The "greatest show on turf” has arrived

The time for talking comes to a halt this week as the Cheltenham Festival comes under starter's orders tomorrow.

The great roar that greets the tapes going up for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle as the show opener is the start of four days of drama with 27 highly competitive races to savour.

Hopes in the Supreme for the home brigade very much rest on Cue Card, brilliant, if unexpected, winner of the Champion Bumper 12 months ago.

Two from three since going over obstacles, he remains the apple of Colin Tizzard's eye and few would begrudge him a follow-up success.

Indeed, among those will be fans of Champion Hurdle hope Menorah, conqueror of Cue Card at Cheltenham when they were last seen in December.

This is a vintage Champion, in spite of reigning champion Binocular's unexpected absence. Peddlers Cross is still unbeaten, whilst the Irish will have a major say, too, courtesy of Hurricane Fly and Dunguib, the latter having carried the hopes of a nation in the Supreme last year only to finish third - behind Menorah.

On Wednesday we have the Queen Mother Champion Chase and will discover if Master Minded can regain his winning touch.

The Paul Nicholls-trained superstar is twice a winner of this coveted prize, but lost his crown last year as Big Zeb came out best for Colm Murphy.

Master Minded has looked a different horse again this season, showing the benefit of a wind operation.

The second afternoon sees another of the week's 'bankers' as Time For Rupert - who could have been in the Gold Cup had he not missed a big trial in January - is rightly set to be all the rage in the RSA Chase.

A few weeks ago a third straight World Hurdle on Thursday appeared a formality for Big Buck's, but the emergence of Grands Crus and dark horses Fiveforthree and Mourad makes it an entirely different proposition.

And so to Friday and the jewel in the crown, the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Will it be the old guard of Denman, Kauto Star and Imperial Commander again? Or will the young guns (minus the injured Diamond Harry) hold sway?

Form students will point to Denman's tremendous weight-carrying effort in the Hennessy Gold Cup as evidence his powers have not unduly diminished, but Kauto Star was put in his place by Long Run at Kempton and we have not seen Imperial Commander since the Betfair Chase in November.

So with Long Run on the up, and Irish aces Kempes and Pandorama lurking, not to mention emerging course specialist Midnight Chase, it is all to play for on March 18.

A full schedule of this weeks' races are detailed below, along with some free Cheltenham Festival bets offers from the leading online bookmakers.
We are now heading down to Cheltenham and wish you all the best of luck, however many bets you place!

THE FESTIVAL 2011

CENTENARY DAY - Tuesday, March 15, 2011 (Old Course)

Time/Race/Distance/Prize Money/TV/Max Decs

1.30 Stan James Supreme Novices Hurdle (Grade One) 2m 110y £100,000 C4/RUK 24

2.05 The Irish Independent Arkle Chase (Grade One) 2m £130,000 C4/RUK 20

2.40 Stewart Family Spinal Research Handicap Chase (Grade Three) 3m 110y £75,000 C4/RUK 24

3.20 Stan James Champion Hurdle (Grade One) 2m 110y £370,000 C4/RUK 28

4.00 Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase (Handicap) 3m 7f £40,000 C4/RUK 16

4.40 David Nicholson Mares Hurdle (Grade Two) 2m 4f £70,000 RUK 24

5.15 Centenary Novices Handicap Chase (Listed) 2m 4f 110y £50,000 RUK 20

Total prize-money £835,000

Will Hill £25 free bet | Bet365 £200 free bet | Skybet £35 free bet | 888sport £25 free bet Victor Chandler £25 free bet | Stan James £25 free bet | Paddy Power £50 free bet Sportingbet £50 free bet | Ladbrokes £25 free bet | totesport £10 free bet

LADIES DAY - Wednesday, March 16, 2011 (Old Course)

Time/Race/Distance/Prize Money/TV/Max Decs

1.30 141st Year Of The National Hunt Chase (Amateurs) 4m £75,000 C4/RUK 20

2.05 Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle (Grade One) 2m 5f £100,000 C4/RUK 24

2.40 RSA Chase (Grade One) 3m 110y £130,000 C4/RUK 20

3.20 sportingbet.com Queen Mother Champion Chase (Grade One) 2m £320,000 C4/RUK 24

