specialist.

25/1 Can’t Buy Time

Doesn’t have much in the way of encouraging form.

28/1 Ballyholland

Trainer Colin McBratney is hopeful that his Irish raider will run well if the ground dries out a bit more.

33/1 Dream Alliance

Won Welsh National in 2009, can he do the double for his Welsh syndicate?

40/1 Cloudy Lane

The 2008 favourite has missed his best chance of winning this race.

40/1 Hello Bud

Has plenty of stamina but will be ridden by an inexperienced jockey. Sam Twiston-Davies is currently studying for his A-levels!

40/1 Irish Raptor

Won the Topham Chase last year at 8/1 for Nigel Twiston-Davies.

40/1 Maljimar

Horses that have won over three miles or further are at a great disadvantage, but Maljimar has had an interesting prep this season with this race in mind. Connections were devastated to miss out on last year’s race by just one place. He is guaranteed to travel strongly through the race if he jumps round, but stamina may find him out in the closing stages. One to back.

40/1 Kings John’s Castle

Finished second in 2008 and jockey Paul Carberry thinks he’s in good form.

40/1 My Will

Third last year at 8/1 for Ruby Walsh and Paul Nicholls but has had a poor season. Is 40/1 a big price? Didn’t excel in his Gold Cup prep as he did last year.

50/1 Eric’s Charm

Trainer hopeful of a ‘good show’ but Eric’s won’t be entirely suited by the track.

66/1 Madison Du Berlais

66/1 also in the 2008 National, but fell at the canal turn on that occasion. Has been a revelation since winning the 2008 Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury for the David Pipe team, but unlikely to get involved under the burden of top weight.

66/1 Royal Rosa

66/1 Joe Lively

Has had a poor season by his standards.

66/1 Ballyfitz

My favourite of the long shots. Has had a mixed season of chasing and hurdling, but I can see him getting involved here at a big price.

66/1 Ellerslie George

Don’t think so.

66/1 Palypso De Creek

Another seven year old. Discount.

66/1 Flintoff

Part-owned by the cricketer Andrew Flintoff. Go with Mon Mome instead for the same trainer.

66/1 Cerium

Ran a blinder to finish fifth with a cracked skull at 100/1 last year.

66/1 Nozic

Likes really soft ground. Only positive is that he is partnered by last year’s winning jockey Liam Treadwell. Owned by Coral bookmakers and The Sun newspaper.

100/1 Beat The Boys

Dreadful form. Would be 1000/1 if a different trainer.

100/1 Preists Leap

Would only have a chance if this race was transferred to Gowran Park at the last minute!

100/1 Piraya

Light weight but David Pipe has better chances with Madison Du Berlais, The Package and finally Comply Or Die.

125/1 Made In Taipan

Doubtful stayer.

125/1 Ollie Magern

High class on his day, but prefers Wetherby as a track.

125/1 Conna Castle

Don’t bother wasting your money on this one.

150/1 Pablo Du Charmil

No hoper.

150/1 Knowhere

First reserve now.

Recommended Bets (both each way, 5 places):

1. Maljimar 40/1 (William Hill)

2. Snowy Morning 16/1 (Totesport, Corals, Canbet)

bookies.com is your best bet for checking out the odds on the 2010 Grand National:

Aintree Grand National 2010 Betting Odds

Number of false starts betting odds

Jockey Specials

JP McManus Special

Winning Trainer Specials

Today’s Totesport Bowl Chase is a Grade 1 steeplechase taking place at Aintree at 3:10pm, live on BBC2 for British viewers. Denman fell in last year’s edition and handed victory to Madison Du Berlais. The 2010 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Imperial Commander is back in action today and is a short priced favourite to record another big win for the Twiston-Davies team.

11/10 Imperial Commander

Imperial Commander is a worthy favourite but has drifted significantly in the betting market. Punters may be worried that he had a hard race in the Gold Cup and that his best form is at Prestbury Park. Both Denman and Kauto Star have flopped in this race after running in the Gold Cup.

The one to beat.

100/30 What A Friend

Owned by Sir Alex Ferguson and won the Lexus Chase in Ireland. What A Friend will be partnered by Ruby Walsh and has won four times from six starts over fences.

9/2 Nacarat

Won last year’s Racing Post Chase and is best round flat tracks like Aintree and Kempton. Stable jockey Sam Thomas is still injured but AP McCoy knows Nacarat very well.

A popular front-running grey.

14/1 Carruthers

Also runs from the front, and finished fourth in the Gold Cup. Likes the ground very soft.

