We take a look at the movements in the Cheltenham ante-post markets after the weekend’s racing.
Gordon Elliott’s four year-old sparked a flurry of bets for the Champion Bumper when winning at Fairyhouse yesterday. Envoi Allen returned from a 301-day break to win with ease in Ireland. Near the backend of November he could have been backed at 33/1 for the Champion Bumper, but that price has long gone. One bookie has slashed the odds to short as 7/1.
Envoi Allen has accounted for 56% of bets for the Bumper, with much fancied Malone Road taking 29% of bets before Gordon Elliott announced he could miss the race with injury.
BUVEUR D’AIR – Champion Hurdle
The duel Cheltenham winner took on a handful of promising youngsters this weekend in Newcastle, and despite crashing into a couple, managed to blow them all away. Henderson’s horse was already well fancied for the Champion Hurdle. However, since winning in the north, 18 bookies have slashed the odds on another Cheltenham win. On Saturday morning, you could have backed Buveur D’Air at 5/2 for Champion Hurdle success, the best price is now even money.
Since winning on Saturday, the even year-old has accounted for 60% of bets in the Champion Hurdle market, with Samcro only taking 15% of punts.
Santini blew away a strong field at Newbury this weekend following a 232-day break from the track. Nicky Henderson’s horse caused quite a stir on social media with the performance. Pre-race 6/1 was still available for the RSA Chase, this morning the best price on Oddschecker is 4/1, placing him clear favourite.
56% of bets on the RSA Chase since Santini’s win on Saturday have been on the Henderson horse, with 32% going on Delta Work, who won on Sunday.
CHAMP – Ballymore Novices' Hurdle
Champ was a big market mover over the weekend, the Nicky Henderson horse was cut from 33/1 to as short as 8/1 for the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle following a testing win at Newbury.
Punters were impressed by the outing, with 70% of bets for the Ballymore going on Champ. That puts him some way ahead of Commander Of Fleet, who attracted 12% of bets this weekend.
POSH TRISH – Mares’ Novice Hurdle
If punters are quick they can still get 33/1 on Posh Trish winning the Mares’ Novice Hurdle at Cheltenham. Despite an impressive victory at the weekend, one bookie stands out at 33/1, with others going as short as 12/1.
Paul Nicholls’ horse attracted 43% of bets for the Mares’ Novice Hurdle since winning at Newbury, second in the market behind Epatante.
