Cheltenham Festival 2015: Betting Tips!
by Constance Rigot | by Constance Rigot
Cheltenham Festival 2015
Cheltenham, one of the most prestigious horse-racing events of the year. From the 10th - 13th March 2015, no fewer than 27 races will rock approximately 60,000 spectators in the racket of the hottest Racecourse in the Kingdom. This festival also finds new opportunity for trained horses in Britain to challenge the Irish. Focus and tips on the most anticipated races.
Stan James Champion Hurdle
Tuesday 10 March - 13h20
Eight hurdles over a distance of 2 miles: Stan James Champion Hurdle is the featured race on the opening day of the festival.And all eyes will be on Faugheen, galloper gelding of seven-years unbeaten in eight outings. Favourite, Willie Mullins will have to fight with "Jezki", headlined last year, and also "The New One", third in the last edition, with 14 wins in 19 races. Keep an eye out for strong contender Hurricanes Fly, who finished top 3 in 2014.
Absolutely untouchable in his last outing at Kempton (about 100m ahead), still unbeaten, and perfectly conditioned to win, Faugheen will not collapse under pressure. Bet on Faugheen at odds of 11/10.
Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase
11 March 2015 at 15h20
With 12 fences over a distance of 2 miles, the Queen Mother Champion Chase is always the highlight of the festival. And even more so this year as the race promises to be indecisive. An impressive Champion at the Cheltenham in 2013 and winner of 10 of his last 12 races, "Sprinter Sacre" is a favorite.
However the problem was the 9 year old gelding was expected to head to the Sodexo Clarence House Chase earlier this year (5 runners, odds 1.4 / 1) and failed to take its place, beaten by Dodging Bullets. For this race, we prefer to look at the odds of Sire de Grugy, the defending champion! A horse that has not raced for 1 year but is a safe bet. The other contenders are "Champagne Fever (6)", "Dodging Bullets (6)" and "Mr Mole" (9) ».
Bet on Sire de Grugy at odds of 4.
Ladbrokes World Hurdle
12th March 2015 at 15h20
This is the third major event of the festival, but one of the longest hurdles race on the calendar, with nearly 3 miles! No less than 12 hurdles along the way and title contenders are numerous.
Three favorites emerge : « Annie Power » (5.5), second in 2014 and winner of 4 of his last 5 races, « Zardandar » (5.5), that remains on an explosive victory at Auteuil on 4000m (November 2014 and “Sapphire's Rheu "(5.5).
Yet it is to "Blue Fashion", an outsider, our tips turns too. The 6-year-old horse "More Of That" missed out on this year’s renewal, original favorite, to get a place in this prestigious race. It is precisely the same "More of That" which was beaten by Blue Fashion in late 2013. A result that says a lot about his potential…. And during his last outing in November 2014, he still won the 2nd place behind Faugheen, who became a great favorite with Stan James Champion Hurdle.
"Blue Fashion" is not estimated at a fair value for his first appearance in Cheltenham and odds of 17 should be attempted at Bet365! To support our tips, remember that the last 15 winners of this race had finished in the top two in their last outing and 4 of the last 8 winners ran for the first time... what you waiting for?
Gold Cup
13 March 2015, 15h20
Gold Cup is on the last day of this renowned festival taking place over a distance of 5300m (3 miles)! In the program, 22 obstacles and a promise of a fierce fight until the end.
Our choice this time for the favorite is Silviniaco Conti. Mounted by Noel Fehily, this 9 year old horse is in great shape: 4 wins in his last six appearances, including several high-profile races (Betfred Bowl, Betfair Chase, King George). He should be wary of French Djakadam, who won 3 of his last 4 races, but also "Many Clouds," "Road to Riches", "Holywell" amongst others ... This race has many horses that could win, but Silviniaco Conti has turned a corner in recent months and clearly stands out.
