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

As ever, we have some terrific racing action to look forward to this Saturday.

The Eider Chase up in Newcastle will be one of the biggest betting races – a 4m1f Grand National trial where stamina is the name of the game. Comply Or Die took this in 2008 before his Aintree heroics, and to me 8/1 Iris De Balme looks the pick of the bunch. I am also a fan of Tarquinius at 16/1, as he always stays on at the end of his races.

Friday update: Newcastle has been rained off.

If Dubai isn’t enough to satisfy fans of flat racing, then they can also look forward to the Winter Derby Trial at Lingfield Park. Gitano Hernando is 10s for the Dubai World Cup, and he really ought to take this at odds of 4/5.

However, we are going to head to Kempton’s jumps action to try and find a good bet. The Racing Post Chase is off at 3.05pm, and is a handicap race over three miles. Triumph Hurdle favourite Mille Chief is also in action, and is 1/2 to win his race.

7/2 Nacarat

Nacarat won this last year at 10/1, and I was surprised to see odds of 9/1 about him repeating that win when the antepost market for this race opened a few weeks ago. 7/2 is a more realistic price now, but he is still entitled for support with AP McCoy taking the ride from the suspended Sam Thomas. McCoy has a good record on the grey, who is a Kempton specialist and ran a cracker in the King George.

I strongly believe that he’ll at least be placed in the first three.

This is what we said about his chances last year…

10/1 Nacarat will be ridden by AP McCoy, and will go well fresh. His form is very erratic, so I don’t think he’ll carry my money. He should be well supported in the betting tomorrow though.

4/1 Kilcrea Castle

Emma Lavelle’s Kilcrea Castle has been very well backed this week, and made a pleasing debut for his new stable at Ascot. If you like this one you’d be mad not to take Sky Bet up on their 50/1 quote for the Grand National.

4/1 Fistral Beach

Paul Nicholls won this race in 2008 with Gungadu, and commands respect in any big race on Saturdays. Ruby Walsh is going to have to do ten stone to get the ride, but Fistral Beach had a terrible spell of ‘seconditis’ and has to race from out of the handicap. Will his recent win bring about a change in attitude? Punters will certainly hope so.

7/1 Miss Mitch

This mare will relish the testing ground and is another horse that’s been well backed for victory.

Betting Update: Withdrawn on Friday afternoon. Reported to be lame at home.

7/1 Madison Du Berlais

Carries the top weight of 11st12lbs and is a favourite of this blog. Forget his last race where he was beaten by Tarnis – he clearly hates Cheltenham and should never set foot there again. He beat Denman twice last year, loves flat tracks and will be suited by the good gallop in this race set by Nacarat.

In my eyes he is a Grade 1 animal and his main threat is the front-running Nacarat, who carries 4lb less than Madison.

12/1 Atouchbetweenacara

Paul Beck has now returned his horses to Venetia Williams. Atouchbetweenacara was touted a a possible Hennessy horse earlier this season, and went down on many lists. The boylesports.com Gold Cup looked the ideal race for him, but he could only manage 11th at 8/1. I think he’s one to keep an eye on for a Festival handicap in March.

14/1 Oedipe

Oedipe’s handicap mark has come down from 146 gradually, and as a result only has to carry 10st. Nicky Henderson won this race in 2004.

14/1 Piraya

Recent winner at Warwick for the David Pipe team, but I prefer the stable-mate, Madison Du Berlais.

25/1 Razor Royale

Could’ve finished closer on his most recent Sandown start, but the handicapper may have the edge over Razor Royale after his November win.

25/1 Private Be

Trainer Philip Hobbs has a good record in this race, and if you are looking for an outsider, I would take Private Be. Looked to have every chance when going down to The Sawyer at Cheltenham, who has since run a blinder behind Monet’s Garden…

25/1 Le Burf

33/1 Something Wells

33/1 Bible Lord

66/1 Ollie Magern

Best Bets:

2pts @ 7/1 Madison Du Berlais

1pt Forecast: 1st Madison Du Berlais. 2nd Nacarat.

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

Racing Post Chase Betting Odds

Adonis Juvenile Hurdle Betting

Pendil Novices Chase Betting

Grand National 2010 Antepost Betting Odds

Cheltenham Festival Betting Odds

This Saturday sadly marks the end to a cracking season of jumps racing. Ruby Walsh‘s seven Festival winners and Mon Mome‘s 100/1 National shock will be remembered for years to come.

The ground at Sandown Park will probably be too quick for Master Minded to take his chance in the Celebration Chase this weekend, but he could be supplemented for Punchestown.

