Cheltenham: Day four view from the trading floor
Published:Each day throughout this year’s Cheltenham Festival we’ll be joined by Ladbrokes’ Richard Harkness as he gives us the view from the trading floor on all of the runners and riders at Prestbury Park.
We’ll be covering the biggest names and races with top-class insight into who to watch out for, where the money’s going and how the trading team view some of the most eagerly anticipated clashes.
On the final day of the Festival, Richard offers us his opinion on why Bobs Worth is the horse Ladbrokes want to get beat in the Gold Cup and how the betting on the contest in the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle between Briar Hill v King’s Palace is shaping up.
“On Friday turnover is always dominated by the Gold Cup. It’s the highest turnover race of the week for us therefore a win for Bobs Worth, the clear favourite to retain his crown, would be the worst result of the day for us by far.
“He’s a very popular horse, who has won plenty of races including this last year, and as the defending champion he will be well supported all day. It’s Definitely the worst result for us.”
on Silvianaco Conti and Bobs worth being the leading contenders for the big race of the day…
“Silvianaco Conti looks the main danger to Bobs Worth. He was travelling well last year when he fell three out and has won a couple of impressive races this year.
“I think the Nicholls charge, alongside the defending champion, are the two main contenders.
“I can’t see past them winning the Gold Cup.”
on Briar Hill’s chances in the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle…
“Briar Hill has been very well supported to win the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle.
“Last year he caused a huge upset by winning the Champion Bumper for Willie Mullins at an astonishing 25/1and they have been touting him up as a sensational staying novice. This is the obvious race for him and potentially a challenger for the Ladbrokes World Hurdle if they are right.
“King’s Palace was really impressive at Cheltenham last time but he might need the ground to remain soft. With the ground drying out all the time I expect his price to drift and Briar Hill will start clear favourite.”
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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