4.00 Coral Cup (Handicap Hurdle) (Grade Three) 2m 5f £70,000 C4/RUK 28

4.40 Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (Grade Three) 2m 110y £60,000 RUK 24

5.15 Weatherbys Champion Bumper (Grade One) 2m 110y £55,000 RUK 24

Total prize-money £810,000

Will Hill £25 free bet | Bet365 £200 free bet | Skybet £35 free bet | 888sport £25 free bet Victor Chandler £25 free bet | Stan James £25 free bet | Paddy Power £50 free bet Sportingbet £50 free bet | Ladbrokes £25 free bet | totesport £10 free bet

ST PATRICK'S DAY - Thursday, March 17, 2011 (New Course)

Time/Race/Distance/Prize Money/TV/Max Decs

1.30 Jewson Novices’ Chase (Grade Two) 2m 4f £90,000 C4/RUK 20

2.05 Pertemps Final (Handicap Hurdle) (Listed) 3m £70,000 C4/RUK 24

2.40 Ryanair Chase (Grade One) 2m 5f £260,000 C4/RUK 24

3.20 Ladbrokes World Hurdle (Grade One) 3m £260,000 C4/RUK 24

4.00 Byrne Group Plate (Handicap Chase) (Grade Three) 2m 5f £75,000 C4/RUK 24

4.40 Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Chase (Amateurs) 3m 1f 110y £50,000 RUK 24

5.15 St Patrick's Day Derby (Charity Race) 1m 5f - RUK

Total prize-money £805,000

Will Hill £25 free bet | Bet365 £200 free bet | Skybet £35 free bet | 888sport £25 free bet Victor Chandler £25 free bet | Stan James £25 free bet | Paddy Power £50 free bet Sportingbet £50 free bet | Ladbrokes £25 free bet | totesport £10 free bet

GOLD CUP DAY - Friday, March 18, 2011 (New Course)

Time/Race/Distance/Prize Money/TV/Max Decs

1.30 JCB Triumph Hurdle (Grade One) 2m 1f £100,000 C4/RUK 24

2.05 Vincent O’Brien County Handicap Hurdle (Grade Three) 2m 1f £70,000 C4/RUK 28

2.40 Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle (Grade One) 3m £100,000 C4/RUK 20

3.20 totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup (Chase) (Grade One) 3m 2f 110y £500,000 C4/RUK 24

4.00 Christie’s Foxhunter Chase Challenge Cup (Amateurs) 3m 2f 110y £35,000 C4/RUK 24

4.40 Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle 2m 4f 110y £45,000 RUK 24

5.15 Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase (Handicap) (Grade Three) 2m 110y £75,000 RUK 24

Total prize-money £925,000

TOTAL 2011 FESTIVAL PRIZE MONEY £3,375,000 (Average of £125,000 per race)

For all the latest bookmakers free bets & Cheltenham Festival special offers click here.

Prestbury Park will play host to over 500 horses and 200,000 race fans this week

Geraghty to ride Spirit Son in Supreme

Barry Geraghty has opted to ride Spirit Son instead of his Nicky Henderson-trained stablemate Sprinter Sacre in Tuesday's Supreme Novices' Hurdle, the opening race of the Cheltenham Festival.

A best-price 6/1 (William Hill) shot for the Supreme, Spirit Son is unbeaten in three starts over hurdles, while Sprinter Sacre - available at best price 10/1 (also with William Hill) - will be partnered by champion jockey Tony McCoy.

"I spoke to AP [McCoy] before Barry made his call and he was happy for Barry to make the choice because whatever he decided not to ride can hardly be deemed as a discard," said.

Gibb River, best-price 20/1 (William Hill) for the Supreme, completes Henderson's team for the race and will be ridden by Andrew Tinkler.

For all the latest bookmakers free bets & Cheltenham Festival special offers click here.

Binocular out of Champion Hurdle

Nicky Henderson has been dealt a hammer blow with the news that Binocular will miss Tuesday's stanjames.com Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.

The current champion had been heading the ante-post market at around the 7/2 mark just hours before today's declaration time.

The JP McManus-owned gelding was treated for an allergy two weeks ago and did not respond to initial medication and required further treatment.