Instead punters can look forward to the 3m5f Bet365 Gold Cup Chase at 3.10pm – a race that boasts previous winners Arkle, Mill House and Desert Orchid.

Monkerhostin sprang a 25/1 shock in the 2008 edition, becoming one of only two winners to win the race with a rating higher than 150 since Dessie.

We’ll be looking for runners who’ll like the quick ground, like Scottish National winner Hello Bud.

6/1 Hoo La Baloo

Beaten four and a half lengths by Laskari in the Blindley Heath Country Show Handicap, but Paul Nicholls has been preparing for this race. The two meet off the same mark on Saturday, but Hoo La Baloo will be sent off as the market leader for the champion trainer.

He finished 3rd last year and loves Sandown. However, at that short price, we are inclined to oppose him. Stan James are ducking the favourite at 5/1.

The Bet365 Gold Cup usually comes as an afterthought for horses that have disappointed recently.

7/1 Lacdoudal

Beat Eric’s Charm in the 2006 edition of the race off an official rating of 152. The Hobbs yard are in great form, but Lacdoudal has been poor this season. His only place came in a weak race at this course, but connections will be hoping that he still has a big prize in him.

If he can recapture his old form, he could be very well handicapped indeed.

12/1 Church Island

Jumped well to finish second in the Irish National, and could maybe have caused a 50/1 upset if the final fence wasn’t omitted.

Only up 2lbs in the handicap and obviously acts on the quick ground. Denis O’Regan rides.

12/1 Gone To Lunch

Flew home in the Scottish National to finish second under AP McCoy, but that race was only last weekend. Last year’s Scottish National winner Iris De Balme managed to stay on into fourth.

12/1 Bowleaze

The Robert Alner yard has been in stunning form recently, but Bowleaze may just be found out in the last half mile. Two wins from three Sandown starts.

14/1 According To John

Good comeback at Sandown in January, but failed to build on that at Aintree. Wants slower ground.

14/1 Oodachee

Ran with credit in the Kim Muir and then put in a good second in the Topham. David Casey should be on board and Oodachee will have no problems with the fast ground.

Has never won beyond three miles, and may not stay the trip.

16/1 Always Waining

Finished 15 lengths behind Oodachee in the Topham Chase and he acts on good ground. Prone to the odd error and may not be good enough for this field.

16/1 Hennessy

In from 40/1, Carl Llewllyn’s eight year old is my idea of a good bet in this race. He has only had three starts over fences but put in a good show in the four mile race at the Festival. Arguably could have won if it hadn’t been for his jumping. It may be worth having a bet in running if he takes well to the first few fences on his Sandown debut.

16/1 Roll Along

The Gold Cup sixth needs good ground, which he should get. If not, the Guinness Gold Cup remains an option at Punchestown. Top weight (11st 12lbs) would be a massive ask, so I’d prefer to chance something less exposed at an even bigger price.

16/1 Kilbeggan Blade

The Tom George trained gelding was pulled up in the National, but beat Mon Mome by four lengths in January.

He has won both of his Sandown starts over this distance, including the London National in December. Ground shouldn’t be a worry but he has never won a race in April.

16/1 Briery Fox

Backed into 16s from 25/1 this week, but jockey Mark Bradburne will be praying that Roll Along is withdrawn to get into the handicap. The eleven year old Ascot winner likes to come from behind and could place on Saturday.

18/1 New Little Bric

Paul Nicholls’ second string on the jockey bookings. Beat The Package in the Newbury Gold Cup in February.

20/1 Laskari

Pulled up in the Racing Post Chase, but finished a good second to Mr Boo at Lingfield last time out. Laskari likes fast ground and his recent conqueror finished a creditable third under a penalty in a Grade 2 Cheltenham handicap last week. Each way claims.

20/1 Darkness

Rated 151, so the stats are against this year’s Grand National 13th. The ten year old could end up with top weight, but may be better suited by this trip. Place chance.

25/1 Oscar Park

Pulled up last time out (9/2) in a Veterans’ Chase won by Briery Fox. 2008 Grand National winning jockey Timmy Murphy is on board.

25/1 Golden Flight

Looks a big price to me, despite falling at the first fence in the National. Nicky Henderson’s French import will be under-bet with the ‘F’ next to his name on the racecard. Auteuil form with the exceptional Mid Dancer reads well and it will be interesting to see what the market thinks.

25/1 Pretty Star

Liam Treadwell rode Pretty Star in the race before the National. This one’s out of the handicap, but Venetia Williams is respected. I prefer stable-mate Zacharova.

