Cheltenham betting preview: Key insight to the big players at the 2023 Festival

STRAP in, folks, because the Cheltenham Festival is upon us. The time for ante-post musings, preview nights and excited anticipation is over – now, the greatest show on turf is ready to whisk us away.  

And we are ready, too. Ready for an unmatched four days in which the greatest equine athletes of the National Hunt sphere lock horns in a bid for Prestbury Park supremacy. Ready for twenty-eight races of unparalleled and unrivalled quality. Ready for 250,000 racing fanatics to roar until their throats go hoarse.

From 1.30pm on Tuesday, when the iconic Cheltenham cacophony announces the arrival of the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, we can enjoy a whole host of stars bidding to write their name in the history books. Among the plethora of potential world-beaters is Constitution Hill, who many have marked out as a possible contender for the greatest of all time, even at this early stage of his career. He’ll line up in the Champion Hurdle aiming to defend an unbeaten record that so far includes victories in the Christmas Hurdle, the Fighting Fifth and last year’s Supreme Novices’.

Bet on Constitution Hill with William Hill

Constitution Hill is undoubtedly a speed merchant, but at the other end of the scale are the stamina-laden titans who’ll go to war in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Galopin Des Champs is the new kid on the block this year, and has oodles of talent to match his exuberant racing style. Prone to the odd error, he’s not one to place the mortgage on, but he is arguably the most exciting three-mile chaser we’ve seen in years. The big question mark for him is whether the extra two-and-a-half furlongs will suit – if they do, then the likes of Bravemansgame and A Plus Tard will have a huge amount to think about approaching that final, famous incline.

Check out our Cheltenham day 1 preview

Bet on the Cheltenham Gold Cup with bet365 here 

And what about Facile Vega? Jockey Harry Cobden said that prior to his Leopardstown defeat last month, he was the greatest horse he’d ever seen. Strong words indeed, but there’s no doubting that up until then he’d looked nigh on invincible. Trainer Willie Mullins says he thinks he’s got him firing on all cylinders again and it will be fascinating to see how he fares in the opening race of the meeting –  the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.

Don’t forget about Shishkin, either. The dual Festival winner looked down and out in his first two starts this season but bounced back to life with a magnificent performance in the Ascot Chase last month, setting up a bid for the Ryanair Chase on Thursday afternoon. Nothing in the race has form approaching his at his best, and he could end up being one of the bankers of the week for trainer Nicky Henderson.

Back Shishkin in the Ryan Air Chase with Betway here

Throw in star novices Gerri Colombe, Sir Gerhard, Embassy Gardens, Impair Et Passe and Gaelic Warrior, plus old favourites Minella Indo, Energumene, Flooring Porter, Delta Work and Paisley Park and we have a Festival to savour. So come Friday evening after the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle – don’t be sad because it’s over. Smile because it happened.

Best Cheltenham betting offers

As one of the most prestigious horse racing events in the world, Cheltenham Festival features some of the best National Hunt racing in the world. Since it attracts the top jockeys, trainers, and horses around the globe, it’s popular among horse racing fans and bookies alike. If you’re looking for the best betting offers for Cheltenham, we’ve made a selection of great welcome bonuses to help you get started:

• Bet £10 get £30 with Spreadex
• £30 matched free bet if your first acca loses at Betway
• Bet £10 Get £30 in free bets at BetUK
• Bet £5 get £30 at Parimatch
• Get £30 in free bets + £10 casino bonus with £10 deposit with 888sport
• Bet £10 get £30 in free bets with Tote
• Up to £40 moneyback if your bet loses + £10 casino bonus
• Bet £20 and get it back as cash if your bet loses
• Bet £10 get £30 in free bets

In addition to these promotional offers a lot of the bookies also offer special Cheltenham betting odds and insider tips. To determine these odds, bookmakers take into account factors such as the horse’s recent form, weight, and the experience of its jockey. If you are a fan of these races, make sure to check out our list of the best horse racing betting sites for more tips, tricks, and promotions.

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