Unfortunately Binocular then tested positive for a substance and on the British Horseracing Authority's advice, Henderson was forced to withdraw the horse.

In a statement Henderson said: "We have very regretfully had to decide not to declare Binocular for Tuesday's Champion Hurdle.

"He had an allergy two weeks ago that did not respond to initial medication and on veterinary advice and well within normal parameters he required a further treatment the following day.

"As we were getting close to the most important race of the year and also because since that administration to Binocular, another horse had tested positive for the same substance, I thought it prudent to take a precautionary test which not only surprisingly, let alone devastatingly, has also shown to be positive.

"We have therefore reluctantly had to take the BHA's advice this morning that the only reasonable course in everybody's interest is not to confirm the entry and he has consequently been withdrawn from the Champion Hurdle.

"We are all obviously shattered but I am particularly upset for JP (McManus) who has been incredibly understanding as I know how much this horse means to him."

Leading fancies Menorah, Peddlers Cross and Hurricane Fly all stand their ground, with confirmation that Ruby Walsh will ride the last-named.

Paul Towned will ride Willie Mullins' other runner Thousand Stars, whilst Henderson will rely solely on Oscar Whisky.

Last-year's runner-up Khyber Kim and Mille Chief will run, whilst the rest of the field consists of Bygones Of Brid, Clerk's Choice, Dunguib and Overturn.

Menorah has been installed as the new Champion Hurdle favourite after Binocular's shock withdrawal and can currently be backed at best-price 10/3 (Bet365).

Champion Hurdle best-price odds:


To claim a free bet from any of these bookmakers click the links below:

Will Hill £25 free bet | Bet365 £200 free bet | Skybet £35 free bet | 888sport £25 free bet Victor Chandler £25 free bet | Stan James £25 free bet | Paddy Power £50 free bet Sportingbet £50 free bet | Ladbrokes £25 free bet | totesport £10 free bet

BHA spokesman Paul Struthers responded to criticism that the regulatory body did not inform punters about the Binocular situation earlier, despite being fully involved in the testing of the horse. He said the earliest the Authority could have released a statement was two days ago.

"There was a lot of information to gather so the earliest we could have said anthing was Friday afternoon. Secondly, there was a genuine expectation that the levels of the substance would come down as testing went on but it didn't. A key factor was the fact that every bookie was by then NRNB on all Cheltenham races," he said earlier today.

Several firms have offered refunds on ante-post bets placed on Binocular. William Hill, Stan James, Bet365 and Paddy Power have offered full refunds and several others, including Ladbrokes, had been offering non-runner no bet on the race for several months.

Kauto Star trimmed for Gold glory

Kauto Star was yesterday backed for his fifth attempt at the Cheltenham Gold Cup as dry weather forecasts suggested he would get his ideal good ground.

Kauto has been cut to best-price 6/1 (Victor Chandler) whilst his stablemate Denman has been pushed out half a point to best-price 13/2 (William Hill) as the ground continues to dry out at Prestbury Park.

The two-time Gold Cup winner, who was as big as 12/1 for the race after finishing third in the King George VI Chase in January, has been edging towards the top of the Gold Cup market ever since connections revealed he had been less than 100 per cent at Kempton.

And with the increasing chance conditions will suit him ideally come Friday, he is now on the cusp of usurping Long Run as second-favourite with some bookmakers.

Other moves in the Gold Cup market came for Kempes, now as short as 9/1 but still available at 12/1 with William Hill and What A Friend, whose price was cut to best-price 40/1 (from 50), also with William Hill.

The Morris Mouse-trained China Rock was also the subject of price changes with several bookmakers on the day his trainer said he was hopeful the eight-year-old would make the frame.

He said: "He has been fourth on his two previous appearances at Cheltenham, so we know that he acts round the track. He will be two stone better on a faster surface and realistically I am hoping that he can be placed."

China Rock was one of our Cheltenham Festival ante-post picks at 100/1 and is now available at best-price 33/1 with William Hill.

The major price news yesterday was that Alarazi's wide-margin victory in the Paddy Power Imperial Cup at Sandown resulted in big cuts for the Vincent O'Brien County Hurdle and the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Hurdle.

Victor Chandler offer best-price 8/1 (from 25) for the County Hurdle, which trainer Lucy Wadham said remained the preferred target.

