Cheltenham Gold Cup Tips and Predictions

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Well, we're certainly down to the business end of the 2010 Cheltenham Festival, and it is shaping up for a very dramatic climax.

The living legend Kauto Star is looking for his third Gold Cup and he's considered the odds-on favourite to do so. Doubtful we’ll see a last minute rise in SP like we saw on day three with Big Buck's, and even more doubtful Kauto will be above evens at any point. The volume should be to be huge and spread primarily on him and Denman

There is a distinct chance of this race going Paul Nicholls 1-2-3 with Denman and Tricky Trickster both in-form and enjoying the surface at Cheltenham. The big question for those looking to bet against Kauto Star is whether the pairing of Denman and new jockey AP McCoy is going to produce the right result or not.

With a fall in the Aon Chase, Denman isn't exactly inspiring a huge amount of confidence with a segment of the betting public. The thing is though, we all know in the back of our mind what Denman can do at his finest- he's done it before and he may do it again... the question is whether that's today or not. Denman's trading at 5/1.

Imperial Commander really pushed Kauto all the way in the Betfair Chase and I'm really unsure whether he'll be able to repeat that again today. He's priced around 7/1 so clearly there are some who believe he's got what it takes.

Willie Mullins Cooldine is a solid contender, but is likely punching a bit too far above his weight here. He's priced at 8/1 and is too short for an each way, but may offer some appeal on the bottom end of a forecast or at the end of a tricast.

My Will and Mon Mome are using this as preps for the 2010 Grand National so aren't really serious contenders, but what else do you expect at 100/1? Carruthers and Calgary Bay are both listed at 66/1, and though either of them could offer up a shot for a place, they will likely be in the chasing pack.

The only jumper with a genuine chance of unseating Kauto or Denman is Paul Nicholls Tricky Trickster, who wound up taking the Aon Chase after Denman faltered. He's offering up solid value at 12/1, but expect his price to fluctuate a bit in the run up to the race. If Kauto makes any mistakes then you will see him poised to pounce.