The Tout’s tips for the Cheltenham Festival 2013
Finally, after a long and harsh winter we have arrived at the greatest show on earth for National Hunt fans. The Tout feels his blood pressure rise and a keen sense of anticipation as this week looms and now that it is upon us we are about to be presented with four of the greatest days of sport imaginable.
Owners, who are generally used to disappointment, are now dreaming of glory through their beloved horses and it is the same for trainers and jockeys alike to whom this week is the pinnacle of their season. These jockeys are brave men and though as hard as iron expect to fall on one in every eight rides. The owners, equally, if they are honest, really just want their horse to come home in one piece.
If we come out on level terms with the evil bookie on Friday evening we will have done well as this is not for the faint hearted, but I list my thoughts below and hope that some of the better priced horses keep us in front.
Tuesday:
In the first race, The Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, it is My Tent Or Yours at 2/1 to give legendary owner and gambler JP McManus a good start to the week but do not leave out Puffin Billy at 14/1 either in a forecast or as a separate each way wager.
The main race of the day is The Champion Hurdle and we favour the favourite Hurricane Fly available at 9/4.
If you were to be bold tomorrow, you could have a small treble to kick the week off and include Quevega in The Mares’ Hurdle at 4/6 and a £10 treble would return approximately £120 if all three were to win. They are three worthy favourites and as regular readers will know The Tout normally steers clear of the shorter priced horses.
Overturn is a tough horse who may, excuse the pun, turn over another hot favourite in the shape of Simonsig in the Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase.
Wednesday:
The hottest favourite of the week runs today in the shape of Sprinter Sacre at 2/7 in The Queen Mother Champion Chase but The Tout recommends Somersby at 33/1 either as a small each way or in a straight forecast with the favourite.
Later on in the day, I favour Mr Watson in The Coral Cup at 6/1.
Thursday:
The two main races feature hot favourites even with the absence of Big Buck’s and in The World Hurdle it is Peddlers Cross at 9/1 for Donald McCain and in The Ryan Air Chase it is Finian’s Rainbow at 16/1 for the master Cheltenham trainer Nicky Henderson.
Friday:
The final day brings the big finale in The Gold Cup. Let’s hope that 2011 winner Long Run can round us off in style with our old favourite Captain Chris as the lively outside at 14/1. In the first race, the JCB Triumph Hurdle, plump for Kashmir Peak at 14/1.
Have a great four days and enjoy this spectacle as it really is the greatest equine show on earth. The Tout reminds you the there are many fences and hurdles between you and your pockets being lined courtesy of the bookmakers satchels.
For more information on the Cheltenham Festival 2013, go to: http://www.cheltenham-festival.co.uk
