Cheltenham Festival is one of the highlights of the horse racing year, so for punters looking to place a wager on the horses most likely to win, the countdown has begun– now is the time to be looking at the top predictions in preparation for race day. While rumours are abound as to who will be grabbing the titles on the day, these are the most hotly tipped horses for 2019’s Cheltenham Festival event and the most predicted to win at the different races over the course of the spectacular four-day event.
Presenting Percy
Presenting Percy is the favourite for Cheltenham 2019, with a win at the RSA Novice’s Chase last season and all the necessary attributes to make him a top contender for a win. Judging from his track record showing nine wins and three placed efforts from a total of 17 starts, it’s difficult to argue with the expectation that Presenting Percy will be crowned the 91stwinner of the much-anticipated race. It’s not taken long for this horse to prove to race fans that he has what it takes to win the coveted prize, ending second on debut at Punchestown and winning at the next opportunity at Ballinrobe. Despite it being a further six months before he saw a success again, he’s still tipped to be the winner in 2019.
Angels Breath
Tipped for the Supreme Novices Hurdle, Angels Breath looks set to enjoy success at Cheltenham this year. While it’s still early days for the Nicky Henderson-trained horse, Angels Breath made an impressive debut in a Grade 2 novice hurdle before Christmas at Ascotand was the only horse quoted at single-figure prices. The five-year-old is believed to be a great contender for the Cheltenham race and great things are expected of him this year, so he’s a great one to back if you’re betting on this race.
Buveur D’Air
After a shocking defeat in the Christmas Hurdle on Boxing Day last year, demolishing a series of 11 straight victories, Buveur D’Air may have ended the year on a low point but this strong galloper is well-suited to the racing that Cheltenham offers. There’s no reason to believe that he won’t achieve a win and join previous legends such as See You Then and Hatton’s Grace in winning the Champion Hurdle in 2019, making it a third-time win after winning against My Tent or Yours two years ago and retaining his crown last term when he defeated Melon.
Paisley Park
For anyone betting on the Stayers Hurdle, the top contender is the fast-improving Paisley Park who was a 33/1 outsider last year in the Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle but has since taken on competitive handicaps in brilliant style. After taking a step up to Grade One class following the Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot, despite the unstable grounds, Paisley Park is an impressive horse that made romping home by 12 lengths in the Cleeve Hurdle a breeze.
