22nd Mar 2011 | Cheltenham Festival
Cheltenham Festival Round Up
The highlight of the National Hunt season delivered one of the best festivals in years. Here are our highlights.
With glorious weather and even better racing this year’s Cheltenham Festival was one of the best in years. Here we run through some of the highlights.
Al Ferof – Supreme Novices’ Hurdle
A cracking race that marked the return of Ruby Walsh; winning on his first ride at the festival. Considering he was still in a cast for a broken leg a month before Cheltenham it shows the bravery and talent of the man. He rightly finished the festival as leading jockey.
Al Ferof is 10/1 favourite for the 2012 Arkle.
Hurricane Fly – Champion Hurdle
A race that was sadly missing Binocular still served up a treat. Irish champion, Hurricane Fly finally turned up to Cheltenham in one piece and showed us all his wondrous talent. Pushed all the way by the unbeaten Peddlers Cross, it was a hot race regardless of what went on before.
Hurricane Fly is 4/1 favourite for the 2012 Champion Hurdle
Big Buck’s – World Hurdle
The emergence of Grands Crus meant the race wasn’t the penalty kick everyone expected. At last Big Buck’s had some credible challengers. With two furlongs to go they lined up and had a shot at him but none got by. Ruby Walsh could even afford to drop his whip two out but his steed kept on going. Big Buck’s might never win by a wide margin, but he always wins. A true star.
Big Bucks is 13/8 favourite for the 2012 World Hurdle
The Entire Race – Gold Cup
As Denman and Kauto Star rounded the bend together it was the race we had waited for so many years. What they couldn’t cope with was the turn of pace of six year old Long Run. They all jumped the last together but the young legs took the King George winner and his amateur jockey away from the old champions. It’s not often three horses can leave as winners.
Long Run is 3/1 favourite for the 2012 Gold Cup
Betting Bias National Hunt Tipster
Our Cheltenham Festival tipster could do no wrong with every selection giving us a run of our money. His overall record read: 2234151812.
Including winners: Bostons Angel 16/1, Albertas Run 12/1 and Zarkandar 7/1.
Total Staked: 6.5 points
Profit: 15.75 points
ROI: 242%
Odds correct at time of publishing: 09:22 22nd Mar, 2011 but subject to change