20/1 Calgary Bay

20/1 looks a big price for such a genuine chaser, but he may not be classy enough to win this. Ran a sound race in the Gold Cup last time out, but may need the favourites to disappoint in order to get involved.

bookies.com is your best bet for checking out the odds on the Totesport Bowl Chase:

Totesport Bowl Chase Betting Odds

Liverpool Hurdle Betting Odds

Aintree Grand National 2010 Betting Odds

Number of false starts betting odds

Jockey Specials

JP McManus Special

Winning Trainer Specials

Big Fella Thanks is the 7/1 favourite for the 2010 renewal of the John Smiths Grand National, but considering that champion trainer Paul Nicholls has yet to win the world’s greatest steeplechase in his illustrious training career, perhaps there are better bets out there. Let’s take a look at the brilliant range of GRAND NATIONAL SPECIALS.

Before the great race has even started, punters have the chance to win or lose money with Paddy Power. They offer odds of 5/6 that there is at least one false start, which could get you cheering whilst others are moaning incessantly. If you fancy that the race will get off to a good start, you can take 5/6 that there are no false starts and monkey business at the beginning.

40 runners can be daunting to sort out, but Paddy Power have a special six-runner National between six of the top jockeys. Supporters can put their money where their mouth is, and cheer ‘Ruby, Ruby, Ruby’ instead of the unwieldy ‘Big Fella Thanks,Big Fella Thanks, Big Fella Thanks!’ Ruby Walsh is the 6/4 favourite in the market to beat off fellow jockeys Timmy Murphy, AP McCoy, Choc Thornton, Barry Geraghty and Davy Russell in the big one. 

Stan James go 20/1 that AP McCoy finally wins the Grand National this year, but you’d do better simply by backing his mount Can’t Buy Time each-way at 25s with Sporting Bet.

The Irish have done well in recent years with the likes of Hedgehunter, Silver Birch and Numbersixvalverde – and are 9/4 to provide the winner in 2010. 16/1 Snowy Morning and 16/1 Arbor Supreme are two of the leading hopes for Willie Mullins this year.

You can also take 3/1 that all 40 horses clear the first fence safely or even 8/1 with Hills that JP McManus owns the winner.

bookies.com is your best bet for checking out the odds on the 2010 Grand National:

Aintree Grand National 2010 Betting Odds

Number of false starts betting odds

Jockey Specials

JP McManus Special

Winning Trainer Specials

Could the Hungarian wonder-horse, Overdose, be the betting highlight of 2010? Well, he’ll have some way to go if he is to capture the attention of English punters who will be fixated by the World Cup taking place this summer in South Africa.

In case you aren’t already familiar with the horse Overdose, you might be interested to learn that he has won 12 times from 12 starts. The ‘Budapest Bullet‘ is already on the way to emulating Kincsem – the wonder mare who won 54 of her 54 starts.

Overdose looked like brilliant antepost bet when the Royal Ascot markets came out in spring last year, but he had to miss most of it because of laminitis, a chronic inflammation of the hoof. The latest news from Berlin is that he is recovering well, and on track to run at Ascot this year on June 19.

That is certainly a date to have in your diary. Save up your pocket money and remortgage your house before he runs, he is a true superstar. Punters will worry though that the injury could have taken some of Dózi‘s spark out of him. However, there is every chance that he’ll be given a prep race over 1,000 metres at Hoppegarten on May 9. The plan is to then go for a Listed race on May 29 at Haydock. Fingers crossed, he then makes it to Royal Ascot.

He holds entries in both of the big Ascot sprints: the King’s Stand Stakes and the Golden Jubilee Stakes. The King’s Stand Stakes looks the likelier option, and Overdose can be backed at generous odds of 11/1 (bet $10 to win $110) to win that race with Victor Chandler.

Overdose has attracted bids of up to €5,000,000 – remarkable given that he was bought at the Tattersalls December Yearling Sales for only 2000 guineas, equal to £2,100.

This month it was announced that 5 companies had grouped together to purchase a 50% share in the horse. Zoltán Mikóczy will own the other 50%. Those 5 companies are CIG Életbiztosító, Euroinvest, oil company MOL, OTP Bank and construction company Közgép. The companies want to have a bit of fun and are also keen for the horse to represent the Hungarian economy abroad. So expect the horse to run on foreign turf this year, and win the Prix de l’Abbaye on Arc day at Longchamp.

bookies.com is the best place to head to if you want to bet on Royal Ascot 2010.

Fans of flat racing only have a couple of days to wait until their seasonal curtain-raiser at Doncaster on Saturday. The big betting race of the weekend is without doubt the 22 runner William Hill Lincoln Handicap. The cavalry charge gets underway at 3:10pm, and will be live on Channel 4 for UK viewers.