25/1 Zacharova

Out of the handicap as things stand, but Venetia Williams’ gelding could go off 10 stone if Roll Along is scratched. In which case, last week’s Cheltenham winner would be sent off at around the 10/1 mark.

Won at Sandown in February, and is a good value bet at 25s.

40/1 Sherwoods Folly

Not capable of winning.

50/1 Verasi

Pulled up in four of his five runs this season. Found to be lame in a race won by Mon Mome – ideally needs softer ground than this.

150/1 Dunbrody Millar

Age is catching up. Would be another shocker for punters!

Recommendation:

1. Hennessy 16/1 (Betfred, Ladbrokes, Boyles etc.)

2. Laskari 20/1 (Bet365)

3. Zacharova 25/1 (Sporting Bet, Hills)

Prices correct as of 22 April 2009.

bookies.com is the best place to compare antepost horse racing odds:

Bet365 Gold Cup Betting

Lockinge Stakes Betting

Newmarket 1000 Guineas Betting

Newmarket 2000 Guineas Betting

Epsom Derby Betting

The John Smith’s Grand National is undoubtedly the most famous steeplechase in the world, run over an astonishing 4m4f. Thrills and spills are guaranteed – you’d be mad not to have a small wager on the race this Saturday (4.15pm, BBC1).

bookies.com compares the odds of all forty runners, to find you the best value. We are also previewing the race in depth to see if we can help you find a winner.

Victor Chandler are now Free Fall, i.e. if your selection falls they’ll refund the bet.

Bet365, BetInternet, Blue Square, Boylesports, Paddy Power and Stan James are all paying 5 places in the National.

• Saturday Betting Update

9/1 My Will

Ruby Walsh rides My Will for Paul Nicholls – the last time he did so was in 2003 on Shotgun Willy. Ruby could’ve chosen the likes of Southern Vic, Big Fella Thanks or Irish Invader, so punters will take it as a sign that this year’s Gold Cup fifth has a very strong chance.

The good ground isn’t a worry and according to his handicap mark he is 8lb well in, after his handicap mark was revised from 152 to 160.

The reason that I’m taking on this favourite is that Paul Nicholls has only had one horse placed out of 40 in the National. With a few high-profile defections, My Will will have to carry over 11st (probably 11st 4lbs) – a major concern.

9/1 Butler’s Cabin

1) AP Mc Coy hasn’t won the National in 14 attempts.

2) AP Mc Coy’s rides are always over-bet.

3) Too much weight.

4) Fell last year, also at 10/1.

10/1 Rambling Minster

A 14,000 guineas bargain, Rambling Minster won the Blue Square Gold Cup for the Reveley family this year. He will stay all day and is 6lb well in according to the weights. James Reveley is a promising young jockey, with a 30% strike rate for Guillaume Macaire in France.

14/1 State Of Play

State of Play won the Hennessy Gold Cup for Evan Williams two seasons ago and won the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby last year. He has been kept fresh for the race, and goes well on flat tracks. Stamina is no concern, but his handicap mark is still quite high. This will only be his 14th chase, so he could still be ahead of the handicapper. One for my shortlist.

16/1 Black Apalachi

Denis O’Regan rides the 2008 Becher Chase winner for Dessie Hughes, but he only made in to the second fence in last year’s National. He will have a lot of weight to carry at 11st 5lbs and the jockey is coming back from injury. Not for me.

18/1 Parsons Legacy

Hobbs has been firing in the winners lately and Parsons Legacy looks to have a place chance. 3rd in last year’s Scottish National, Parsons will like the ground and goes well fresh. Has been gambled.

16/1 Hear The Echo

Mouse Morris sends over Hear The Echo instead of the fancied War Of Attrition. Hear The Echo won the Irish Grand National last spring from out of the handicap. The form of the race reads pretty well, with Notre Pere back in 3rd. Perhaps too much weight to be a danger.

18/1 Comply Or Die

Last years’ 7/1 winner cost the bookies millions. Red Rum was the last horse to successfully defend his crown, but I think the odds for Comply Or Die will be shorter on the day. His last run at the Cheltenham Festival was encouraging, but he is set to carry 9lbs more than last year. Up against it.

20/1 Darkness

Charlie Egerton’s star has been injury prone over the years, but has been aimed at this race. He will love the distance and should be partnered by Dominic Elsworth. If you take the form of a 2008 Haydock Handicap literally, he beat Rambling Minster by 20 lengths, yet on Saturday he will be 7lbs better off.

