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Racing News |
| Monday 11th February 2019 | |
Preview of the upcoming Cheltenham horse racing festival and the betting options/odds
On March 12, the Cheltenham Festival will bring some of the best competition in all of horse racing into a four day spectacular that many call the biggest week in the sport. It is always good to get ahead of the curve when it comes to betting the odds, and we have information that may allow you to make a more informed decision about your betting choices for this Cheltenham season.
Angels Breath seems to be the frontrunner for the Supreme Novices Hurdle. Angels Breath has the dual advantage of great genetics and great training from none other than Nicky Henderson, trainer of 2016 Supreme Novices Hurdle winner Altior.
Verdana Blue took a surprise victory from Buveur D'Air on Boxing Day at the Christmas Hurdle and ended a streak of 11 straight wins.
However, Buveur seems to be the favored competitor for this year's Champion Hurdle because of the lean of the track. In the contest two years ago, he completely outpowered My Tent Or Yours, and in last year's victory, won over an impressive Melon. He is the favorite to complete the victory three years in a row.
Altior is a favorite yet again in the Champion Chase, bringing short odds because of his dominant victory over Min last year (a seven length victory). Basically, as long as Altior avoids an injury, he should bring home the prize here.
Politologue's change to a shorter race in the Ryanair Chase should improve his chances for victory. He has won in similar races including Ascot over Charbel and landing the Melling Chase at Aintree. Considered an ideal racer for this type of event, his odds are shorter than most would think.
Paisley Park may be a great bet in the Stayers Hurdle. As a 33/1 outsider in last year's Novices Hurdle, he scored some very competitive handicaps in Haydock and Aintree. Paisley Park finally moved up to Grade One when he took the Long Walk Hurdle victory at Ascot. He also scored an impressive 12 length win in the Cleeve Hurdle on soft ground.
The Cheltenham Gold Cup has more competition than ever this year, and the soil is ripe for a new challenger to take his place among the champions. Presenting Percy is one of the competitors that many people are taking an early look at. Might Bite has underperformed in recent competitions, and Native River and Thistlecrack did not do as well as many people though they should have in their most current placements.
The last would-be frontrunner, Clan Des Obeaux, did not necessarily have a dominating victory at King George. This makes the road a little clearer for a healthy Presenting Percy, who has been performing at top condition through the previous season of RSA Chase. He won there in a convincing fashion, and also scored very well in 2017 hurdles competitions as well as the Galmoy Hurdle victory which defended his crown there.
