Cheltenham Gold Cup 2007: Kauto Backed After War Withdrawal

Punters have been flocking to back Kauto Star to win this year's Cheltenham Gold Cup after the shock announcement that War of Attrition is out for the rest of the season. Only a handful of firms (William Hill, Paddy Power and Stan James) now offer 6/4 about the Paul Nicholls-trained market leader who will surely take all the beating on Friday 16th March. Many bookmakers are now offering "Non-Runner No Bet" on the Cheltenham Festival, meaning you get your stake returned if the horse is withdrawn from the allocated race. Indeed, many customers who backed War of Attrition last week will be breathing a sigh of relief - providing they did so with a bookie already offering this concession (bet365 being one of them). Exotic Dancer is now second favourite at 5/1 (Coral) for the Festival's blue riband event, with The Listener next in the betting at 7/1 with Ladbrokes. This could be the value each-way bet, especially if the rain continues to fall at Prestbury Park as forecasted. If you think Beef or Salmon can finally overcome his Cheltenham hoodoo, there's 20/1 knocking around with Totesport.