Cheltenham Gold Cup 2018 Picks

Cheltenham Gold Cup Future Bet Odds

The nine-year-old Thistlecrack has been on a steady diet of top-grade races over the past couple of seasons, with 11 of his last 13 races being Class 1 events. He won 10 of those, and 11 overall, and had been undefeated in nine straight races dating back to November 2015 until being beaten by just a head in his most recent effort. Missteps at both the fourth and third last fences was probably what cost him there, but what is for sure is the softer the ground the better for him, as he relishes heavy going. 

There hasn't been a back-to-back winner of the Gold Cup since Best Mate reeled off three wins in a row from 2002 to 2004, but Sizing John (11-2) will be looking to turn the trick in 2018. Currently second choice in the futures at Bovada, last March he raced near the back of the pack early before starting to move up over the fifth last fence, and took control after the second last to go on to win by 2 3/4 lenghts at odds of 7-1. He followed that with a win his next start back in April, to be unbeaten in four starts in 2017.

2017 Contenders Back at Big Odds

Finishing first or second in three of the past five races he's completed in 2017 has moved Cue Card up to single digit odds in the estimation of some, while at Bovada right now he's on offer at a very big 33-1. He's been well-backed in all of his recent races, and won his first start of 2017 as a heavy favorite and is right now perhaps the biggest overlay in the prospective field.

Another drawing lots of recent interest is Native River, who ran third in the 2017 Gold Cup, beaten by just a head out of second at odds of 7-2. He's been away from the races since then, and his form over the next couple of months will certainly dictate which way he goes from his current 12-1 posting.

Favored to win the Gold Cup in 2017 was Djakadam at 3-1. He could do no better than fourth, however, after running near the lead throughout most of the race before a mistake at the second-last fence slowed his momentum, and then faltering late to be passed by Native River and one other. If you fancy his chances next spring, he can be bet right now at 16-1.

One more that warrants a second look right now at odds of 33-1 is Outlander who could do no better than tenth in the 2017 Gold Cup, but who has had a full schedule in 2017 with five races to his name. He's been in decent form lately, and two starts back won his second Class 1 race in 10 attempts.

You can follow along the road to the 2018 Cheltenham Gold Cup, track the favorites and long shot contenders, place your bets and enjoy all kinds of bonuses and rewards with an account at Bovada or one of the many other available top-rated online racebooks.

Category : Betting Picks

Tag : Bovada , Horse Racing