With the exception of Altior, the potential bankers at this year’s Cheltenham Festival are not as clear cut as in previous years. At the time of writing, very few short priced favourites are evident in the markets, which makes finding those Cheltenham banker bets, those horses we deem to be guaranteed to cross the line in front, all the more difficult to pinpoint!
Nevertheless, we have found three horses worthy of the name Cheltenham banker although as mentioned, this year could see some extra value on the price tags than usual. But take nothing away. These are good horses who, based on the soundbites of the connections, are expected to win.
The first on our list is the most obvious and talked about banker of the week. Altior is aiming for a second straight Queen Mother Champion Chase victory and there appears to be nothing out there to put the Seven Barrows party on ice..
ALTIOR
We assessed Altior’s chances in our Champion Chase preview earlier this month. He hasn’t put a foot wrong all season and considering he won last year with an imperfect round and clearly didn’t enjoy himself that day, this can go no other way providing Altior gets a clear round.
Price wise, the only 4/9 remaining is currently with Betfair and this could even be chipped at in the coming days.
TOP OF THE GAME
This is another of Paul Nicholls’ rising stars who looks like a solid banker bet for the RSA Chase. He’s improving with every race and was unlucky to get be touched off by La Bague Au Roi in the Kauto Star Novices Chase at Kempton over Christmas.
He looks sure to improve further and his Cheltenham credentials are certainly established after his County Hurdle second under 11.9 last season. Best priced now at 7/2 (Betfair, Paddy Power)
BATTLEOVERDOYEN
Unbeaten this season, the Gordon Elliot trained novice hurdler looks near certain to take his place in the Ballymore Novices Hurdle on Wednesday rather than the Albert Bartlett. He runs in a similar style to Samcro and his race preparation has been similar.
A big horse with a long term chasing career beckoning, he should relish this stamina test and shouldn’t find the uphill finish too demanding based on the way he kept on in his last Grade 1 victory at Naas.
The horse is being well backed and I fancy him strongly to turn over current favourite Champ.
Best priced at 4/1 to Betfair and Unibet
RECAP
ALTIOR: CHAMPION CHASE, 4/9, BETFAIR
TOP OF THE GAME: RSA CHASE, 7/2, BETFAIR, PADDY POWER
BATTLEOVERDOYEN: BALLYMORE NOVICES HURDLE, 4/1, BETFAIR, UNIBET
USEFUL INFORMATION - HOW TO BET!
WHAT ARE THE BEST BETTING OFFERS FOR CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 2019?
If you like a betting offer then you'll love the Cheltenham Festival. The four day spectacular is a great time for making the most of your betting. Our comprehensive article on the latest and best Cheltenham Festival 2019 Betting Offers has everything you need to know! Check it out!
Best priced odds. All odds are correct at the time of publishing (12:00 10th March 2019) and are subject to change.
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