Cheltenham Festival betting tips from the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup site

With the 2012 Cheltenham Festival drawing ever closer, many horse racing fans are looking to place bets on the races. Due to recent illnesses, injuries and unexpected race outcomes, a number of the Cheltenham Festival betting odds have changed. To help horse racing punters place bets during the March event, the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup site has released up-to date betting tips and predictions for the festival.

Firstly, many punters are unsure where to place Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup bets as it remains unknown whether Kauto Star will enter the race. If the horse does compete, it looks set to be a close call between Long Run and Kauto Star. While Long Run managed to win the 2011 title, Kauto Star has recently outperformed his opponent in both the Betfair Chase and King George VI Chase, suggesting that he could have the edge over his competitor. Yet, if Kauto Star is pulled from the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Long Run is likely to enjoy an easy victory.

As well as Long Run, there are a number of other defending champions to pay attention to at the 2012 Cheltenham Festival. It has been suggested that Hurricane Fly is likely to place first in the Champion Hurdle, while Big Buck's look ready to win his fourth World Hurdle. Since their 2011 victories, both horses have managed to remain in good condition. The two Cheltenham entrants have placed first in all their races over the past twelve months, so it seems likely that they will also perform well at Prestbury Park.

During Cheltenham Festival 2012, there are also races that look set to be a close call between entrants. Within the Queen Mother Champion Chase, Sizing Europe and Big Zeb will go head-to-head for first position. Prior to making any Champion Chase bets, punters should take into consideration the 2012 Tied Cottage Chase results. During this race, Sizing Europe beat Big Zeb with ease, suggesting that he could also outperform the horse at Cheltenham. However, it's also worth thinking about Pat Redmond's recent comments as Big Zeb's owner confessed that his horse was underperforming at Punchestown, something that he will not be doing at Cheltenham.

For up-to-date Cheltenham Festival betting tips and information, visit http://www.betfredcheltenhamgoldcup.com/ - a bettors' guide to the March racing event.

Lauren Knowles

Cheltenham Festival first took place in 1911, and is now one of the biggest events in the horse racing calendar. The Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup is regarded as the highlight of this special event. Those hoping to visit the 2012 Cheltenham Festival, as well as fans of horse racing, can now get all the information they need from Betfredcheltenhamgoldcup.com. This website contains all the latest news and betting tips, travel information, race schedules and Cheltenham odds.