‘It’s open in no uncertain terms’: Bookmakers praise Cheltenham Gold Cup betting status after big boys fail to shine

Cheltenham Gold Cup market wide open by Fastorslow A surprise defeat for Gallopin des Champs in the John Durkan Chase, concluding a weekend of stuttering from festival rivals Bravemansgame and Shishkin.

Only the Randox Grand National attracts more attention before and after the Gold Cup, sponsored by the Boodles and won in grand style last season by trainer Willie Mullins. Gallopin des Champs.

However, after finishing third on Sunday behind Fastorslow and fellow Appreciate It, Galopin Des Champs, the top 15-8 finisher for the Gold Cup ahead of John Durkan, may have a 3-1 backing to retain the race , while the best-placed Jerry Colomb 4-1.

Fastorslow, available at 20-1 for the Gold Cup on Sunday morning, is now 5-1 overall and odds-on to win. Shishkinwho dramatically refused to compete in the 1965 Ascot Chase on Saturday, ranged from 12-1 to 16-1.

These prices are also available for Great Britain’s other great Gold Cup hope. braveman gamewho was beaten at Charlie Wetherby Hall this month and failed to hold off Royale Pagaille in Saturday’s Betfair Chase at Haydock.

Betfair’s Barry Orr identified the seemingly unknown Fastorslow as lurking in the betting, admitting: “It’s been an emotional weekend in the Gold Cup market, that’s for sure.

«Vasturslaw has been the big bell and is 5-1 from 12-1 after his victory in John Durkan. Defeat at Gallopin des Champs, in a race he won last season, saw him drop from 2-1 to 3-1. [with us]. “He’s still the favorite, but Jerry Colombi is right behind him at 4-1.”

Paddy Power’s Paul Benfield also appears committed to the idea that Fastorslow could attract the attention of punters ahead of the prestigious contest, which headlines the Cheltenham Festival in March.

He said: “Willie Mullins is a world-class genius, but when you find a relatively smaller coach like Martin Brazil beating five of his representatives in the top flight, it has to be a great result for the game, and perhaps most importantly , Fastorslow’s victory opens the Gold Cup market in very clear terms.

“The Gold Cup is second only to the Grand National in terms of jump racing turnover, and now that Fastorslow has proven his credentials and is a real contender, plus Galopin Des Champs is not the clear favorite and is in back into the fold for some. To some extent, we welcome this dramatic change in the market and the look that is so open to renewal this season.

William Hill spokesperson Lee Phelps revealed that they also enjoyed a busy weekend on the Gold Cup front.

“Vasturslaw caused a big upset when he beat Gallopin des Champs at Punchestown in April, but few people thought he would be able to back that up in John Durcan, especially on that trip,” he said.

“However, after another impressive victory, we had to turn the seven-year-old son of Martin Brazil from 14-1 in the Gold Cup to 5-1, while Gallopin des Champs fell to 2-1 after a second consecutive defeat.

«The other surprise this weekend was the Bravemansgame defeat at Haydock and Paul Nicholls’ runner went from 6-4 to 2-1 for King George, while he is 16-1 from 14-1 in the Gold Cup”.

Gallopin des Champs (right) is third behind Vasturslaw (centre) and appreciates it in John Durkan’s Punchestown on Sunday.credit: Patricio McCann

According to some bookmakers, Galopin Des Champs’ claims cannot be ruled out.

“Having shown that his Punchestown Gold Cup victory over Galopin Des Champs in April was no coincidence with John Durkan’s success, Fast or slow “He is now the third favorite for the Gold Cup, although we would still prefer to see the defending champion win again in March,” said Coral’s David Stevens.

Last year’s Brown Advisory Chase winner L’Homme Presse is available at 20-1 and is the only major contender not racing this season, having been disqualified in the run-up to the World Series Gold Cup. last season.

Contacts have raised the possibility of him making another appearance in the Betfair Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown next month, while he also has an entry in the King George.

Co-owner Andy Edwards said on Sunday: “He’s back from injury but I don’t know when his first outing will be; He will run when he is ready. “We were very disappointed not to be in the Gold Cup last year.” “The dream of him getting there is still alive.”

Poodles Cheltenham Gold Cup (Cheltenham, 15 de marzo)

Rice strength: 3 Gallopin des Champs, 4 Gerry Colombes, 5 Fastorslaw, 12 Shishkin, 14 Brafman’s Game, 16 L’homme Press, 20 Gentleman’s Game, Royal Bagel, 33 Bar

Read more:

Fastorslow proves he belongs at the top as Galopin Des Champs shows no ‘spark’ for frustrated Willie Mullins

“He was in a bad mood today and not ready to move” – a shock at first when Shishkin refused to race at Ascot

“I was waiting for the big monsters to come from behind and take me away” – Royale Pagaille defeats Bravemansgame

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