It is six weeks until the pinnacle event of the horse racing calendar, here we take a look at the four best bets of the Festival. They’re sure to be the most-backed picks for the Festival and here’s why.
Sir Gino – Arkle Chase 8/11
Sir Gino beat Ballyburn with ease on his chasing debut and is big favourite for a reason in the Arkle. He received a mark of 164 following that race, which is the same mark that Shishkin received before heading to and winning the Arkle Chase.
This is a race that Nicky Henderson likes having trained 4 winners from 9 runners over the span of 13 years in this particular event.
Every winner from 2010 up until 2023 came into the race having won on their previous start with 10 of the last 13 favourites winning the race.
Constitution Hill – Champion Hurdle 4/7
Constitution Hill finally returned to the racecourse following 12 months without a race in an injury and illness plagued year for Nicky Henderson’s stable. However, Constitution Hill returned with a stunning display at Kempton in the Christmas Hurdle, finishing two-and-a-half lengths clear of Lossiemouth, keeping his 100% record under Nico de Boinville.
Nicky Henderson sent his stable star to Cheltenham Trials Day last weekend with the trainer looking to make up for lost time. Constitution Hill won easily despite a scare at the last flight.
If Lossiemouth lines up at the Champion Hurdle she’ll have to improve loads to get near the favourite with quicker ground on his favourite racecourse.
The Champion Hurdle is a race where 10 of the last 14 favourites have won.
Teahupoo – Stayers’ Hurdle 1/1
Teahupoo won this race at the festival last year and is highly fancied to reclaim his crown again in 2025. The Gordon Elliot horse has ran twice since last years Stayers’ Hurdle and the only horse to beat him is Lossiemouth.
Home By The Lee provides an interesting rival but is one that Teahupoo has beaten previously.
21 of the last 25 winners of this race finished 1st or 2nd last time out.
Galopin Des Champs – Gold Cup 4/5
Galopin Des Champs will be going for Cheltenham Gold Cup number three in March.
Many horse racing fans questioned if the chaser would be able to deliver once again this season but he showed his class in the Savills Chase. Trainer, Willie Mullins said the horse’s last run was “one of the best performances I’ve ever seen” as he got his revenge over rival Fact To File.
At his best, Galopin Des Champs looks unbeatable and I can’t see anything that will trouble him in the Gold Cup.
Four fold for all to win: 35/4: £10 returns £97.91
*Odds subject to change
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