VCBet Cheltenham Festival Preview

VCBet on the Cheltenham FestivalThey call it the greatest show on earth. And as the finest jump racers on the planet prepare to do battle in the Cotswolds over four days of pulsating drama there are few racegoers who would disagree. Thus far the script remains unwritten, the heroes yet to be called, but come early Friday evening, the great, the bold and the brave will have become part of Cheltenham folklore. So many questions to be answered. Best Mate's sad absence may leave many of us wondering what if, but there's a wealth of pretenders to the three-time Gold Cup champion's throne. Kicking King, Kingscliff, Strong Flow, Beef Or Salmon, Celestial Gold and Rule Supreme can all stake legitimate claims for the Festival's Blue Riband. All have seen brisk business in our Gold Cup lists since Best Mate's withdrawal with Kicking King receiving the lumpiest fiscal interest. Elsewhere, the magnificent Baracouda, whose aura of immortality took an arrow in the Achilles at last year's Festival, goes for a third Stayers' Hurdle title in four years. Francois Doumen's 10-year-old will be partnered by Champion jockey Tony McCoy - two champions together - the perfect combination? This year's Champion Hurdle promises to be the most competitive since the early 80s. The likes of defending champion Hardy Eustace, Harchibald, Back In Front, Brave Inca and Macs Joy all have genuine claims in what has all the makings of a blistering heat. And Azertyuiop will no doubt put up a typically brave defence of his Queen Mother Champion Chase crown but that will come under ferocious attack from the sublime Irish chaser Moscow Flyer - winner of this race in 2003 - as well as reigning Arkle champion Well Chief. The stage is set. The battle lines drawn. Bring on the champions. Go to VCBet now and get your free bet on Cheltenham!