With a maximum field of 28 in the County, it could be touch and go making the cut but a 5lb penalty makes Alarazi look well treated for one of the most competitive Festival handicaps.

For all the latest bookmakers free bets & Cheltenham Festival special offers click here.

Cheltenham Festival 'specials' bets

With less than 3 days to go, the 2011 Cheltenham Festival is within touching distance and as the excitement mounts for 4 fabulous days next week, we've been taking a look at some of the specials bets on offer from William Hill.

As if 27 races isn't enough to bet on, we'll be having an interest is some of the following - just to give the week a little extra spice.

To claim a free £25 bet from William Hill visit their website here and use promo code: F25. Then go to Horse Racing > Special Markets > Cheltenham Festival Specials:

Who will train more winners at the Cheltenham Festival: Paul Nicholls or Nicky Henderson

Paul Nicholls 10/11
Nicky Henderson 13/8
Tie 4/1

Previous totals:

2010: PN 2 NH 3
2009: PN 5 NH 3
2008: PN 3 NH 0
2007: PN 4 NH 0
2006: PN 3 NH 3

Number Of Irish trained winners at the Cheltenham Festival

Seven 3/1
Six 10/3
Eight 4/1
Five 9/2
Four Or Less 11/2
Nine Or More 6/1

Previous Totals:

2010: 7 Irish trained winners (26 races)
2009: 9 Irish trained winners (26 races)
2008: 7 Irish trained winners (25 races)
2007: 5 Irish trained winners (24 races)
2006: 10* Irish trained winners (24 races)
2005: 9 Irish trained winners (24 races)

(in 2011 there will be 27 races)

Cheltenham Festival total winning favourites (all 4 days)

(25 points if favourite wins, 10 points if favourite is 2nd, 5 points if favourite is 3rd. Thus, if 5 favourites win, 4 finish 2nd and 3 finish third, total points = 125 + 40 + 15 = 180).

Under 190 points 13/8
190 to 225 points 13/8
Over 225 points 7/4

Previous winning Cheltenham Festival favourites:

2010 - 4 (26 races)
2009 - 6 (26 races)
2008 - 2 (25 races)
2007 - 6 (24 races)
2006 - 7 (24 races)
2005 - 5 (24 races)

(in 2011 there will be 27 races)

Cheltenham Festival total distances (all 4 days)

90 to 115 lengths 6/4
under 90 lengths 13/8
over 115 lengths 15/8

World Hurdle match bet

Big Bucks 1/2
Grands Crus 6/4

How many pints of Guinness will be sold at Cheltenham Festival

223,001 or more 6/4
217,001 to 223,000 inclusive 13/8
less than 217,000 2/1

Previous Totals:

2010: 222,000 pints sold
2009: 214,000 pints sold

Cheltenham top jockey

Ruby Walsh 7/4
Barry Geraghty 11/4
Tony McCoy 6/1
Robert Thornton 10/1
Paul Townend 16/1
Richard Johnson 16/1
Tom Scudamore 25/1
Daryl Jacob 33/1
Davy Russell 33/1
Jason Maguire 33/1
Paddy Brennan 33/1
Paul Carberry 33/1
Timmy Murphy 33/1
Dougie Costello 50/1
Graham Lee 50/1
Nick Scholfield 50/1
Paul Maloney 50/1
Sam Thomas 50/1
Sam Twiston-Davies 50/1
Aidan Coleman 66/1

Previous totals (leading two jockeys):

2010: Ruby Walsh 3, Barry Geraghty 3
2009: Ruby Walsh 7, Barry Geraghty 3
2008: Ruby Walsh 3, Robert Thornton 3
2007: Robert Thornton 4, Ruby Walsh 3
2006: Ruby Walsh 3, Tony McCoy 3
2005: Graham Lee 3, Ruby Walsh 2

Cheltenham top trainer

Paul Nicholls 13/8
Nicky Henderson 2/1
Willie Mullins 5/1
Nigel Twiston-Davies 14/1
Philip Hobbs 14/1
Alan King 16/1
David Pipe 16/1
Donald McCain 33/1
Ferdy Murphy 40/1
Jonjo O'Neill 40/1

Previous totals (leading trainer):

2010: Nicky Henderson 3
2009: Paul Nicholls 5
2008: Paul Nicholls 3
2007: Paul Nicholls 4
2006: Paul Nicholls 3
2005: Howard Johnson 3

To claim a free £25 bet from William Hill visit their website here and use promo code: F25. Then go to Horse Racing > Special Markets > Cheltenham Festival Specials.