An impressive winner of the Totescoop6 Veterans’ Handicap Chase in February, he is 8lbs well-in.

22/1 Big Fella Thanks

Christian Williams rides Big Fella for Harry Findlay and Paul Nicholls, but for me, it’s a case of Big Fella No Thanks. No seven year old has wont the National since 1940, and even though this one has been well backed, he is a quirky sort. Turned over in the Racing Post Chase at 7/2 (fav).

22/1 Southern Vic

Southern Vic hasn’t won for trainer Ted Walsh since 2006, but if the ground came up soft, this mudlark would be a cracking bet at the price. He is a good jumper on his day and will relish the trip. Ruby prefers My Will because of the ground, and who can blame him. There is still a chance some rain could fall on Saturday morning, in which case Southern Vic would be a decent bet.

22/1 L’Ami

Enda Bolger thinks that L’Ami is in with a shout this year, and if AP Mc Coy chose to ride him, his odds would be more like 10/1. The 10 year old ran well at The Festival recently, but he ended the career of Mick Fitzgerald at the 2nd fence last year.

22/1 Kilbeggan Blade

Kilbeggan Blade is reported to be in fine form, and is given a chance now that the Tom George yard is back in form. Jockey Graham Lee won the 2004 National on board Amberleigh House.

25/1 Irish Invader

Willie Mullins is taking a chance that the pedigree will see Irish Invader throughout the trip, because stamina-wise he only has a 3m novice chase to his name. Perhaps Mullins has been hiding him from the handicapper deliberately, but punters are taking a bit of a risk with this one.

33/1 Snowy Morning

Last year’s 3rd now looks shockingly handicapped at 11st 8lbs given his patchy form this season. Pass.

33/1 Himalayan Trail

Jimmy Mangan won with Monty’s Pass six years ago and Himalayan Trail has a decent shout this year in my opinion. His spin over hurdles at Naas in February is best forgotten because of the ground. Himalayan Trail goes well in warm conditions and on good ground. He has the requisite stamina after winning the Midlands National last year by 22 lengths.

He was 5th in the Becher Chase at Aintree despite bad ground. Barry Geraghty could be on board.

33/1 Maljimar

Still needs a couple to come out, but he could be worth chancing at this stage before the odds tumble. He was last seen to good effect coming 2nd to Wichita Lineman in the William Hill Trophy and has only had 2 runs this season. However he has never raced at Aintree before and his stamina over this trip is unproven.

Cornish Rebel is by the same sire (Un Desperado) and was pulled up halfway in the 2006 National.

1st Reserve.

33/1 Cornish Sett

This blog’s 33/1 each way selection in the Welsh National will be ridden again by Nick Scholfield. He was 12th last year, weakening towards the end, suggesting that the trip is a concern.

33/1 Offshore Account

Capable of a big run – finished 2nd in a handicap hurdle at Navan so could be anything. Check out the market because any support should be noted nearer the time of the race. He jumps and stays and has beaten several in this field before.

Subject to a shrewd gamble this week and I like the fact that David Casey rides.

33/1 Brooklyn Brownie

Will like decent ground and Malcolm Jefferson thinks that Brownie is worth his place in the field. Jefferson’s best chance of a winner at the Aintree meeting comes in the shape of Cape Tribulation in the John Smith’s Mersey Novices’ Hurdle.

40/1 Cloudy Lane

This year’s top weight faces a mammoth task, and disappointed at 7/1 last year, only managing 6th.

50/1 Battlecry

Tom Scudamore rides Battlecry, but only three eight year olds have won in the last 35 years. Pass.

50/1 Silver Birch

If getting into a good jumping rhythm, the 2007 33/1 winner could be a decent bet in running on Betfair. He won’t have any problems with the ground and he won a point to point race in February after recovering from injury. There is a great chance that Silver Birch will complete the course, so rates as a decent wager.

50/1 Priests Leap

Double winner of the Thystes Chase ideally wants heavy ground.

50/1 Mon Mome

Venetia Williams is in form and Mon Mome gets the trip. 10th last year, but never in contention.

50/1 Can’t Buy Time

Jonjo O’Neill thinks that Can’t Buy Time will get the trip and is happy with his jumping.

He look tired up the Cheltenham Hill when last seen 4th to Tricky Trickster, and is a 7 year old.

66/1 Golden Flight

An interesting one for Nicky Henderson but French bred horses have a bad record. His best effort to date was 3rd in the Gras Savoye Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris for Guillaume Macaire.

