Here we go, it is Cheltenham time once again. As a racing-mad Cheltenham resident, it is one of the highlight weeks and I can't wait!
BetVictor's Cheltenham offer involves staking £10 on any sporting event during Cheltenham week and getting a £2 free bet for every single race at the Festival, so we're challenging ourselves to make a tidy profit over the week using their free bets.
Despite plenty of absentees, the racing picture is as blurry as ever! Let's hope for a winner or two...
Supreme Novices Hurdle - 13:30
Willie Mullins once again holds plenty of chances in the curtain raiser, and I'm siding with Bunk Off Early who has impressed me in both visits to the racecourse. The five-year-old won excellently well on debut, defeating a good horse in the form of Outspoken by over five lengths.
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Last time he finished second in a Grade One event in Ireland, and I didn't think we saw the very best of him that day. The going was heavy, and he should be more suited to the conditions at Cheltenham. I think there's much more to come, and I'm hoping for a big run at a good price.
As a bigger each-way bet it's worth mentioning Gordon Elliott likes the chances of Labaik at 33/1, whose form hasn't been anything special recently. He finished sixth last time out but was an impressive two-time winner at the start of the year. If he can live up to his trainer's expectations, and return to form, he could get a place at a huge price.
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Bunk Off Early - 6/1 at BetVictor
Labaik - 33/1 at BetVictor
Arkle Trophy - 14:10
It's very difficult to look past Altior, an absolute machine of a horse and one who will be extremely hard to stop. My selection for a place is Royal Caviar for Willie Mullins.
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He was desperately unlucky last time out in the Irish equivalent to this, when falling one from home. He was in a very good position that day and looked to be going on for a good win. I think with a bit more luck he can certainly make the frame!
Royal Caviar - 14/1 at BetVictor
Ultima Handicap Chase - 14:50
Ibis Du Rheu is a very smart horse, who came out victorious in last season's Martin Pipe at the Festival. He's been in good form without winning all season, and he's been dropped down to a good mark now. He'll like the trip and the ground should be fine for him, he's also a previous Festival winner.
I also wouldn't be too surprised if The Druids Nephew at 8/1 could reclaim his prize in the Ultima from two years ago. He comes back in good shape and is only raised 1lb this season. His recent form has been okay, but the conditions of this race should suit him well. Neil Mulholland has given him a glowing review, and is expecting another big Cheltenham performance.
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The Druids Nephew - 8/1 at BetVictor
Ibis Du Rheu - 14/1 at BetVictor
Champion Hurdle - 15:30
Nicky Henderson has never doubted the ability of Brain Power and if the going goes good, then I think he will be the one to beat. He's won two handicaps in a row in very good style, and this is a huge step up in class but I think he is more than capable. This race will depend a lot on the ground but I like him a lot and think he is talented.
The New One comes back to the Champion Hurdle and could have a say at a big price. He's been in good form all year, and looked as good ever when taking the International Hurdle at Cheltenham in December. Whether he's good enough to win this is questionable, but he's very consistent, and capable of finishing in the top three.
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Brain Power - 8/1 at BetVictor
The New One - 14/1 at BetVictor
Mares Hurdle - 16:10
I highly doubt anyone will be good enough to realistically challenge any of the Irish challengers, but I fancy Briery Queen to be right up there, especially if one of the leading players falls. Noel Williams has carefully selected this race and given her enough time to go this race in the best of shape.
She's won on her seasonal debut in a competitive mares handicap, before finishing a close third at Sandown when giving the two in front of her 4lb. She'll like going into it after a break and could be a good each-way investment.
Briery Queen - 50/1 at BetVictor
National Hunt Chase - 16:50
I've been following Arpege D'Alene for a while now and he's been running well without getting his head in front. The step up to four miles will suit him massively, and I know Paul Nicholls thinks an awful lot of him. He's on a great mark, likes Cheltenham, has a good claimer aboard him, and this is a perfect race for him.
Arpege D'Alene - 12/1 at BetVictor
Close Brothers Novices Handicap Chase - 17:30
He will probably go off the favourite but I'm expecting a big performance to come from Foxtail Hill for Nigel Twiston-Davies. The eight-year-old is an exciting novice having defeated Saphir Du Rheu last time out at Cheltenham, and he looks a lot classier than the field. If he can run to form he could take some stopping.
Foxtail Hill - 6/1 at BetVictor
Words By: James Stevens
