It seems strange to think that the two most successful jockeys of the last several years may not be taking any part at this year’s Cheltenham Festival.
One of those esteemed personalities is of course Ruby Walsh who announced his retirement last year and will be part of the ITV Racing coverage team.
The other being Richard Johnson who faces a battle against time to recover from a broken arm in time for the first day of The Festival on March 10th. So who will fill the gap? We’ll take a look at the Top Jockey at The Cheltenham Festival betting markets and see where the value lies.
The Top Trainers title for The Cheltenham Festival will be doubtlessly dominated by the twin pronged attack from Ireland in the shape of Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliot although Paul Nicholls and Nicky Henderson will be competing hard.
Both trainers are sending some of the best teams they’ve assembled in recent years with the likes of Clan Des Obeaux, Champ, Epatante, Frodon and Altior hoping to bring some home glory in the battle for The Prestbury Cup.
TOP JOCKEY MARKETS
Paul Townend has replaced Ruby Walsh as the first choice jockey for Willie Mullins and it’s no surprise to see him leading this market.
Paul Townend 15/8 (William Hill)
Davy Russell 3/1 (William Hill, Coral)
Barry Geraghty 6/1 (Coral)
Rachel Blackmore 11/2 (Coral)
Nico De Boinville 10/1 (William Hill)
Robbie Power 14/1 (Coral)
TOP TRAINER MARKETS
Mullins and Elliot practically share joint favouritism and this will be an intriguing contest throughout the week. Highly likely to go to one of these so betting on both of these seems a shrewd option!
Willie Mullins 7/4 (William Hill)
Gordon Elliot 2/1 (William Hill)
Nicky Henderson 4/1 (William Hill)
Henry De Bromhead 7/1 (William Hill)
Colin Tizzard 33/1
Paul Nicholls 33/1
Can Paul Townend emulate Ruby Walsh?
The punters certainly think so. Paul Townend has been by far the best backed for top jockey at The Cheltenham Festival. Based on the quality of his upcoming rides for trainer Willie Mullins, this is not surprising at all.
The mare Benie Des Dieux looks set for victory in The Mares Hurdle on Day One (8/11 Paddy Power NRNB), whilst Chacun Pour Soi would stand a decent chance if he can improve against the likes of Altior and Defi Du Seuil in The Champion Chase on Day Two (11/4 Betfair, Unibet). 
In addition, Townend will be reunited with Al Boum Photo in a bid to regain his Cheltenham Gold Cup crown on Day 4 (4/1 Coral, Betfred NRNB).
Allaho is another live contender for The RSA Chase on Day 2 (10/1 Betfair, William Hill). His last run at Fairyhouse was an eased down comfortable 21 lengths win of which he should come on for. However, Champ and Minella Indo offer some tough opposition.
Min stands a great chance in The Ryanair Chase (4/1 Betfair Exchange) now that he won’t have to take on Altior whilst Monkfish has solid claims at 8/1 (Coral) for The Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle on the Friday.
All this makes for an enviable set of rides for the County Cork rider.
Willie Mullins vs Gordon Elliot
A titanic battle between the two leading Irish NH trainers is certainly on the agenda. One thing is for sure, the top trainer title at The Cheltenham Festival surely has to go to one of them.
Best Willie Mullins Chances
Most of those have been highlighted above in the Paul Townend section. However, a few more can be added here.
Asterion Forlonge
Asterion Forlonge looks an exciting prospect although as is most often the case with Willie Mullins entries, it’s difficult to predict which race he will end up in.
The unbeaten 6 year old is entered for The Supreme Novices (11/2 Bet 365 NRNB) and Ballymore Hurdle (8/1 William Hill) but looks good for holding his unbeaten record.
Faugheen
The veteran hurdler has been completely rejuvenated through a career change over the bigger obstacles and the impact on Irish racing has been naturally heartfelt and enjoyed. However, on a more serious note, the 12 year old certainly holds live claims with his most likely destination, The Marsh Novices Chase (8/1 Betfair, William Hill).
Best Gordon Elliot Chances
Envoi Allen
The darling of the Gordon Elliott yard, Envoi Allen, has taken very well to hurdles and established himself as a major contender for the Ballymore Hurdle (Evens Bet 365, Bet Victor, Paddy Power NRNB) although a tilt at The Supreme Novices Hurdle (2/1 Bet 365, Bet Victor NRNB) has not been ruled out.
Abracadabras
This speedy type hasn’t been seen out since his Leopardstown win at the end of December. The Supreme Novices Hurdle (5/1 Bet Victor NRNB) is the natural fit for this rising star and is easily the biggest danger to Shishkin.
Delta Work
Possibly the biggest improver from the Elliott yard this year and represents the County Meath trainer’s best chance of Gold Cup (11/2 Bet Victor NRNB) glory since Don Cossack in 2016. 
His latest win in the Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown earlier this month, beating the likes of Kemboy and Presenting Percy, sets him up nicely to take on Santini, Clan Des Obeaux and Native River on March 13th.
MORE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL!
- How To Bet on the Cheltenham Festival!
- How To Bet on Horse Racing!
- How To Win at Cheltenham Festival!
- Cheltenham Festival 2020 Betting Offers!
- Cheltenham Festival 2020 Events Page!
Please note all odds are correct at the time of publishing (18:30 18th February 2020) and are subject to change.
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