66/1 Knowhere

A class act on his day, but in his two National runs he has unseated his rider twice. Jumping errors will porbably cost him, but he was in touch until the 25th fence last year. Another to watch the market with.

66/1 Idle Talk

Nibbled at from 100/1, Idle Talk was 14th from 15 finishers last year, but unseated Jason Maguire in 2007. He got round to finish 4th in the 2008 Becher Chase, so I guess that you could make a case for him snatching a place in exceptional circumstances.

80/1 Chelsea Harbour

Has run ten times since finishing a solid 9th in last year’s race, but 11st 8lbs will surely be too much for him to carry to victory this year.

100/1 Stan

Very doubtful that he will stay.

100/1 Zabenz

Given an outside chance going on old form, and could squeak into a place at mammoth odds.

125/1 Eurotrek

This 13 year old won the 2006 Becher but was pulled up when hampered in Silver Birch’s National. Sam Thomas rides for Paul Nicholls so you’d have to give it a slim chance, but Eurotrek is really up against it.

125/1 Ollie Magern

Jockey Sam Waley-Cohen has a good record over the National fences, but this 11 year old needs to dominate, which will be a tough task with 40 runners. Ollie Magern has been unplaced in 3 Aintree starts.

150/1 Fleet Street

Hasn’t won beyond 3 miles.

150/1 Musica Bella

Will be ridden by Philip Carberry for French maestro François Cottin. Bella’s Auteuil form isn’t anything special, but the mare looks well handicapped at 10st 10lbs.

Her 2nd in the Prix la Haye Jousselin suggests that the distance won’t be an issue, and she should handle the big obstacles. A very interesting long shot but the last mare to win was Nickel Coin in 1951.

150/1 Reveillez

JP McManus has never won the National, but he appears to hold a good hand this year. Reveillez is a long shot having made jumping errors on his 2 Cheltenham starts this year, but had some fair form in 2007.

Aintree record: 1 run, 1 win…

200/1 Fundamentalist

Beat Rambling Minster in the 2008 Veteran’s Chase at this course, but fell at the 3rd in last year’s National.

250/1 Kelami

Last win came over hurdles in France in 2006. Poor record in the National: 2008, Unseated rider. 2007, Pulled up. 2004, brought down.

300/1 Arteea

Very hard to fancy on the basis of his last run in the Kim Muir.

600/1 Cerium

Out of his depth in the Gold Cup and would be a shocker for punters.

Recommendation:

1. Darkness 33/1 (William Hill, Stan James etc.)

2. State Of Play 16/1 (Ladbrokes)

3. Musica Bella 100/1 (Totesport, Ladbrokes etc.)

4. Himalayan Trail 33/1 (Corals, Betfred etc.)

Recommended odds correct as of 30 March 2009.

bookies.com is your best bet for comparing this year’s Grand National Odds.

Grand National Race Winner Betting

Age Of Winner

Aintree Going

Trainer Specials

Weight Carried By Winner

Winning Distance

Aintree Top Jockey

Irish Trained Winner

Winning Owner

Winning Trainer

A first fence failure

It’s all in the name

Those three little words

What price the winner?

What will start favourite for the National?

What’s the weather like?

What’s your favourite price?

Grand National Specials

The 2009 Totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup is the highlight of the festival – featuring another match-up between previous winners Denman and Kauto Star (pictured).

The race revolves around Champion Trainer Paul Nicholls, who has the front 3 in the market.

Denman didn’t put a foot wrong last year, and beat stablemate Kauto by 7 lengths. The bookmakers were quick to make him an odds-on shot for 2009, but since then he has suffered from heart problems. Owner Harry Findlay thinks that the win took a lot out of him and he disappointed on his seasonal re-appearance at Kempton Park.

In February he was trounced by Madison Du Berlais in the Levy Board Chase, but the track didn’t suit him. He is likely to come on for the run, but Ladbrokes go a massive 7/1.

He has been working well, and will be partnered by Sam Thomas, who has a 100% record with him.

The 7/1 hasn’t been popular, but if the price is bigger on the day (e.g. 10/1), I’m afraid that I shall have to step in and back the champ.

15/8 Kauto Star is one of my favourites, but betting sense has to prevail. The price is just too short for my liking, especially with rain forecast for the first half of next week. Last year he got turned over at 10/11, and he was never travelling well on the tacky ground.

On good ground, he has to be a banker, but we shall have to see the weather does. I would be feeling chuffed at this stage if I had taken 6/1 after his defeat last year. He won the King George in effortless fashion, and will go well fresh. That said, he much prefers Kempton Park, a speed track.

