(3.5 minutes read)
With the busy Christmas fixture list out the way, trainers and connections are now looking forward and planning for The Cheltenham Festival which is just less that ten weeks away!
We take this early opportunity to explore the Cheltenham antepost markets for the best value outsider championship race antepost bets.
Our partner firm William Hill is now offering NRNB (Non-Runner No Bet) for all Cheltenham Festival races so we will check out the best value bets from their markets.
We will also be giving our four Cheltenham tips for an outsider each way Lucky 15 Non-Runner No Bet accumulator!
Along with William Hill, Bet365 are also now offering NRNB on the championship races.
Let us take a look at the markets for the big championship races! Are you ready for The Cheltenham Roar??
THE CHAMPION HURDLE
For the second year running, the market for The Champion Hurdle is dominated by the presence of Constitution Hill who bids to retain his title.
Judging by his customary effortless performance in The Christmas Hurdle at Kempton, it will take a miracle of biblical proportions for the Nicky Henderson charge to be beaten. William Hill and Bet365 offer 1/5 for NRNB, 1/3 with antepost rules with Bet Victor, Betfred and Boylesports.
Each Way Value
Nothing obvious comes immediately to mind in terms of value. Impaire Et Passe at 10/1 with bet365 and Boylesports looks attractive and if he makes it to Cheltenham, that may well be a decent price.
However, the value is still there for Rubaud at 66/1 with bet365. There is more to come from this useful Paul Nicholls trained hurdler and his 10 length second to Constitution Hill has not done his formbook CV any harm. 50/1 with William Hill for NRNB.
THE CHAMPION CHASE
A lot will be clearer once we know the outcome of the rescheduled Grade 1 Clarence House Chase taking place at Cheltenham this Saturday. The two market leaders El Fabiolo and Jonbon would have met at the cancelled Ascot meeting, however, we will only get to see Jonbon at Cheltenham this Saturday. El Fabiolo will be next seen out at the Punchestown meeting on 4th February. El Fabiolo is currently evens with Bet365 whilst Jonbon trades at 11/4 best with Bet365.
Each Way Value
Plenty of big prices outside the front two in the market. Editeur Du Gite is always a risky proposition as he either surprises or bitterly disappoints. On the back of his second Desert Orchid Chase win at Kempton over Christmas, the 33/1 offer (Bet365, Bet Victor, Betfred, Boylesports) looks a good each way value bet at this stage. 25/1 with William Hill for NRNB.
THE RYANAIR CHASE
Lots of question marks surrounding the market leaders. Allaho clings onto favouritism at 5/2 (Bet365, Betfred and Boylesports) although his King George performance was far from convincing.
However, the Ryanair trip suits Allaho enormously. Stage Star loves Cheltenham and despite his latest run at HQ where he pulled up on unsuitable ground, giving weight away all round, the 7/1 (bet365) seems ok value.
However, the best bet for The Champion Chase has to be Envoi Allen, last year’s winner who looked very convincing finishing a close second behind Gerri Colombe in the Down Royal Champion Chase last November: 9/1 (or 6/1 NRNB) with Bet365.
Each Way Value
An interesting option may be a few each way pennies on Jonbon who trades at 10/1 with Bet Victor, Betfred and Boylesports. Again, this depends on the outcome of the Clarence House Chase at Cheltenham on Saturday. If connections feel that the Nicky Henderson charge needs a greater test of stamina, the Ryanair may be an option.
THE STAYERS HURDLE
An open market with several vying for favouritism. Theleme (4/1 Bet365, Bet Victor, Boylesports)) and Teahupoo (4/1 Bet365, Betfred, Boylesports) are joint favourites whilst last year’s winner Sire Du Berlais trades at a tempting 16/1 with William Hill NRNB.
Each Way Value
As mentioned, Sire Du Berlais certainly stands out at 16/1 (William Hill NRNB). However, the dark horse for me is Blazing Khal who was very much a stayer’s hurdle contender at last year’s renewal.
His 11-length defeat was too bad to be true in that race. He has not been seen so far this season and it may be the case that he goes straight to Cheltenham as he does run well fresh. 16/1 with Bet365 NRNB looks the best each way bet for me.
THE CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP
More question marks on these contenders than any other race taking place during the Festival. That is with the exception of Galopin Des Champs who ran a stunning race in the Grade 1 Savills Chase over Christmas, obliterating a quality field including the likes of Gerri Colombe, Appreciate It and I Am Maximus.
It is the Grade 1 staying performance of the season and puts the Willie Mullins trained superstar on course for a second Cheltenham Gold Cup. Best priced at 6/5 with Bet365.
Each Way Value
Bravemansgame at 20/1 with William Hill NRNB has to be each way steal of the week. True, he has come up a little short on his three starts so far but he has nevertheless stayed. We know he stays the Gold Cup distance. 20/1 is a massive price and will be single figures on the day.
Best Bets Each Way Lucky 15
These are our four selections for a William Hill NRNB Each Way Lucky 15!
Envoi Allen, The Ryanair Chase
Bravemansgame, The Cheltenham Gold Cup
Sire Du Berlais, The Stayers Hurdle
Editeur Du Gite, The Champion Chase
Please note all odds are correct at the time of publishing (4pm 21st January 2024) and are subject to change.
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