Immediately the Cheltenham Festival was wrapped up in 2019, it was evident that things would still get exciting this year. With about a month to go, all that horse-racing fans around the world seem to be interested in is how to make the most out of this year's event. Most of the ante-post punters are already holding their betting cards close to their chests while their live-betting counterparts are paying close attention to the Cheltenham stories making headlines. For those who are yet to place an ante-post, you need not worry as bookies with even better deals will be finding their way to the market.
To begin with, the Cheltenham racecourse has a capacity of 67,500 and is expected to host an estimate of 250,000 people over the week. Millions of others will be following the proceedings from their homes and other places that are not necessarily Gloucestershire. For these, a sigh of relief can be heaved as every race this year will be covered live on Sky Bet channel 426 found on Racing TV. ITV1 will also feature the main races from 1 pm to 4:30 pm. The presenter will be Ed Chamberlain and commentator Richard Hoiles while Sir Anthony McCoy and Ruby Walsh will be among the experts analyzing.
For the dress code this year, it is recommended that one gives priority consideration to the weather. Outfit considered offensive will not make it past the gates as has been made clear time and again. Suits do the trick when it comes to gentlemen while hats come in handy for the ladies. Fancy outfits will be prohibited in the Club Enclosure. Nevertheless, the Tattersalls will accommodate all those with clothes considered fancy on the condition that they are non-offensive. Also, those attending should pay attention to their footwear bearing in mind that they will walk stretches mostly covered with grass.
For all the best Cheltenham betting offers at the bookies offers and enhanced odds, you don't need to trouble yourself as almost all bookies get creative in them as time goes by. The best deals one can get in the market right now are the No Runner No Bet and welcome bonuses. Betfred has a No Runner No Bet (NRNB) offer for the Championship Races plus a Gold Cup Giveaway. With 888 Sport, the first £10 placed attracts £40 in free bets. Lostintranslation is most people's favorite for the Gold Cup and he has an odd of 4/1 at PaddyPower. At Betfred, you can back Klassical Dream for the Champion Hurdle with an odd of 4/1. The RSA Chase is a tight one but Champ stands out among all the others and he has an odd of 7/2 at Williamhill.
Although all the 28 races have significant audiences, the Gold Cup is the most popular in terms of both fans and bets placed. The race this year has been labeled Magner's for sponsorship reasons and it has a total of 31 entries. Among these are previous champions Native River, Al Boum Photo and Sizing John. Native River has not had an eventful term as he has only run at Aintree during the Many Clouds Chase. He shares trainer Collin Tizzard with Lostintranslation. Al Boum Photo is one of the arrows in Willie Mullins' quiver together with Kemboy, Real Steel and Bellshill. Sizing John has perhaps one of the most interesting cases. He had been off main racecourses for more than 700 days. He failed to make it past several hurdles on 31st December 2019 but his trainer Jessica Harrington believes in him.
Another prominent name in the ante-post markets is Santini. He has only had one outing this season at Sandown in which he almost failed to make it home. Nicky Henderson trains him and it will be interesting to see how he fairs on at the race. Other big names include Monalee, Presenting Percy and Road To Respect. The participation of last year's second runner's up, Bristol De Mai is still doubtful. All eyes are now on his trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies although there are high chances of the horse racing. Finally, Delta Work, the leading contender from Gordon Elliot's training camp is a choice any punter with a good eye would consider given that he came out and won the Savills Chase.
