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Cheltenham Festival 2021: Three Key Betting Battles

It might seem hard to believe, but the Cheltenham Festival gets underway in around 50 days. One of the biggest betting events of the years, the four-day festival excites punters like few others. We might even say that Cheltenham has eclipsed the Grand National in terms of bringing in casual bettors looking for a flutter and a profit. And, in the weeks leading up to the festival, there are plenty of chances to make a killing in the ante-post markets.

If we are to take a look at the current Cheltenham 2021 odds, there are plenty of horses taking in the money. Al Boum Photo (10/3) has his claims for a third Gold Cup, and he is getting plenty of backing given the poor form of his challengers. Envoi Allen (Evens, Marsh Novices’ Chase) and Shishkin (4/5, Arkle) are looking like the two most likely candidates for short-priced victories. As for longshot value, some might think that Song For Someone (14/1) could spring a surprise in the Champion Hurdle, or that Put the Kettle On (16/1) could be a worth a place at least in the Champion Chase.

But below we want to have a look at the three races at Cheltenham that are arguably toughest to call. Three key betting battles that could decide whether your festival is a profitable one.

Mares’ Hurdle

This has the makings of a cracker. The market leader is last year’s winner, Honeysuckle, coming in at 11/4. But Concertista is just a whisker behind at 3/1. Honeysuckle is an interesting one; a fine horse no doubt, and yet to be beaten. But if we look back at last year’s race, the victory was largely due to the skill of jockey Rachael Blackmore and mistakes made by Paul Townend on Benie Des Dieux. Concertista won the Mares’ Novice Hurdle last year, and trainer Willie Mullins knows a thing or two about winning the Mares’ Hurdle (he has nine victories in 13 races). Roksana, who is widely available at 8/1, also has decent claims. Benie Des Dieux has an entry here, but the consensus is that Mullins will send her to the newest race at Cheltenham, the Mares’ Chase.

Prediction: It’s tight, but Honeysuckle gets the nod over Concertista. The relationship with Blackmore and their success in Grade 1 races just give them an edge.

Stayers’ Hurdle

A while back, Paisley Park could do no wrong and was rightly considered the best long-distance hurdler in the business. The 2019 Stayers’ Hurdle remains the favourite at 10/3, but the aura of invincibility is gone. Thyme Hill (4/1) beat Paisley Park back in November, although Paisley Park returned the favour a month later. It’s a really tough call. But sometimes in these big showdowns between two race favourites, there is often a horse willing to play spoiler. Sire Du Berlais is better than his last run in the Christmas Hurdle in December, and he will interest some at 9/1.

Prediction: Sire Du Berlais surprises those who blindly backed the leading pair.

Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle

Bravemansgame has looked a different prospect since missing almost a year after a wind operation, and the market leader (4/1) has plenty of fans. Bob Olinger (5/1) is also being touted as a winner after a fine Grade 1 winner at Naas in mid-January. Appreciate It, too, has a Grade 1 under his belt this season, and looks the value pick at 8/1. Gaillard Du Mesnil (9/1) is a little bit of an unknown quantity, but he can continue the fine tradition of Willie Mullins taking French-bred horses and turning them into Cheltenham winners.

Prediction: Appreciate It can offer value and yet another Cheltenham win for Willie Mullins.

Cheltenham Festival 2021: Three Key Betting Battles

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