It’s that time of year again when we start to look forward to the biggest sporting events in the calendar. And if you’re a horse racing fan, then there aren’t too many events bigger than Cheltenham and its showpiece race, the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
It’s been around since 1924 and has some of the most famous horses ever as winners. We’re talking Arkle, Cottage Rake, Dawn Run, and the people’s horse, Desert Orchid. Yes, it’s a race that comes second only to the Grand National in terms of popularity amongst the general public and that’s why we’re taking a look at who might win this year’s outing.
Al Boum Photo
When it comes to experts’ tips for Cheltenham, many have last year’s winner Al Boum Photo as their favourite. The Willie Mullins-trained seven-year-old has six wins from 13 placing on three other occasions. Last year’s winner certainly has form but it’s rare these days to see a horse win two Gold Cups on the trot unless it’s a truly exceptional horse. While we’d love to see it happen, Al Boum Photo is unlikely to win.
Kemboy
Bookmakers are sitting on the fence as far as Kemboy is concerned but this horse has something about him that makes us think he’ll be the favourite on the day. Another from the stables of Willie Mullins, Kemboy has had a great run of victories of late and looks a good bet at the favourable odds ahead of the festival. Definitely worth a punt.
Lostintranslation
Interestingly, Lostintranslation looks to be a horse that the bookies are losing faith in, which is strange given his form and stamina. Early odds of 7/1 are quite bizarre given that the horse is quite evenly matched with Kemboy. Having only four wins from 13 starts is possibly the reason why, but we would still like to see this Colin Tizzard-trained horse throw the cat amongst the pigeons on race day.
Presenting Percy
Still at the head of the betting, though not as fancied as the other three we’ve mentioned, Presenting Percy is a gutsy performer who places more often than not. At 16/1 that represents a great opportunity for an each way bet. There’s no doubt that this horse will be there or thereabouts come the final furlongs, but we doubt that he’ll win. Having said that, stranger things have happened!
Whatever happens on race day one thing is guaranteed – we’re all set for a pretty open race with this being a hugely talented field. So get your bets on now and with a little luck, you might just back the winner.
