(3.2 minutes read)

With just a few weeks remaining to The 2021 Cheltenham Festival, most punters likely have their eyes firmly focused on which horses land the big Grade 1’s and competitive handicaps.


However, The Festival also has a significant impact brought about by the men and women who train and ride these magnificent creatures and they often surface as somewhat less unpredictable betting opportunities than their equine servants!

We will take a look at the latest Cheltenham betting markets for top trainers and jockeys and single out any tempting special offers from our partner firms. First though to the trainers and no one can deny that the Skelton team have had a sensational season to date, especially in the handicap division.

THE TRAINERS

DAN SKELTON

The Alcester based outfit have really taken the National Hunt season by the scruff of the neck. The Skeltons have been finding the net on a regular basis this season in the handicaps, demonstrating a great consistency for getting their horses right for the key occasion.


However, they also have several useful graded performers especially Allmankind and Roksana who have viable claims of thwarting the formidable Irish challenge.

Allmankind has a great each way chance in the Arkle (8/1 Bet Victor NRNB) whilst Roksana holds entries for the Mares Hurdle (6/1 Betfred) and The Stayers Hurdle (14/1 William Hill).

Of the handicappers, Bennys King and Alnadam look the most useful prospects. Alnadam has impressed with 2 classy wins at Sandown this season and is available at 25/1 for The Paddy Power Plate on Day 3. 

NICKY HENDERSON

I think Nicky Henderson will be booked for a lot of places in this year’s Festival as although he has a formidable team to bring to the table, his key entries all have tough races against what he himself admitted is a “frightening” Irish challenge.

The Arkle looked a forgone conclusion last November for Shishkin (10/11 Betfair, Bet Victor NRNB) , however, Energumene (5/2 Betfair NRNB) has emerged as a very serious danger after an impressive performance at the recent Dublin Festival at Leopardstown.


Epatante (11/4 Betfair, Boylesports NRNB) has slight doubts for retaining her Champion Hurdle crown after her latest defeat at Kempton and has subsequently been leapfrogged for favouritism by the unbeaten Honeysuckle (5/2 bet365, William Hill).

Buveur D’Air could be an outside surprise if bounces back to form (20/1 Betfair, Paddy Power NRNB).

Santini will need to improve considerably to emulate his brilliant second to Al Boum Photo in last year’s renewal of The Gold Cup. 14/1 (Betfair, Paddy Power NRNB) is a fair reflection of his chances this year.

Last year’s RSA winner Champ has firmly landed himself in the Gold Cup picture after a brilliant belated seasonal reappearance in the weekend’s Game Spirit chase where he made the running over the 2-mile distance to run a good second to Sceau Royal. He will definitely come on for that run and now finds himself second favourite at 13/2 (bet365).

PAUL NICHOLLS

The Ditcheat handler will be just as surprised as everybody else to find the enigmatic Frodon emerging as his chief hope for The Cheltenham Gold Cup.

The 2019 Ryanair Chase winner entered the fray after his stunning win in the King George although some ante post wagers were probably placed after his top weight handicap win at Cheltenham back in October which was arguably more impressive. 16/1 (bet365) still available for the Bryony Frost partnered charge.

McFabulous has performed well this season and is entered for The Stayers Hurdle (20/1 bet365) but looks more likely to head to Aintree.

The big hope for the yard at least in listed company lies with the hugely talented Bravemansgame who is on full steam for The Ballymore Novices Hurdle and is available at 4/1 with Bet Victor with NRNB.

WILLIE MULLINS

The Irish heavyweight handler is bringing a wealth of talent as usual to the four day meeting and after the performances witnessed at the recent Dublin Leopardstown Festival, there is a general feeling that the British trainers may be fighting for the scraps that the County Carlow trainer leaves behind.


Chacun Pour Soi looks near unbeatable in The Champion Chase (10/11 best William Hill) whilst Monkfish’s most likely destination will be The Cheltenham Brown Advisory Novices' Chase where he looks a hot prospect at 5/6 best with bet365.

Al Boum Photo is on course also to emulate Arkle and Best Mate for the Gold Cup hat-trick (3/1 bet365, William Hill).

Mullins also leads the Festival Top Trainer at 1/3 with Betfair, with his closest rival Gordon Elliott best available at 7/2 (Betfair).

GORDON ELLIOTT

I am not sure if Gordon Elliott has assembled a team quite as good as seen in recent years, with only 2 who could be considered clad iron certainties.


Envoi Allen is of course the flagship pride and joy of the County Meath set-up and based on his almost faultless season so far, will take all the beating in The Marsh Novices Chase where he is a warm order at 5/6 (bet365).

The Triumph Hurdle also looks a strong possibility as Zanahyr has gone from strength to strength this season and could be outstanding value at 5/2 (bet365).

THE JOCKEYS

Paul Townend has the unenviable task of carrying the weight of the Mullins’ juggernauts on his shoulders. Not surprisingly he finds himself at the top of the top jockeys Cheltenham market at 1/3 (Betfair).


If any firms are doing each way on this market, it is well worth considering this for Harry Skelton at 16/1 (Betfair) who rides for a stable which has had a prolific season and could land a few in the handicaps as well as a great chance in Allmankind in The Arkle (8/1 William Hill, Betfred, Boylesports).

Recommended Cheltenham Festival 2021 Betting Offers

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