Last year had record crowds seeing as many as 62,000 each day and on the final day when the big Gold Cup Race takes place, the biggest crowd comes, last year they numbered close to 69,000. But after last year’s event, there was criticism that it was allowed to go ahead with spectators. There was an inquest in fact after some spectators transmitted the Coronavirus and a mini breakout occurred and so bosses probably don’t want a repeat of that. You will have to settle with watching it on the ITV channel or Racing TV.
Chacun Pour Soi has been in imperious form and that’s why bookmakers are making him the favourite. He won at an outing last weekend at the Dublin Racing Festival easily but Cheltenham is unfamiliar surroundings for this mare and both Altior and Politologue have history at this venue and this particular race. Politologue has been in this race 4 years running, and at 11 years old Altior is getting on and may be past his peak but he has 21 wins in 25 starts, 2 of them coming in this race; some record for an 11-year-old.
The favourite for the Marsh Novices’ Chase has to be Envoi Allen where he is currently 10/11 to take the title. He won last year's Ballymore Novices' Hurdle and is still unbeaten under rules with 12 wins to his name and 5 Grade One wins; we don’t see that run ending. He won in a run out at Punchestown and looks good for this race.
The Sporting Life Arkle race is hotly anticipated when Shishkin, Energumene and Allmankind will compete for honours. Shishkin has speed and strength and is seen as a great prospect for the Gold Cup within the next few years. The Arkle is often the forerunner for stars of the sport like Sprinter Sacre, Altior and Douvan in the past who have won this race and gone on to brilliant careers. We see Shishkin being the one to watch especially as he has just this race to concentrate his efforts.
For some more of the betting and favourites look at this article.