Racing: Kauto Star & Denman reignite at Cheltenham

Cheltenham Festival

The Cheltenham Festival is one of the most prestigious United Kingdom horse meeting in the National Hunt racing calendar. Its prize money are ranked second only to be overshadowed by the Grand National. The best horses from Ireland and United Kingdom will come together at Cheltenham racecourse from 16th – 19th March 2010. Many top jockeys like Ruby Walsh, Robert Thornton and Tony McCoy will battle it out to this year’s festival winner. Let’s check out the BettingExpert team, Joe and Joachim (from BettingExpert German) to give their predictions for the upcoming races.

Tuesday 16th Main Event – Champion Hurdle

15:20PM – GO NATIVE is the horse to beat in the Champion Hurdle race but the team thinks that Go Native might not finish among the top three on Tuesday. BINOCULAR, trained by Nicky Henderson, could surprise a few after being ruled out with a muscle problem after losing to Go Native at the Christmas Hurdle back in December. Binocular returned last week and Henderson thinks he is ready and so do we.

Joe: 1st - Binocular 2nd Zayner 3rd Khyber Kim

If you are looking for some good odds on this track then look no further than KHYBER KIM. This horse is in clearly good form, winning his last two races in Cheltenham, good odds for a placing and a Paddy Brennon as the jockey. The speedy horse will be amongst the finisher at the line.

Joachim: Each way on Khyber Kim

Wednesday 17th Main Event – Queen Mother Champions Chase

15:20PM – Two timer winner MASTER MINDED, trained by Paul Nicholls, will lead as favorite for the Queen Mother Champions Chase. The seven year old horse showed that it has recovered from a rib injury by winning the Game Spirit Chase at Newbury last month. Twist Magic, Forpadydeplasterer and Kalahari King will be mounting the challenge in order to stop Master Minded winning it for the third time.

Joe: 1st – Master Minded, 2nd – Forpadydeplasterer, 3rd – Big Zeb.

Thursday 18th Main Event – World Hurdle

15:20PM – Look no further as the shortest priced favorite, 7 year old BIG BUCK, will defend his crown on Wednesday in the 3 miles for the World Hurdle. This horse is trained by Paul Nicholls will be searching for his seven straight wins while his second World Hurdle title with Ruby Walsh in charge on the day. This horse is too good for the rest of the field and it looks like an easy win for Big Buck. Karabak and Tidal Bay will be challenging for the top spots.

Joe: Big Buck (by a mile!)

Friday 19th Main Event – Cheltenham Gold Cup

15:20PM - The big finale race between KAUTO STAR and Denman will be the curtain closer for 2010 Cheltenham Festival. Kauto Star won this race back in 2009 and 2007 beating Denman with comfort while Denman triumphed in 2008 against Kauto Star. Both horses were head to head earlier this year at Newbury but the return of Tony McCoy on Denman ended up in a fall and Kauto Star winning. Other horses like Imperial Commander, Cooldine and Carruthers are amongst the runner. The Gold Cup will remain Kauto Star to lose and Denman to challenge, while Paul Nicholls is the true winner.

Joe: 1st – Kauto Star, 2nd – Denman, 3rd – Imperial Commander.

The epic classic of Kauto Star and Denman continues and one of the races that I have been looking forward to for a long time. This race is among the top events of the sporting calendar and Kauto Star deservedly to be favorites for the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Although, if you are going for the odds than Denman is at a decent price. Two horses and only on winner on Cheltenham final day, Denman to sneak it on the line.

Joachim: Cheek punt on Denman to win