Rumours are growing that one of Nicky Henderson's stars will miss Cheltenham.
Previous RSA Chase favourite Santini has drifted from 11/4 out to 4/1 today amidst rumours that he will miss next week’s Cheltenham Festival.
If the rumours are true then 29% of bets on the RSA Chase will be void, with Santini the most backed in that race since markets opened.
Seen as a leading hope for Nicky Henderson, the seven-year-old was third in last year’s Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle and had been heavily backed to get a first festival win this year.
While a portion of punters will be covered by ‘Non-Runner No Bet’ offers more recently, much of the early money will fall victim.
This comes just hours after another hopeful, Vinndication, was confirmed as a non-runner. As a result, punters are already flocking to alternatives in the market.
Gordon Elliott’s Delta Work, now 5/2 favourite, has attracted three times more bets than the second most backed runner in the market in the last 24 hours with 49%.
Oddschecker spokesperson George Elek: “Santini looks set to disappoint Cheltenham punters for a second year running as last year's beaten Albert Bartlett favourite appears to be a possible late withdrawal from the festival.
“Gordon Elliott's Delta Work now becomes the leading RSA contender which will be music to the ears of those backing the Irishman to claim consecutive top trainer titles.”
