(3 minutes read)
The most anticipated match of The Cheltenham Festival which sadly failed to take place, is finally on! Nicky Henderson’s star performer Jonbon is set to take on the Willie Mullins juggernaut that is El Fabiolo.
With the two trainers competing vigorously for the British Trainers Championship, there is plenty at stake in this highly anticipated renewal of the Bet365 Celebration Chase.
Also, on this Bet365 sponsored action-packed card is the ultra-competitive stayers handicap chase, The Bet365 Gold Cup. We also preview the Grade 2 Bet365 Oaksey Chase run over 2m 6f where Ahoy Senor will be hoping to build on his excellent Aintree run.
We check out best bets and best odds from our partner firms Bet365, William Hill, Betfred, Bet Victor and Boylesports.
The Bet365 Oaksey Chase, 1425 Sandown
Ahoy Senor
Thoroughly deserves to be favourite after his brilliant return to form when he finished a brave second to Gerri Colombe in the William Hill Bowl Chase at Aintree last time out. 
If he can produce anything like that performance, he should take all the beating. 4/1 best with William Hill.
Jungle Boogie
Was running ok in the Cheltenham Gold Cup until he made a major error at the third last. In with more than a squeak in this but may find an in form Ahoy Senor too much on this occasion.
Hitman
The Paul Nicholls trained 8-year-old needs to improve based on recent form but has an each way chance if back on song. 8/1 best odds with Bet365.
The Bet365 Celebration Chase, 1500 Sandown
El Fabiolo
Providing this Willie Mullins trained enigma has fully recovered from his capitulation in the Champion Chase, he should take all the beating in this final jumps Grade 1 of the season. 
He is the highest rated 2-mile chaser in Ireland and UK. Potentially excellent value at 10/11 with race sponsors Bet365.
Jonbon
The JP McManus owned 8-year-old is in cracking form having recently won the Grade 1 Melling Chase at Aintree, beating Conflated and Protektorat by three lengths.
The question is whether this indication of recent match fitness is going to be a threat to El Fabiolo. Best odds of 5/2 with William Hill and Boylesports.
Gaelic Warrior
The Willie Mullins second string could be the surprise package in this hot contest. He won The Arkle in great style last time out and could improve further to trouble the market leaders. Best odds of 9/2 with race sponsors Bet365.
Edwardstone
The Alan King trained Arkle winner from 2022 comes into this with a dramatic improvement of fortune but he ran very poorly in the Champion Chase. Each way chances if back to his best. Bets odds of 6/1 with William Hill.
The Bet365 Gold Cup, 1535 Sandown
Kitty’s Light
Comes into this after a brilliant performance in the Grand National, finishing fifth behind some classy performers including Delta Work, Minella Indo and I Am Maximus. 
Holds course and distance form having won this renewal last year. Represents a worthy favourite at 7/2 best with Bet365.
Threeunderthrufive
The handicapper may have caught up with this Paul Nicholls trained stayer although his form is solid. It is a big ask to carry this weight over 3 miles 6 furlongs and better value is needed. 7/1 best odds with Bet365.
Nick Rockett
Willie Mullins has a couple of entries in order to boost his British Trainers Championship bid and Nick Rockett appears to be the best of them. He has been running well over heavy going including a 5 length fourth to classy Corbett’s Cross. Holds good each way claims. Best odds of 9/1 with William Hill.
Le Milos
Representing the Skeltons yard, Le Milos has not won since his Coral Gold Cup triumph back in autumn 2022. However, he does hold a win over this course at 3 miles. Needs to improve to figure here. Best odds 9/1 with Bet365.
SELECTIONS
The Bet365 Oaksey Chase, 1425 Sandown: AHOY SENOR WIN - bet365
The Bet365 Celebration Chase, 1500 Sandown: EL FABIOLO WIN - bet365
The Bet365 Gold Cup, 1535 Sandown: NICK ROCKETT WIN - bet365
Please note all odds are correct at the time of publishing (3pm 25th April 2024) and are subject to change.
Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply
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