TimeformBlog

If the betting for top jockey at the Festival has it right, then it seems Irish eyes will be smiling as Walsh 2.56, Geraghty 3.7 and McCoy 9.2 comfortably head the market, but with Medermit, Bensalem and Mille Chief all holding solid chances in their respective races, the 15.0 about Robert Thornton may tempt your clicking finger. Richard Johnson 13.0 also has some very nice rides to look forward to and he too seems a big price.

If you do fancy 'Choc' to be top jock in two week's time, it would probably make sense to also back his boss Alan King 12.0 to be top trainer , as it looks as though that is where the ammunition is primarily going to come from. Of the home defence, it's the usual suspects in Nicholls 2.4 and Henderson 2.26 who show the way, with leader of the invasion Willie Mullins 6.0 most likely to upset the front two according to the market.

With Hurricane Fly, Big Zeb, Golden Silver, Unaccompanied and a host of other Irish invaders holding strong chances at the Festival, you may well be tempted by the '6-7 winners' bet on the market open for predicting the number of Irish-trained winners. On the other hand, the number of British-based fancies might sway you in favour of the odds on offer about 'less than 4 winners' being trained in the Emerald Isle.

If Cheltenham Fever has really got to your head, then you might find yourself delving into some of the more obscure markets, possibly looking for a bet that's at least going to get you past the opening day. If this is you, then the one you may find to your liking is the 'Longest SP winner' bet where '33/1-50/1 inclusive' 1.61 appears all the rage. However, if you don't envisage any major shocks in store, the 6.4 for 'Shorter than 33/1' might be more up your street.

If the pre-Festival jolly-up has well and truly loosened your punting defences, you may also find the 'Odd vs. Even' bet extremely appealing, as you must decide, according to racecard number, whether you think odd or even numbers will provide the most Cheltenham winners. Should indecision grab you, however, you can play it down the middle with a tie.

Finally, and returning to the opening paragraph, there is also a market on 'Championship Accumulators' for those of you who did indeed fancy Binocular to win the Champion Hurdle and Big Bucks's to win the World Hurdle, and the like. That particular bet is currently available at 7.6.

For more racing betting articles, go to http://betting.betfair.com/horse-racing/