Day 1 of the Cheltenham Festival is here, let's take a look at the three most backed bets today.
The Cheltenham Festival is finally here, and as always, punters have been busy placing their bets ahead of the opening day's action.
With several high-class races on the card, three standout horses have dominated the markets today.
Tango Bet
Most Backed: Constitution Hill – Champion Hurdle (16:00)
Unbeaten in 10 career starts, Constitution Hill (7/10) has been the dominant force in the hurdling division and heads to Cheltenham looking to solidify his legacy.
His emphatic nine-length victory over State Man in last year’s Champion Hurdle remains one of the most stunning performances in recent Festival history.
Despite some disruptions to his season, he has returned with victories at Kempton and Cheltenham, reaffirming his status as the one to beat.
Some have questioned whether he can still match his impressive 175 rating, but if he produces anything close to his best, he will be extremely difficult to stop.
With 62% of all bets placed on the Champion Hurdle market going his way, punters remain confident that he will extend his unbeaten record and retain his crown.
You can back Constitution Hill at a best price of 7/10 with AKBets here.
Second Most Backed: Lossiemouth – Mares’ Hurdle (15:20)
Lossiemouth (3/4) has developed a reputation as a Festival specialist, boasting an unbeaten record at Cheltenham.
She claimed the Triumph Hurdle in 2023 before securing victory in last year’s Mares’ Hurdle.
Though she suffered a heavy fall in the Irish Champion Hurdle, her class remains unquestionable, and her proven ability to deliver on the big stage makes her the one to beat.
Trainer Willie Mullins has won this race 10 times in the last 17 years, and punters believe Lossiemouth will add to that tally.
She has received 51% bets for the Mares’ Hurdle, making her the second most popular selection on Day 1.
You can back Lossiemouth at a best price of 3/4 here.
Third Most Backed: Kopek Des Bordes – Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (13:20)
The opening race of the Festival has also seen strong support for Kopek Des Bordes (1/1), the standout novice hurdler this season.
The unbeaten five-year-old delivered a breathtaking Grade 1 victory at Leopardstown, surging 13 lengths clear of his rivals.
With a Timeform rating of 154, higher than last year’s Supreme winner, he has emerged as the top novice of the campaign.
Despite concerns over how he will handle Cheltenham’s atmosphere, his dominance in previous races suggests he could be something special.
Punters have certainly taken notice, with 54% of bets in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle market backing him to win.
You can back Kopek Des Bordes at a best price of 1/1 here.