He unseated Sam Thomas in the Betfair Chase, and is prone to blunders on the final fence. He would be a popular winner, but the price is too short for my liking.

6/1 Neptune Collonges is a class act and will be partnered by Christian Williams. He won the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup, but I think he’ll grab a place at best. He is improving all the time, but last years Gold Cup (3rd) was run to suit him. He has never won at Cheltenham before.

9/1 Madison Du Berlais has had a great season and should go for the Grand National. He has never won at Cheltenham in 5 starts, and prefers flatter tracks like Newbury and Kempton. For an each way bet there are others at even bigger prices.

12/1 Exotic Dancer will be partnered by AP McCoy, and should run his race. He is 33/1 to win the National off top weight.

40/1 War Of Attrition is another former winner in the field, but his best days are behind him.

20/1 Albertas Run has festival form, but needs good ground. If the going was good, you’d fancy Kauto to hose up.

25/1 Air Force One looks a decent bet, particularly after the Hennessy form has been boosted by Madison Du Berlais. Air Force One should reverse the placings, and is capable of a place at this level.

50/1 Imperial Commander should go for the Ryanair Chase and 150/1 Snowy Morning has been very disappointing this year.

100/1 Snoopy Loopy can never be discounted, but he looks up against it after a hard season.

Recommendation:

DENMAN each way at any odds greater than 7/1 looks stunning value, but Kauto Star should win on good ground. Air Force One and Madison Du Berlais have place chances.

bookies.com is your best bet for comparing odds for the Cheltenham Festival.

Gold Cup Betting

Champion Hurdle Betting

Champion Chase Betting

World Hurdle Betting

The Ladbrokes World Hurdle is my favourite race of the festival – a stamina test over 3m. Inglis Drever has been retired, and many punters are expecting last year’s runner-up Kasbah Bliss to triumph this year.

Even with rain forecast, Kasbah Bliss is an 11/10 chance. Francois Doumen reports him to be in good health following a stroming win in the Blue Square Hurdle at Haydock, and thinks that he will be good enough to win on soft ground.

Matt Chapman (At The Races) isn’t alone in thinking that Kasbah is a certainty. Jockey Christophe Pieux (pictured) will probably wait in the field before charging home late, so I think the odds will be bigger in-running.

Some may be concerned that he hasn’t won in 2 attempts, but he has progressed well over the flat last year. As a 7 year old he should take all the beating.

The current price is unappealing, but the in-running price will almost certainly be bigger because 4/1 Punchestowns travels very strongly.

He has won 2 from 3 starts, and had to give weight away to the talented Big Buck’s in the Cleeve Hurdle. Nicky Henderson will have him tuned up for the Festival, and he impressed in a racecourse gallop at Newbury on Sunday.

Paul Nicholls was going to be restricted to 25/1 Mobaasher, but 6/1 Big Buck’s has emerged as a popular bet. I won’t be having any more antepost bets in this race, but Big Buck’s would be a terrific each way bet if the ground is soft on Thursday. He stayed on well up the hill in the Cleeve, but had jumping problems over fences.

12/1 Fair Along has improved hugely now back to hurdles, and has a great place chance. He always runs well at Cheltenham, which is more than can be said about others.

25/1 Blazing Bailey has been placed in 2 World Hudles, and will go chasing next season.

33/1 Mighty Man will be ridden by Sam Thomas, and has been placed in 2 World Hurdles. The 9 year old was last seen in April 2007.

40/1 Lough Derg will probably go for the Coral Cup, but would still attract money in this race.

bookies.com is your best bet for comparing odds for the Cheltenham Festival.

Champion Hurdle Betting

Champion Chase Betting

World Hurdle Betting

Gold Cup Betting

The Queen Mother Champion Chase is run over 2m on Wednesday, and features the highest rated chaser in the world.

Master Minded (pictured) is owned by Clive Smith and trained by Paul Nicholls. Last year he became the youngest ever winner of the race as a 5 year old, beating previous winner Voy Por Ustedes by 19 lengths, without coming off the bridle.

Having won the Tingle Creek and Victor Chandler Chase, he is best priced with Bet Chronicle at 2/5, but most of the other bookies make him a 1/3 shot. OK, there isn’t much between those 2 prices, but it may interest you if you are looking to ‘print some money’.

Blue Square have tried to add some extra interest into the market, with betting on Master Minded’s Starting Price. ’1/3′ is an even money shot, whilst they go 2/1 for a 1/2 SP. 5/2 to win by 14 lengths or more will appeal to many.

