Cheltenham Gold Cup Updated Odds – Horse Racing Betting March 17

Thistlecrack injury another hammer blow for ante-post punters

Horse Racing Betting

A season-ending tendon injury means Thistlecrack has become the latest high-profile name to be ruled out of the Cheltenham Festival.

Colin Tizzard’s nine-year-old, the champion staying hurdler last season, has won four of his five races over fences this season, including the King George VI Chase at Kempton. He did head the betting for the Timico Gold Cup next month, despite suffering a narrow defeat at the hands of the ill-fated Many Clouds in the Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham at the end of January, but will now not line up at Prestbury Park.

Thistlecrack had been on the easy list since the Cotswold Chase but was due to start cantering again this week. However, a scan has revealed a tear in his tendon which means he won’t run again this season, though it shouldn’t affect his long-term future. The last two winners of the Gold Cup – Coneygree and Don Cossack – have already been ruled out and the Stan James Champion Hurdle will be run without both Faugheen and defending champion Annie Power.

However, the Tizzard stable still has a strong hand in the Gold Cup and have the new favourite in Native River. He’s already won the Hennessy Gold Cup and Welsh National this season and made all in the Denman Chase at Newbury earlier this month. The yard also have the second favourite in Cue Card, runner-up to Thistlecrack in the King George and successful nine times at the highest level, including the Betfair Ascot Chase in his final prep race. Irish runners occupy the next five places in the betting with Outlander a stand-out 10/1 on Betfair.

Gordon Elliott’s charge came right back to his best when landing the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown in December, though has disappointed twice at the Cheltenham Festival in recent years.

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Timico Gold Cup Updated Best Odds

Native River (3/1), Cue Card (7/2), Djakadam (11/2), Sizing John (9/1), Outlander (10/1), Don Poli (16/1), Champagne West and Empire Of Dirt (20/1), Bristol De Mai, Minella Rocco and More Of That (25/1), Vroum Vroum Mag (33/1), Zabana (40/1), Blaklion and Smad Place (50/1), Saphir De Rheu, Road To Riches, Tea For Two and Sub Lieutenant (66/1), Irish Cavalier, Sausalito Sunrise and Vezelay (100/1)