The Cheltenham Roar
One of the highlights of the national hunt racing season is almost upon us, and the 2014 Cheltenham Festival looks set to be one of the most competitive in history. Beginning on March 11th and lasting for four days, the festival features some of the biggest races of the season, such as the Champion Hurdle and the Cheltenham Gold Cup, with some of the biggest names in horse racing making an appearance.
Whether it be the famous ‘Cheltenham roar’ coming from the enormous crowd, the action-packed racing or the picturesque setting, the Cheltenham festival has become one of Britain’s most loved racing events, with memorable moments throughout the years. With horses having their final races before the festival, the markets and odds are taking shape.
Day One
The festival kicks off with the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, with Vautour currently an 8/1 favourite with Coral. Irving and The Tullow Tank both follow at 10/1.
The second race of day one is the Arkle Chase, which has seen some incredible races in the past. For 2014’s event, Champagne Fever is currently favourite at 4/1, however, the Arkle has not traditionally been kind to favourites, and Dodging Bullets and Trifolium, both 6/1, will be looking to take victory.
The most popular race on day one is the Champion Hurdle, and The New One is currently a slight favourite at 3/1. However, after his stunning performance in the Irish Champion Hurdle, Hurricane Fly will be looking to win here and is available at 10/3.
Day Two
The second day of the festival features races such as the Coral Gold Cup 2014, the RSA Chase and the Cross Country Chase, however, the main event of the day is the Queen Mother Champion Chase. Available at 4/5 with Coral, Sprinter Sacre has become a crowd favourite, and the superstar jumper would make many punters very happy with a win.
Day Three
The highlight of the third day is the World Hurdle, and after a disappointing run in the Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham, the ever-popular Big Buck’s is only a slight favourite at 9/4 to win his fifth World Hurdle in six years. Just behind him in the betting is Annie Power, who comes in at 3/1. Coral has written a piece in favour of big bucks which can be read here – http://cheltenham.coral.co.uk/news/crack-team-graduating-novices-2014-ryanair-chase-special-3_12937.html.
Day Four
The final day of the festival brings the most popular race, the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Going for a repeat of his victory last year, Bobs Worth is currently a 2/1 favourite to win this year’s Gold Cup. However, he will face a stern test from a talented field which includes the 7/2 Silviniaco Conti.
Category: Entertainment
