Cheltenham 2020: Key races previewed ahead of upcoming festival

Unfortunately, Storm Ciara and other bouts of bad weather caused the cancellation of a handful of meetings at Exeter Racecourse recently, including a key trials day for Cheltenham. However, with the festival just days away, we have no more time to see horses in action: The main event is upon us. 

Below we have picked out six of the major races of the festival, looking at the movers and shakers in the betting markets, as well as the essential stories. 

1. The Gold Cup 

The biggest race of the festival takes place at 3.30 pm on Friday 13^th March. The favourite for the race is last year’s winner Al Boum Photo, who is given odds of 7/2 alongside the new sensation, Santini. Either would be a worthy winner of this race, but, in truth, around six or more horses will have a serious chance this year. Indeed, don’t rule out Delta Work (9/2) or Lostintranslation (7/1), both of whom look like potential Gold Cup winners. A great race to watch; a tough one for punters to pick a winner. 

2. Queen Mother Champion Chase

If any race is likely to steal the headlines away from the Gold Cup, then it is the Champion Chase. On the one hand, we have the 2/1 favourite Altior – all-round superhorse who has broken all manner of records down the years. He comes up against, among other talents, the brilliant Defi Du Seuil (9/4). It’s a fascinating renewal which sees a young upstart rise up to try to take the crown from the undisputed king of chasing. This will be box-office viewing. 

3. Cross Country Chase

Not the most prestigious race here, but it makes the list for one reason – Tiger Roll. The double Grand National champion has become a sporting icon, and everyone will be holding their breath to see that he prepares for the hat-trick properly. He’s handy at Cheltenham too, winning four times down the years. Even money odds (Bet365) for this race are understandable given his record in the long-distance chasing. If you want to back Tiger Roll for free, then click here to find your best Cheltenham free bets for 2020. Bookies give out loads of promos for the festival, so it’s advisable to take advantage before you bet. 

4. Stayers’ Hurdle 

An interesting one. To be fair, it’s unlikely that we witness a classic race during this year’s Stayers’ Hurdle. The reason? The favourite, 8/11 shot Paisley Park, is just too good for the opposition in the field. He looks like the strongest certainty of the week. If you want to see a brilliant favourite romp home, then this is the race to watch. But don’t expect to see Paisley Park break a sweat. 

5. Mares’ Hurdle 

A cracking race that goes off late on Tuesday afternoon. The Mares’ Hurdle is a brilliant Grade 1 affair, and it features two superstars in Benie Des Dieux (4/5 fav) and Honeysuckle (15/8). One could see both of these speedy mares contest something more prestigious like the Champion Hurdle, but they won’t take the foot off the gas in this one either. 

6. Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle 

If you want to see the future of racing, then tune in at Wednesday lunchtime to see Gordon Elliott’s Envoi Allen in action. He has taken seven wins from seven in his fledgeling career, including a victory in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham last year. This is a tougher contest in terms of his opposition, but the 6/4 shot should tie this up with room to spare.