*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
This is the definitive week of my year. And I understand that might seem a touch over the top for people who have only a passing interest in Cheltenham and in Diego Simeone causing pain to fans of English clubs in European competitions – but each to their own.
I understand this week is often about feeling part of it, and so I’ve been tasked with mixing the biggest footballing event of the day with the Championship race at Cheltenham. So feel free to text your mates whatever you want in your WhatsApp groups between now and then because I have you covered.
WELCOME TO PADDY POWER NEWS
Not only are we getting the inside track, so to speak, on the talking point of the day, but we’re also adding a little bit of spice to the football to land you a tasty double for each day of the Festival.
And the only thing better than backing a winner at Cheltenham is spending the evening waiting for the double to land so you can open tomorrow’s suggested push. Today’s clash is at Old Trafford, while the Prestbury Park focus is on the Champion Hurdle. Let’s dive in.
Zanahiyr (w/o Honeysuckle) in the Champion Hurdle (15:30)
I had pondered throwing the wondermare in this bet but we’d have been stuck with a boring old 9/2 poke and that’s not worth boasting about, is it?
She’ll win and win well, but the top of the without-the-favourite market is currently Appreciate It, who hasn’t run in 12 months. Based on his 22-length demolition of last year’s Supreme field, he’ll either be neck and neck with her going to the last, or he’ll blow out altogether and resemble a horse who was due to go novice chasing but instead was reverted to smaller and thrown in against the unbeaten superstar on the biggest stage of them all.
My money would be on the latter, leaving the contenders like Teahupoo, whose last run was a bit too taxing for my liking this close to the Festival, Epatante who’ll probably try and go with Honeysuckle at the bend and be gassed, or Zanahiyr who’ll get the classic ‘picking-up-place money’ ride and stroll into second, behind. Bob’s your uncle, Mary’s your aunty.
Questions
Atletico Madrid to Win
I don’t quite understand the price if I’m honest. I take the point that United got a draw in tougher circumstances, but once again relying on a child to come off the bench to make the difference isn’t a reliable long-term strategy.
If Ronaldo isn’t feeling up to it, he’ll sit this out and then you’re simply relying on Bruno Fernandes to produce from outside the box or Marcus Rashford to put in a performance that might make Man United consider keeping him.
And that’s the last thing he’ll want. There are two things you can guarantee – Diego Simeone never letting a game get away from him against inferior opposition, and Man United ultimately letting you down on the big occasion. These are near-ten-year staples now.
Cheltenham and Champions League double:
*A double with these two bets pays at approximately 33/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
READ MORE
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