The race is open to horses that are at least four years old, and the distance of the race is one mile. The forecast going is SOFT, and connections of the winner will receive the tidy sum of £77,888.

Here are the runners for the Lincoln Handicap, complete with betting advice:

4/1 Penitent

Penitent’s trainer Willie Haggas has won this race twice: in 1992 and 2007. The mount of Johnny Murtagh is lightly raced and soft conditions will be to the four year old’s benefit. What’s more, the trip shouldn’t be a problem based on his Southwell run over a mile. Penitent looks an obvious choice for the punters after a string of bookmaker-friendly results at the Cheltenham Festival. But, ask yourself whether you really want to take a 4/1 shot in such a competitive race? Well maybe – after all, Expresso Star was last year’s antepost favourite…

11/1 Mull Of Killough

Mull Of Killough is drawn in 10 and has been well-backed having opened up at 33/1 in the antepost betting. Trainer John Spearing would prefer a bit of rain before Saturday for this €2,500 bargain purchase. He has some useful form behind Firebet and it has been reported that the owner landed quite a cute gamble at odds of 50/1 on Mull’s debut!

14/1 Huzzah

Michael Hills rides Huzzah for trainer Barry Hills. He managed to come fifth last year, despite a poor draw and he lines up for the 2010 edition 5lbs better off. The reason he has slipped down in the weights is that his form was pretty awful at the back end of last season.

14/1 Prime Exhibit

Richard Fahey‘s son of Selkrik was only sixth in the Lincoln trial that took place at Wolverhampton.

14/1 Tiger Reigns

Michael Dods saddles this useful four year old, who has won five times from ten starts. He has been described as ‘fit’ by his trainer, but Dods isn’t sure whether he has what it takes to progress up the ranks.

16/1 Albaqaa

Albaqaa finished a decent third in the Lincoln trial at Wolverhampton, but he has only won three times from 22 starts. Perhaps just another dart being thrown at the board by Richard Fahey.

16/1 Collateral Damage

Collateral Damage was the first name to be draw out of the hat today, and is drawn in stall 16. He has won 6 of his previous 7 starts. The Tim Easterby-trained seven year old was withdraw at the start from the Lincoln trial after playing up. Will that put punters off?

16/1 Doctor Crane

Trainer John Gosden won this last year with Expresso Star, but Doctor Crane has been off the track for ten months. Owned by Gosden’s wife, Rachel Hood.

16/1 Mia’s Boy

Mia’s Boy has to shoulder top weight of 9st10lbs, but Chris Dwyer reckons that he is well up to the task. Finished fourth in this race last year. Eddie Ahern keeps the ride.

16/1 Vitznau

16/1 Viva Vettori

20/1 Harrison George

25/1 Smokey Oakey

Smokey Oakey has been tried in Group company and is owned by actress Judi Dench. Won this race in 2008.

33/1 Dubai’s Touch

33/1 Kaolak

33/1 Lang Shining

Now in the care of Jamie Osbourne and has form on soft ground. Don’t discount from your shortlist, even at 33s!

33/1 Mister Hardy

40/1 Advanced

50/1 Full Toss

50/1 Reve De Nuit

66/1 Ishetoo

Ishetoo is a sprinter, which is why is odds are the longest of the lot. Notable in that he provided the late Jamie Kyne with the biggest win of his life in a six furlong dash.

bookies.com is your best bet for comparing flat racing betting odds:

Lincoln Handicap Betting Odds

Dubai World Cup Betting Odds

2000 Guineas Betting Odds

Grand National Betting Odds

Here is what happened when pin-up jockey Hayley Turner teamed up with Radio 1 DJ Scott Mills at Kempton Park for Sport Relief:

Mills broke out slowly from the gates, but Hayley reported that her mount then ‘travelled well’. The paddock pick showed signs of fatigue during the race, but should improve for the outing. Punters will be wondering whether Scott Mills could be seen to greater effect on an artificial surface, but at least he has landed the odds for backers this time.

The Cheltenham Festival is over, and how sad that the 2010 Gold Cup didn’t materialise into the two horse race we were all hoping for. It means that jumps fans can now turn their attentions towards Aintree and Punchestown, whilst flat fans know that their season begins this Saturday with the William Hill Lincoln Handicap at Doncaster.

Irish flat racing began yesterday at The Curragh, as trainer Tommy Stack racked up a 3,387/1 four-timer from just four runners! Several of Aidan O’Brien’s string were given a racecourse gallop after racing finished yesterday.

