Racing News
	Saturday 10th March 2018

The Highs and Lows of Cheltenham Festival Gambling

There has been some stunning gambles over the years that have landed but at the same time some that have just failed to materialise. The infamous fall of Annie Power at the 2015 Cheltenham festival in the mares hurdle has to go down as one of the most famous moments. The banker four fold looked set to land as she kicked clear only to come down at the last and saved bookmakers in excess of £50 million in the process. The 2018 festival has a long list of short priced favourites so the bookmakers could be in trouble again if they can land the spoils.

Many punters Cheltenham betting tips will have the mare Apple’s Jade included. She has been a star for connections and the 6 year old now has a record of 10 victories and four 2nds in her 14 starts. A stunning record of consistency which is what she is all about. She is heading to the Mares hurdle and Betfair make her the current 4/7 favourite. She is the current champion having landing the 2017 running of the race ahead of Vroum Vroum Mag and Limini. Neither of these horses will be in opposition this time so it looks a penalty kick for Apple’s.

Apple’s likely challenger and market rival is another Mullins trained horse in Benie des dieux. She looks a high class prospect and is the current 9/2 second favourite but surely her future lies over fences. Her jumping seems to be her key asset but she is still likely to go close if she takes her chance. La Bague Au Roi would be another threat if she lines up however the stayers looks the more likely target as things stand.

La Bague Au Roi is currently 8/1 for the race and she is unbeaten in three starts this season so is a rising force. She has similar attributes to Apple’s Jade in the fact that they are both really tough mares. She normally makes the running and did the same in her most recent start in spread eagling a decent grade 2 at Ascot by 16 lengths. This earned her an RPR high of 153 so if she was able to put in a similar performance she would likely trouble Apple’s. This is another key race to look forward to for racing fans. Check out the infographic below which covers some of the highs and lows over the years of Cheltenham festival betting.