We look at which horses Oddschecker users have been backing for the Cheltenham Festival in March
Getabird - 11.92% of all Cheltenham ante-post bets
Perhaps the stand out performance of the weekend, Willie Mullins’ six-year-old shot to the top of the Supreme market after accounting for the much-fancied Mengli Khan in taking fashion at Punchestown on Saturday. Given a canny ride from Patrick Mullins, the pair set a decent tempo from the front before showing a useful turn of foot to pull clear and win by an impressive nine lengths. Indeed connections were pleased enough with his jockey saying after the race: “"I was a bit worried when we turned out of the back that we hadn't gone fast enough, but the gears he's shown from the back of the second-last, he didn't have those when I rode him as a bumper horse. "That performance was better than I was expecting, to be honest. He jumped fantastic - he was rapid - and I'd say he has lots of options now." Punters and bookies certainly agreed with Mullins’ assessment with the Rich Ricci horse now clear 5/2 favourite for the opening race of the Festival (best price 7/2).
Impressive! Getabird scoots to victory in the Grade 2 Sky Bet Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle at @punchestownrace: pic.twitter.com/oa8ow98hOF
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) January 13, 2018
Finian’s Oscar – 6%
Not in action this weekend but still popular with ante-post punters, Colin Tizzard’s smart novice hurdler from last season continues to attract interest in the Stayers Hurdle after connections revealed they will be reverting back to hurdles after a couple of disappointing efforts over fences on his last two starts. 16/1 this time last week, the strong support as seen some bookies go just 8/1 for the 3 mile contest with 12’s the best on offer.
Waiting Patiently – 3.85%
Now five from five over fences, Malcom Jefferson’s seven-year-old took the step-up in class in his stride by bounding clear of the field in Saturday’s Listed Chase at Kempton. A winner over 2m and 2m4f, he’s proven he has the deadly combination of speed and stamina on a variety of underfoot conditions. The Ascot Chase is next on the agenda for the exciting chaser and he’s as short as 8/1 for the premier 2m contest at the Festival, and as short as 6/1 for the Ryanair over half a mile further.
Five out of five for Waiting Patiently as he wins the 32Red Casino Chase @kemptonparkrace pic.twitter.com/dgg2RqgZ38
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) January 13, 2018
Sharjah – 3.72%
Another exciting Willie Mullins/Rich Ricci Novice, he’s been popular in the Supreme market despite the fact his stablemate Getabird was so impressive this weekend. A faller at the last with a Grade 1 at his mercy over the Festive period, it looks like punters may be hedging their bets with the vibes before Saturday’s performance indicating Getabird was likely to be stepped up in trip at Prestbury Park in March. If that was to prove the case, then Sharjah looks like Mullins’ next best and his odds of 10/1 will soon disappear.
Barters Hill – 2.6%
Not seen since being pulled-up in a Novice Chase at Cheltenham in November 2016, Ben Pauling’s prolific eight-year-old had previously put together a fine record of seven wins from eight starts including wins over the likes of Champion Hurdle winner Buveur D’Air and Tingle Creek champion Politologue. It will take some training performance to have him back at that level but that hasn’t stopped Oddschecker punters backing him for the Coral Cup for which he is best price 16/1.