My initial instinct would be to lay him, having every other in the field on your side. At the price, you’d be risking £10 to win £30. After all, he has to clear 12 fences and he fell on his UK chasing debut.

His jumping is excellent nowadays and he’ll take all the beating. The each-way terms for the other runners are incredibly attractive.

Big Zeb is next in the market at 10/1, and will be ridden by Choc Thornton. I don’t fancy the horse, but 10/1 each way is a much better bet than 3/1 in the market without Master Minded. You’ll get a decent reward if he places, and you can always hope to get the favourite turned over. After all, there is no such thing as a Festival banker.

Big Zeb fell last time out at Punchestown (6/5), but was travelling well.

14/1 Well Chief was the evens favourite in 2007, but David Pipe thinks he has a chance.

16/1 Tidal Bay will probably join Voy Por Ustedes in the Ryanair Chase.

Nicky Henderson has 14/1 Petit Robin, who should finish closer to Master Minded now running left-handed. A very good place bet.

20/1 Twist Magic ran a blinder in the Tingle Creek only to fall, but is the second string. A horse of such class should be a shorter price with drying ground this year.

Recommendation:

1pt each way @ 20/1 Twist Magic (Ladbrokes, 1/4 odds 1-2-3)

bookies.com is your best bet for comparing odds for the Cheltenham Festival.

Champion Hurdle Betting

Champion Chase Betting

World Hurdle Betting

Gold Cup Betting

The Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle is run over 2m110y and comprises 8 hurdles. It will be run on the Old Course at 3.20pm on Tuesday 10 March.

The antepost betting has revolved around Nicky Henderson’s Binocular (pictured), who is now best priced at 6/4.

He hurdles very gracefully and is a strong traveller. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him go odds-on in running. He didn’t get up the hill when finishing 2nd in last year’s Supreme Novices, so I cannot have him at any price in such a hotly contested race.

I would be interested in place laying him and laying him in running at about 1.7 on Betfair. With former champions in the field, I can see him getting turned over.

Paul Nicholl’s Celestial Halo is 11/1 with Victor Chandler, but the 5/1 favourite in the market without Binocular. I would much rather back last year’s Triumph Hurdle winner in the market with Binocular, because he has every chance of reversing the Ascot placings.

He had an allergic reaction after being beaten by Binocular, and wasn’t convincing in beating Osana at Sandown last time out.

However, last year he got beaten at Doncaster before Cheltenham, and he comes alive in the Spring. Nicholls has purposefully left plenty to work on and Celestial Halo will relish the strong gallop. Festival form counts for a lot, so my preference would be for Celestial Halo over Binocular, even at a shorter price.

David Pipe’s 11/1 Osana will come on for his last run and has a good chance at snatching a place.

12/1 Crack Away Jack will be ridden by Noel Fehily this time and has Festival form. Excuses can be made for just about every run since, but I’d probably lay it for a place.

I am undecided about last year’s winner Katchit, who is 14/1 with William Hill. Alan King is undecided about applying the blinkers, but Choc Thornton reckons that Katchit is a decent each way bet. His form has been questionable, meaning that he was sent on holiday at the start of the year.

16/1 Sublimity is another former champion, who completed a good piece of work at Leopardstown over the weekend.
Denis O’Regan will ride last year’s favourite, Sizing Europe, who is 20/1 with Victor Chandler. He is reported to be in good form but backers need their heads examined!

Noel Meade sends over Harchibald and Jered who are both 25/1.

33/1 Brave Inca will want soft ground, and could be well supported on the day. Heavy rain is forecast on Monday night, so the time to back the mud-lovers is now. If the going is soft, Brave Inca could be sent off at about 20/1. His age is a concern, and he won’t have Ruby Walsh this time.

40/1 Snap Tie was 3rd in the Supreme Novices’ last year and has an each way chance. The strong pace and large field will suit.

Hardy Eustace is 170/1 to win his 3rd Champion Hurdle. He’ll be running in his 7th festival!

Lough Derg is 1000/1 to win the Champion Hurdle, it looks like the Coral Cup is his target.

Recommendation:

1pt each way @ 11/1 Celestial Halo (Victor Chandler)

1pt each way @ 33/1 Brave Inca (Will Hill etc.)

bookies.com is your best bet for comparing odds for the Cheltenham Festival.

Champion Hurdle Betting

Champion Chase Betting

World Hurdle Betting

Gold Cup Betting

The Cheltenham Festival kicks off next Tuesday with the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, the moment that jumps racing fans like myself have been waiting for all year.

