Welcome to Cheltenham, it’s the greatest show on TURF!
worth £100m to the Gloucestershire economy.
Just one of the intriguing battles is between the trainers of Ireland and England – although the competition between punters trying to get one over us bookies is what resonates with everyone, which I do find a tad upsetting as I always thought I was a popular kind of fella!
The word ‘sport’ is not just confined to the action on the track. The sporting behaviour of connections, the sporting atmosphere between the patrons, and the sporting element of finding those all elusive winners.
It is the most competitive racing of the season, hence why the rewards for finding a winner are of the highest order. Cheltenham, with its iconic green turf, at the base of Cleeve Hill which – akin to the Hollywood Hills for Horses – dates back to 1861 to Rock The World’s victory in the final race in 2017, and everything in between.
Every racegoer has their favourite memory of Cheltenham festivals gone by. The five Gold Cup wins for Golden Miller, the battles between Sea Pigeon, Night Nurse and Monksfield. Or how about the legendary Peter O’Sullevan commentary on the gutsy Gold Cup victory of Desert Orchid in 1989? The 100/1 success of Norton’s Coin a year later?
Who followed Istabraq for his Champion Hurdle hat-trick, or were present for the re-crowning as Champion of Spriner Sacre?
New memories will be made over four fantastic days in 2018. Will Buveur D’Air be crowned Champion once again? Will Un De Sceaux reign supreme in the Ryanair? Supasundae or Sam Spinner to score Stayers’ success? As for the Gold Cup Might Bite, which has won its last six races, will probably be favourite with top jockey Ruby Walsh describing him as one of the greatest of all time. Friday’s showpiece race looks one of the hardest ever to call, and with reigning champion Sizing John ruled out last week, the field looks more open than ever.
Might Bite is, however, a worthy favourite after his RSA and King George successes, but with his quirks, many punters will opt to oppose.
Perhaps Killultagh Vic – who looked all over the Irish Gold Cup winner before falling at the last – can hold himself together around Prestbury Park and end trainer Mullins’ Gold Cup hoodoo. Throughout the four days, we at Betfred are Best Odds Guaranteed on all races, with extra places available on a number of those. Yet my pushes are undoubtedly the crème de la crème, with me boosting some of the most hotlyfancied horses at 10.30am and 12pm each day.
Last year, the likes of Might Bite, Yorkhill, Let’s Dance and Defi Du Seuil all got the Cheltenham boost treatment, winning at significantly enhanced prices with a sizeable number of punters feeling the benefits.
Fancy being at the front of the queue this time around? The first places to catch our boosts are instore via Betfred TV, or on our Facebook and Twitter channels.
Whatever your thoughts and theories on these thoroughbreds, the very best of luck. For me this week will determine the level of my bank balance and whether its Blackpool or Barbados for my hols this year.
But most important of all – gamble responsibly.