Jockey to step into limelight with Cheltenham Festival favourite

Will Kennedy will be the man keeping Dominic Elsworth and Denis O’Regan out of the saddle on many people’s Cheltenham banker next week, and having partnered Time For Eupert on 13 starts, nobody knows the seven-year-old better.

Kennedy is by no means a household name in the world of National Hunt racing and will find it very unlikely to challenge the likes of Ruby Walsh, Barry Geraghty and AP McCoy in the top Cheltenham Festival jockey betting.

But aboard the 2/1 RSA Chase favourite Time For Rupert, Kennedy has the opportunity to create a piece of Cheltenham Festival history, and the money in the betting suggests he is on to do so.

Time For Rupert finished second behind Big Buck’s in last year’s World Hurdle and has since won both of his starts over fences by eight lengths.

Both of those wins came at Cheltenham racecourse and in a race that will boil down to a lung-busting stamina test, course knowledge is a key component when looking for a winner.

However some punters may feel the 2/1 available for Time For Rupert may be a little short, and Aiteen Thirtyfree at 7/1, may offer punters the better value in a race which Ladbrokes are offering 1/4 odds for a first three place.

Aiteen Thirtythree’s trainer Paul Nicholls has won this race twice before with Star De Mohaison and Denman, and Aiteen Thirtythree, like Time For Rupert, is unbeaten in his first two starts as a chaser.

Only Willie Mullins has produced more winners of this race than Paul Nicholls, and while the Irishman has entered four, only Mikael D’Haguenet (12/1) is likely to feature for the Irish stable.

Time For Rupert is a worthy favourite based on his form and ability and 2/1 could end up being a great price.

A £25 stake on Time For Rupert winning the RSA Chase would return £75. New customers can sign up here for a free Cheltenham bet worth £25.