This week we’ll preview all 4 Championship Races, but we’ll kick things off by taking a look at the Festival specials markets.

• Arkle Chase Betting Preview
• Champion Hurdle Betting Preview
• Champion Chase Betting Preview
• World Hurdle Betting Preview
• Gold Cup Betting Preview

At this stage we’re still in the dark about running plans, but several bookmakers are now non-runner/no bet. For example, you fancy Lough Derg – the staying hurdler that never says die. Yet he could run in either the Champion Hurdle, World Hurdle or Coral Cup.

For punters who aren’t in the know, it’s best to check out running plans by searching for the horse’s connections in Google News.

Top Jockey usually only takes about 3 winners, but you really want a jockey tied to an in-form stable who has a good book of rides at the festival. At this stage we don’t know who is riding what, as there are still some dilemnas to be solved – e.g. AP McCoy’s Gold Cup ride.

Tony McCoy is 9/2, not a bad price for a jockey who rode his 3000th winer this year. He doesn’t ride Cheltenham particularly well, but has some strong rides for JP McManus, such as Binocular.

I was on Ruby Walsh at evens (1/1) last year, and he’s 5/4 with bet365 this year. Even at that price he looks a good bet, taking rides for Paul Nicholls and Willie Mullins. Add in Kauto Star and Master Minded and it looks like you have yourself some easy money.

Choc Thornton is interesting at 9/1 with Ladbrokes, whilst Richard Johnson is the best long-shot at 25/1.

Rain is forecast this week, and if it doesn’t fall the course will be watered to ensure that it rides on the easy side of good. ‘Good to Soft’ is 4/11 with Blue Square in the Official Going market.

Paul Nicholls is 5/2 with totesport for 5 or more winners – I’m not interested.

Nicholls is 7/1 on Betfair to repeat the Gold Cup 1-2-3 of 2008, but Denman has been very weak in the betting recently. Perhaps punters should just play the reverse forecast with Kauto Star and Neptune Collonges.

Nicky Henderson is 9/1 to win the Champion Hurdle and World Hurdle - you wouldn’t bet against him this year. He could even take the Gold Cup with Barbers Shop (16/1)!

Blue Square go 4/5 for a Female Winner at Cheltenham – think Nina Carberry (Garde Champetre, Parsons Pistol, Poker De Sivola).

Punters may want to put the so-called ‘bankers’ in an accumulator – the Bincocular, Kasbah Bliss, Master Minded, Kauto Star fourfold is 15/1 on Betfair.

bookies.com is your best bet for comparing odds for the Cheltenham Festival.

Official Going Betting

Top Jockey Betting

Champion Hurdle Betting

Champion Chase Betting

World Hurdle Betting

Gold Cup Betting

The mystery winner of last weekend’s Scoop6 will chase the £2,755,923 bonus fund in the Racing Post Chase this Saturday.

The punter has pledged the entirety of the fund to The Royal British Legion – a remarkable gesture and we’re willing to give it press even if doesn’t come off.

Big Fella Thanks is the 4/1 favourite for Paul Nicholls, who is 40/1 with bet365 to win both the RP Chase and the National.

Nozic is the mount of Harry Skelton, but he is worth his 5lb claim. Don’t be put off by the Ruby Walsh jockey booking, that means that you can get a price like 33/1 with Ladbrokes for a class act like Nozic, who’ll like the cut in the ground.

There have been a few whispers for 12/1 Possol who won the race a few years ago and is a progressive sort.

Richard Johnson has won the race 4 times before, and is 14/1 this year with Lacdoudal.

I feel that the value has gone from 12/1 Hold Em, who is at the bottom end of the handicap.

10/1 Nacarat will be ridden by AP McCoy, and will go well fresh. His form is very erratic, so I don’t think he’ll carry my money. He should be well supported in the betting tomorrow though.

Whatever your bet tomorrow, remember that in a 20 runner handicap that you’re better off with the bookies. 1/4 of the win odds for the each way terms is much more rewarding that the Betfair place market, even before commission.

The 2.05 at Kempton is a cracking novice hurdle contest. Ainama was so impressive at Kempton that he should probably be shorter than 10/11 (Paddy Power). Dee Ee Williams should place at 5/1, and his form was boosted by our Wendel last weekend. 12/1 Trenchant could do wonders for Torphichen’s form if he runs a big race under Choc Thornton.

bookies.com is the best place to compare horse racing odds:

Racing Post Chase Betting

Grand National Betting