Voy Por added to Ryanair Chase field

Voy Por Ustedes is a fascinating supplementary entry for the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham on Thursday.

The Sir Robert Ogden-owned 10-year-old is a dual Festival winner, having enjoyed previous success in the Arkle Trophy and the Champion Chase, and was second to Imperial Commander in this race two years ago.

Voy Por Ustedes was fifth in last year's renewal and has since moved to Nicky Henderson from Alan King, but he has not yet seen a racecourse this season. He is now as short as 10/1 with Ladbrokes and totesport for the Ryanair, although he can currently be backed at a standout best-price of 16/1 with Stan James.

Ante-post favourite Poquelin is also among the 16 confirmations. Paul Nicholls' eight-year-old has won four times at Prestbury Park and was runner-up to Albertas Run in the Grade One contest 12 months ago.

The latter could reoppose, but has been disappointing this season and also has the Cheltenham Gold Cup as a Festival alternative.

Regular partner Tony McCoy said: "If he's 10/1 for the Ryanair, he's definitely good value. But he's still in the Gold Cup and if he runs in that, I probably won't be riding him.

"The Ryanair looks a very open race and there are reasons to believe that if he did run there, he could take a bit of beating."

Following the unveiling of the Grade 1 contest's six-day confirmations, Poquelin hardened as favourite for an event that most observers have suggested appears to be slightly substandard.

A major handicap winner over the course and distance in December, last season's Ryanair runner-up was cut to best-price 5/2 favourite from 3/1 by William Hill.

However, Albertas Run was also popular with punters after the positive comments from Tony McCoy, encouraging the 2010 winner's supporters to pile in and triggering a reduction in his odds to best-price 7/1 (Victor Chandler).

A six-strong Irish entry includes Captain Cee Bee, Golden Silver and J'y Vole. However, Tranquil Sea has been ruled out following an unsatisfactory scope. The nine-year-old, who is unbeaten this season, was a genuine contender for the two-mile five-furlong race. Trainer Edward O'Grady admitted the news was a major blow.

"It's hugely disappointing but we're just not happy with the scope," he said. "He hadn't just been working well, he'd been working brilliantly - his recent work has been better than anything he's ever done."

Ferdy Murphy's Kalahari King is another big challenger and while Somersby remains in the mix, his trainer Henrietta Knight insists the Champion Chase is now his definite target.

Other possible runners include Tartak and Breedsbreeze.

Weird Al to run in Cheltenham Gold Cup

Weird Al, who suffered his first defeat over fences when disappointing in the Hennessy Gold Cup, will have his chance to put that run behind him in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup after connections chose the Festival showpiece contest over the Ryanair Chase.

Jason Maguire will ride the Ian Williams-trained horse, who has undergone a wind operation since finishing a well-beaten eighth at Newbury.

"We had a team meeting and felt the Gold Cup was the opportunity we would like to take, particularly with the likelihood of getting better ground on Friday," said Williams today.

Weird Al, currently a best-priced 33/1 (William Hill) for the Gold Cup, was one of last season's leading novice chasers and prime contender for the RSA Chase until ruled out by injury.

He returned to action this season to dead-heat with subsequent Paddy Power Gold Cup winner Little Josh at Carlisle. Weird Al then started second favourite for the Hennessy but later underwent surgery to correct partial paralysis of his larynx.

"We thought he had a decent chance in the Hennessy and he was disappointing that day for reasons that have been well documented since," said Williams. "We'd like to have run him in the build up but we haven't been in a position to.

"He's run very well fresh before. He will need to up his game enormously, but he was very progressive last season. His first race of the season was very good.

"We didn't get the run we expected when we really wanted to test his ability. He's had a wind op since then. It's not been ideal that we haven't been able to run him but having weighed up the pros and cons we decided we'd like have a go at the Gold Cup."