Cheltenham Festival 2022: The 5 most backed horses for next year's Festival

APPRECIATE IT put in a scintillating display in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, bolting up by 24 lengths. Punters were quick to get their money down on the seven-year-old for next year’s Arkle, as he looks set to go novice chasing.

Backers think he will stay over two miles and will relish going over fences next season. Willie Mullins’ star has taken 50% of bets in the market in the last week and is currently available to back at 4/1.

Despite his 6/4 price tag, punters are not being put off getting involved in SHISHKIN for the Champion Chase next year. He won the Arkle effortlessly last week, jumping brilliantly and cruising past his rivals, hardly having to come out of second gear.

Given that Chacun Pour Soi was turned over this year, even at this stage, it’s hard to see who could put it up to Shishkin should he turn up. 64% of bets in the market have been placed on Nicky Henderson’s superstar since the Arkle took place last Tuesday.

BOB OLINGER showed his devastating turn of foot when cruising past two well fancied rivals to land the Ballymore with ease. His only defeat so far this season came at the hands of Ferny Hollow on his hurdling debut, so it’s no surprise to see punters already looking ahead to 2022 to try and back the rising star.

The Marsh Novices’ Chase is proving the most popular bet with punters as to where he will end up, although a range of options remain available to him. Currently the 5/1 favourite, he’s taken a whopping 70% of all bets in the market in the last seven days.

MONKFISH is by far the most popular bet for the 2022 Gold Cup, taking 51% of bets since Wednesday. Even though he was a bit sketchy at his fences in the three mile novice chase, he still won cosily. Envoi Allen falling in the Marsh has meant he’s less popular and still around the 8/1 mark. Monkfish is half that price at 4/1, with punters of the belief he is made for the Gold Cup and can take it in his stride next year.

With the exception of Appreciate It - set to run but in the Champion Hurdle - and Monkfish, ruled out of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 with a tendon injury, these five most backed horses have firmly stood the test of time over the last 12 months. 

How many of these did you back just over a year ago? And does the Sir Gerhard, Shishkin and Bob Olinger treble still take your fancy at a best price still a shade longer than 10/1.