For hardened horse racing punters the Cheltenham Festival is their biggest week of the year. Since the beginning of September every horse that has taken to the track has been sent out with the hope, however big or small that may be, that come March, they maybe will have a chance of winning a Cheltenham Festival race. Only a select few can obviously have that tag, and a huge percentage of horses don’t come anywhere near to even being able to run at the four day extravaganza. For punters, every race they have studied, watched, punted and won money on, Cheltenham betting would always be at back of their mind. “Will that certain horse take to the track at Cheltenham?” “Which Festival race is he being targeted at?” These are all common thoughts that spin around a punters mind when a Festival candidate catches their eye over the season. For bookmakers as well, this is their busiest week of the entire year. It can make or break a season for them as they release the latest Ante Post Cheltenham betting odds. Bonuses throughout a bookmakers probably ride on whether they can come out on top over the punters in the four day extravaganza. Such is the battle for the punters pound between all the big firms, they do arguably let their guard down at this type of year, and if playing sensibly, punters can make the most of the array of offers and bonuses they hand out in order to attract new custom. For example, firms such as Paddy Power always target a couple of race for their money-back specials meaning they will return stakes to all punters if a certain horse wins the race. Also, for the big handicap races, lots of bookmakers will enhance their each-way odds and regularly try and push the favourite out to a stand-out price which is bigger than what their rivals are offering. And of course, bookmakers always offer potential new customers brilliant free bet offers when the Festival comes around. Finding these offers can prove difficult though, but that’s where we come in. We have a team of researchers that keep an ear to the ground in terms of where the best free bets and offers lie at the Cheltenham Festival, so save us to your favourites page, and regularly check back in the build-up to the Festival in order to maximise your chances of taking advantage of all the offers. It’s really all about finding value for your money when betting at the Cheltenham Festival. Making sure you get a fair price on your chosen horse is a key thing to consider. If Ladbrokes are offering 5/1 on the horse in question, but Bet365 go 7/1, strike the bet with Bet365 even if you haven’t got an account. Sign up, and take advantage of the free bet offers with that 7/1. Having three or four betting accounts is now a normal thing for punters who want to maximise their profits on horse racing. It may be a bit more hassle, but trust me, in the long run, you will see the benefits. But our main advice for the Cheltenham Festival is to trust your own opinion. This is what horse racing is all about, and is why it still is today one of the biggest betting sports in the world. If you fancy something strongly don’t be put off by the price, a so-called expert’s opinion or trainer comments. It’s your money you will be using so make it your selection. There is no worse feeling that being talked out of backing a horse and seeing it cross the line in front, with you subsequently banging your head against the wall. This game is all about opinions. Enjoy the Festival.
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