The Cheltenham race festival is one of, if not the biggest, attractions in the racing year. The festival attracts punters and fans from across the UK and Ireland as this year see’s the return of the fans since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Betfair brought together some of racing’s insider minds, who gave their tips and opinions on all of the races that are set to take place this week.
In the opening race of the week – the Supreme Novices Hurdle – Kevin Blake is tipping the Gordon Elliott-trained Mighty Potter with an outsider chance to win.
“I’d like one that’s definitely going – Mighty Potter,” says Blake.
“Gordon (Elliott) has never wavered off the supreme, there would be a thought looking at his farm that he could possibly be going for the Ballymore but Gordon has never budged, he has him as a supreme horse. He’s 10/1 I think, there’s loads of juice to that.”
The panel then moved onto the 14:10 race with the Arkle Chase. Despite Edwardstone being the comfortable favourite, Tony Calvin believes there’s an outsider chance for Saint Sam.
Calvin says: “I’ve been with Saint Sam from the very early stages. I probably mentioned him was a very good bet on 33s after he won at Ferry House. Time has shown that form has worked out really well. What really cemented it was his defeat at Leopardstown last time.
Honeysuckle is the overwhelming favourite in the Champion Hurdle at 15:30 and host Hugh Chaill quizzed panellist Kate Tracey if there is anyone that can stop her from winning the race.
“No not at all,” says Tracey.
“She’s just invincible, she might finally get the credit she deserves if she becomes a dual champion hurdle winner. `Appreciate It’, if he manages to get back and win this it would have to go down as one of Willie Mullins’ greatest ever training feats.”
These were some of the many insights and tips from day one of the festival as the panel previewed all the races this week up to the Cheltenham Gold Cup race on Friday.
