Over the festive period we were able to witness some of the top horses in National Hunt Racing strut their stuff and that meant that some of the ante-post markets had some shifts.
There were some great matchups that we will review and also update you with some Betting Markets for the 2025 Cheltenham Festival.
Sir Gino scored on chasing debut beating Ballyburn convincingly in the Ladbrokes Wayward Lad Novice Chase at Kempton. Having his chasing debut delayed somewhat slightly after having his reappearance in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle, many were waiting in anticipation for the Nicky Henderson four year old to make the switch to the larger obstacles.
The market spoke very confidently for the gelding being sent off 8/13 having been available earlier in the day at even money. Ballyburn was extremely weak going off at 7/4 having been vying for favouritism with Sir Gino in the morning.
Ballyburn, a triple Grade One winning novice hurdler last season, made a winning chase debut at Punchestown last month but albeit foot perfect you could see that stepping up in distance wouldn’t be a hindrance.
The big two dominated from the offset of the two mile contest, with Paul Townsend sending Ballyburn to make the running before De Boinville’s mount was given his head and allowed to take over down the back straight. Ballyburn did his best to not let Sir Gino get too far clear but his slick round of jumping made it impossible to do so.
The four year old really found a turn of foot turning for home and Ballyburn just couldn’t match him for speed which made the race in the bag providing he negotiated the last fence safely. He jumped it perfectly and went to the winning post seven and a half lengths clear of the runner up Ballyburn.
Nicky Henderson has been very fortunate to have some very talented two mile chasers over the years with Altior and Sprinter Sacre. It’s obviously very early in his career but this gelding is definitely a natural jumper with an enormous engine so the sky’s the limit.
There was a big change in the Arkle betting as Ballyburn looks certain to now go for the three mile Novice Chase now.
Cheltenham Arkle 2025 odds:
Non UK Casinos: Sir Gino 10/11, Majborough 9/2, Inthepocket 9/1, Leau du Sud 12/1, Ballyburn 16/1 and 22/1 bar.
American Betting Sites: Sir Gino 5/6, Majborough 4/1, Inthepocket 10/1, Leau du Sud 12/1, Ballyburn 16/1 and 20/1 bar.
Gambling Sites That Accept Credit Cards: Sir Gino 5/6, Majborough 4/1, Inthepocket 9/1, Leau du Sud 12/1, Ballyburn 16/1 and 20/1 bar.
Gambling Sites Without Verification: Sir Gino 17/20, Majborough 4/1, Inthepocket 9/1, Leau du Sud 14/1, Ballyburn 16/1 and 20/1 bar.
