One of the feature races of Cheltenham 2010 is undoubtedly the Champion Hurdle with the race shaping as one of the most competitive in recent years.

However, Cheltenham Betting punters have had the race made slightly less complicated by the unfortunate withdrawal of last year’s third place horse, Binocular.

It could be argued that the picture was also made clearer by Zaynar’s defeat at long odds on at Kelso – hardly the ideal Champion Hurdle preparation?

Those two horses are trained by Nicky Henderson who also has last year’s winner Punjabi ready to run this weekend in the hastily re-arranged Champion Hurdle trial at Kempton. The 2009 Champ could also do with a form boost after two defeats so far this season.

With last year’s runner-up Celestial Halo also, arguably, not running up to form this season the focus shifts on to horses who have not run in the two mile championship before, in the shape of Solwhit, Go Native and Medermit.

It can surely be argued that these ‘new kids’ have the vastly superior form this time round and the title looks likely to rest between them.

Here at Cheltenham Betting we have nailed our colours to Go Native who will be aiming not only for the Champion Hurdle but the WBX Million Pound bonus for winning the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle and the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton. Go Native would prefer decent ground and as long as its not too soft must have a great chance of winning the 2010 Champion Hurdle.

Go Native features as one of our Cheltenham Tips – make sure you keep checking that page between now and the Festival to see who else we will be recommending.

Cooldine is now a best price of 14/1 with VCBet for the Cheltenham Gold Cup following his return to form in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown last Sunday. But is that price good value?

On the face of things we are struggling for a viable alternative to the power duo from the Paul Nicholls yard so last year’s RSA Chase winner would seem the each-way thieves ideal pick now he appears to have put in another top-class performance. Or is he?

Plus Points:

• Already a Cheltenham Festival winner so the course and fences hold no fears.
• Came close to winning a Grade One last time out so apparently in good form.
• Trainer Willie Mullins stated before that race that he was concerned his horse might not be 100% fit so an even better performance could be expected at Cheltenham.

Negatives:

• The RSA Chase he won last year has turned out to be a sub-standard renewal of that race.
• The Hennessy Gold Cup last Sunday was run at an absolute crawl and is no real indication of Grade One form (or fitness).
• It could be argued that his overall form is no better than Taranis or What A Friend and they can be backed at three times the price.

So, Cooldine, excellent each-way bet for the Cheltenham Gold Cup or over rated and likely to flop – let us know which side you would be on?

Fancy a day out at the Cheltenham Festival watching the Champion Hurdle and all the other top class racing on the 16th March?

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Cheltenham Competition

Good Luck!