With the new National Hunt season now in full swing, we take a look at the ante post betting markets for the big autumn races and Cheltenham Festival 2027 championship races, The Champion Hurdle, The Champion Chase, and The Cheltenham Gold Cup.
We check out the best value ante post bets at this early stage with help from our partner firms, Bet365, William Hill, Betfred, Bet Victor and Boylesports.
The Big Autumn Races
The Betfair Chase, Haydock, Saturday 21st November
The first Grade One staying chase of the season and although never a great pointer for defining the Cheltenham Gold Cup market due to the lack of significant Irish entries, it is always a fascinating race, at least in determining the chief British challenge.
Haydock specialist Grey Dawning rightfully leads the market and based on potential opposition, this should be a formality for the Dan Skelton trained charge, especially as Harry Skelton is riding out of his skin presently.
Haiti Couleurs should not be written off despite falling significantly short in Grade One company last season whilst gutsy Iroko stays all day and persevered well in the Graduation Chase over 2m 5f here last year.
Caldwell Potter, former impressive Cheltenham Festival winner for trainer Paul Nicholls is back from being on the sidelines and is clearly the dark horse to keep an eye on.
Latest Odds
Grey Dawning 8/11 (William Hill)
Salver 13/2 (Bet365)
Iroko 8/1 (William Hill)
The Big Westerner (Bet365, William Hill)
L’Homme Presse 14/1 (Bet365, William Hill)
Caldwell Potter 20/1 (Bet365, William Hill)
Haiti Couleurs 25/1 (Bet365, William Hill)
The King George VI Chase, Kempton, Boxing Day
The big Christmas Grade One chase features a hot Willie Mullins trained favourite in the shape of Kitzbuhel who is shaping up to be another Closutton superstar. He was exceptionally impressive in last year’s Kauto Star Novices Chase and followed up with Grade One Cheltenham Festival success in the Brown Advisory.
Gaelic Warrior is getting quotes from firms, but I would be surprised if Mullins runs both of these juggernauts. The exciting Lulamba always performs well in the winter, whilst Jango Baie and last year’s hero The Jukebox Man will add to make this another fascinating contest.
Latest Odds
Kitzbuhel 3/1 (Bet365, William Hill, Betfred, Bet Victor, Boylesports)
Gaelic Warrior 5/1 (Bet365)
Lulamba 5/1 (William Hill)
Romeo Coolio 10/1 (William Hill, Betfred, Bet Victor, Boylesports)
Koktail Divin 16/1 (Bet365, Bet Victor)
The Cheltenham Festival, March 2027
The Champion Hurdle
Lossiemouth remains the survivor of a brilliant generation of hurdlers. With Constitution Hill now on an entirely different destiny projectile, State Man retired and Sir Gino sadly lost through injury, the Willie Mullins trained mare sits proud at the top of the Champion Hurdle betting lists for Cheltenham Festival 2027.
It is difficult to see where the challenger may come from. Mydaddypaddy will need to improve dramatically after his third behind Old Park Star in what was a relatively weak renewal of the Supreme Novices Hurdle whilst Kopek Des Bordes is firmly on the chasing side of things. King Rasko Grey is more than likely to be entered for stiffer tests of stamina but could be an interesting alternative if reduced in trip.
Latest Odds
Lossiemouth 6/4 (Betfred, Boylesports)
Mydaddypaddy 8/1 (William Hill)
Kopek Des Bordes 20/1 (Bet365)
Idaho Sun 20/1 (Betfred, Boylesports)
King Rasko Grey 20/1 (Bet365)
The Champion Chase
A Willie Mullins dominated market with the Closutton handler holding the first three aces in the pack in terms of betting. Il Etait Temps is a justified favourite after his triumph last year, demonstrating his excellent versatility over trip or course. Kopek Des Bordes and Kargese will be looking to progress within the senior ranks after their Arkle antics last year.
2025 champion Marine Nationale will be looking to bounce back after falling short last season whilst the unpredictable Majborough has burnt one hand too many with his hairy jumping although he remains a formidable talent if he gets round unscathed.
Latest Odds
Il Etait Temps 3/1 (William Hill, Betfred)
Kopek Des Bordes 4/1 (William Hill, Boylesports)
Kargese 8/1 (William Hill, Betfred, Bet Victor, Boylesports)
Marine Nationale 14/1 (Bet365, Betfred)
Majborough 25/1 (Bet365)
The Cheltenham Gold Cup
Gaelic Warrior remains the top staying chaser in Ireland and Britain after his devastating success in last year’s renewal. However, a lot of this was down to a brilliantly timed ride from pilot Paul Townend and if Kitzbuhel lives up to his exciting potential in senior company, a difficult conundrum may be in store for the champion Irish jockey.
The King George will tell us a lot more as Lulamba, Jango Baie and possibly Final Demand will be given intriguing tests in what looks set to be another exciting season in the blue riband division of chasing.
Latest Odds
Gaelic Warrior 2/1 (Bet Victor)
Jango Baie 10/1 (Bet365, William Hill, Boylesports)
Final Demand 16/1 (Bet365, Bet Victor)
Lulamba 20/1 (Bet365, Boylesports)
Kitzbuhel 20/1 (Bet365, Bet Victor)
Min deposit requirement. Registration Required. 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
Click to Claim
