(Stock ID: 1399280567)
The 2024-25 jumps racing season isn’t even officially underway at the time of writing, yet National Hunt enthusiasts have already got one eye on next March’s Cheltenham Festival.
Their trackers are loaded up with horses to follow throughout the campaign, and they are trying to strategically break down the Cheltenham ante-post markets to try and find the best value.
The ante-post markets are already beginning to fluctuate, but when form finally comes into the equation, the betting landscape could look entirely different.
Ahead of the new season and the countdown to the 2025 Cheltenham Festival, here are three horses that are likely to shorten from their current odds.
Constitution Hill: Champion Hurdle – 7/4
A horse that’s already shortening as the season draws nearer, Constitution Hill is into 7/4 for the Champion Hurdle.
The Nicky Henderson-trained horse had a nightmare season last year, appearing just once after falling ill with colic—leading to fears he may never race again.
However, the Seven Barrows star is on the mend and on course to reappear in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle.
Aside from his debut at Sandown and the 2022 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham, Constitution Hill has gone off as the massive odds-on favourite in his six other starts.
If he proves that his illness hasn’t adversely effected his immense ability at Newcastle next month, then he’s certain to be slashed into odds to regain his Champion Hurdle.
Galopin Des Champs: Gold Cup – 7/2
If Constitution Hill is currently National Hunt’s biggest name, then Galopin Des Champs shouldn’t be too far behind in second.
The Willie Mullins-trained horse is gunning for a historic third successive Gold Cup triumph this year, a feat that has only been achieved by a handful of greats.
The fact he suffered his third-career defeat to archnemesis Fastorslow when last seen at Punchestown in May is likely the main factor behind his seemingly generous odds of 7/2.
However, he has excuses for that defeat with the Irish track being right-handed and tighter than he prefers.
Galopin Des Champs certainly has the ability to become a hat-trick winner of the Gold Cup, and a win early on in the season will see his odds of 7/2 disintegrate.
Ballyburn: Arkle Chase – 3/1
This selection carries some risk for reward, as Ballyburn holds a couple of entries in the Arkle Novices’ Chase and the Brown Advisory Novice Chase.
While you never really know Mullins’ intended plan until closer to the time, the horse racing bet markets are suggesting that the Arkle is currently more likely for the six-year-old at 3/1.
Ballyburn’s stunning victory in the Gallagher Novices’ Hurdle last season, coasting to a 13-length win over stablemate Jimmy Du Seuil, was arguably the performance of the 2024 Cheltenham Festival.
He’s set to go over fences this year, and certainly has the scope to make for a fantastic chaser—potentially even becoming a Gold Cup winner in the coming years.
As soon as Ballyburn proves his mettle over the larger obstacles, his odds are going to shorten, and if the Arkle is his intended target, then 3/1 could be a steal.