All eyes were on St Nicholas Abbey, last year’s sensational winner of the Racing Post Trophy. The 3 year old son of Montjeu is already exceptionally short in the antepost lists for the 2000 Guineas at 9/4, and isn’t even guaranteed to run in the classic.

St Nicholas Abbey pulled clear of his field in the gallop, but he was still beaten by the useful Mikhail Glinka. It would be unwise to read too much into that gallop, as work rider Sam Curling never pressed his mount to lengthen his stride.

St Nicholas Abbey is generally a 2/1 shot for the Investec Derby, but I feel that many punters are getting carried away on the back of Sea The Stars’ exploits last season. If St Nicholas Abbey is indeed the next star, then we are in for a terrific flat season.

Let’s find the winner of the 2010 Grand National first, before getting immersed into the Derby betting!

bookies.com is the best place to compare odds on St Nicholas Abbey:

2000 Guineas Betting Odds

2010 Investec Derby Betting

Grand National Betting Odds

Lincoln Handicap Betting

Tuesday’s Mares Hurdle was a two horse race in the betting, but Friday’s Denman v Kauto showdown in the Totesport Gold Cup has been billed as one of the races of the century, and has a similar betting complexion.

So far this Festival, the Bookies Blog team have seen the two odds-on favourites get comprehensively walloped. Dunguib and Master Minded disappointed many, but there will be some each-way punters that saw those results coming. Will Big Bucks win the World Hurdle easily today at 4/6? Maybe. But that’s not a price I want to be taking in a competitive championship race.

* * *

8/1 Cooldine, 8/1 Imperial Commander and 14/1 Tricky Trickster are all worthy Gold Cup winners, but the paying punters on course want this year’s Gold Cup to materialise into a two horse race.

The one worry for trainer Paul Nicholls’ two ten year olds is that 15 of the last 16 winners have been aged between seven and nine…

Are you a Kauto fan? Is he still a bet at 8/13, or is Denman gigantic each-way value at 4/1?

4/6 KAUTO STAR

Kauto Star has been kept fresh since his blistering win in the King George on Boxing Day 2009, and it bodes well for Kauto fans that six of the eight previous winners of this race did not run in the same calendar year.

This blog has made no secret of its allegiance to the great Kauto Star, and its just a real pleasure to see him winning over and over again. Even if he were to fall at the first fence and get retired after this race, he will still be remembered as a true great. However, optimists will be already backing him for the 2011 Gold Cup at 5/2 with Skybet!

Kauto won his 4th King George Chase last year by 36 lengths, but on the balance of his performances, he prefers flat tracks like Kempton Park.

I don’t think the real Kauto turned up in 2008, and it would be unwise to pick holes in his performances. Ever since being he has sported a noseband, he hasn’t made a single jumping error. C’mon Ruby Walsh!

4/1 DENMAN

Much has been made about Denman’s new jockey, AP McCoy, but the fact is that Sam Thomas is injured and therefore he wouldn’t have got the ride anyway. Kauto’s jockey Ruby Walsh was quoted in The Times this week as saying that National Hunt results are 99% down to the horse itself. So yes, McCoy had a shocker in the Aon Chase and fell from Denman at short odds of 1/6, but Denman should improve a bundle for that run.

Front-runners have won six of the last 28 renewals of the Gold Cup, but I fear that Denman may have a fight on his hands this year up front with the pacey Carruthers. Ruby Walsh knows Denman well enough not to let him get first run up the Cheltenham hill, so don’t expect to see Kauto Star come from way off the pace.

On ratings Denman has 11lb to find with the favourite, but his fans will still hope that Denman can repeat his 2008 win and ‘break Kauto’s heart’ one final time.

The Newbury debacle wasn’t the ideal prep race though, and he certainly has to recover mentally. To his benefit, Denman has only had 13 runs over fences, compared with Kauto’s 23. Therefore some pundits could argue that Denman has more scope for improvement, albeit at the ripe old age of 10.

Corals tempted punters with 9/2 last week about Denman, but that was hoovered up by his legion of fans. If the expected rain doesn’t come though, his starting price could be bigger than the 4s currently available.

* * *

An interesting market is the ‘Gold Cup without Kauto and Denman’. Imperial Commander and Cooldine have both won around the course, and are the 15/8 joint favourites. Calgary Bay has been the subject of bizarre support and is 16s from 33s.

bookies.com is your No.1 bet for comparing Cheltenham Festival betting odds:

Triumph Hurdle

Albert Bartlett Novice Hurdle

Cheltenham Gold Cup