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One of the most eagerly anticipated races in Jump racing history the £475,000 Grade One totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup, the highlight of The Festival, takes place as we take a look at the runners and riders.

CALGARY BAY 66/1: Leading fancy for the Arkle Trophy 12 months ago but disappointed and it has taken him a while to recover. Made impressive return to form in a Doncaster handicap in December but that is way short of what is required here.

CARRUTHERS 50/1: Admirable performer who wears his heart on his sleeve, but really needed to win the Argento Chase here in January to be given any realistic chance. Deserves his place in the field but difficult to see him getting involved unless it turns up a bog.

CERIUM 500/1: Showed little on his first few starts since moving from Paul Nicholls but ran an astonishing race to finish fifth in last year’s Grand National with a fractured skull. Still no chance in this, though.

COOLDINE 8/1: Showed his class when annihilating his RSA Chase rivals 12 months ago and although he disappointed in the Lexus, his staying-on second in the Irish Hennessy was much more like it. Improvement needed to challenge the big two, but huge prospects of grabbing a place.

DENMAN 4/1: Another brilliant weight-carrying performance in the Hennessy Gold Cup suggested he was back to his best, but he was a tired horse when falling in the Aon last time. Not the ideal preparation for Cheltenham, but he should not be written off.

IMPERIAL COMMANDER 8/1: Bare form indicates he has a chance, having been beaten just a nose by Kauto Star in the Betfair Chase, but he was miles behind in the King George. He should get closer on a track that suits but hard to see him troubling a fully-fit champion.

KAUTO STAR 8/13: Already a dual winner of steeplechasing’s blue riband and looked better than ever when winning a remarkable fourth King George. He comes here fresh, which seems to suit nowadays, and with a clear round he should complete the hat-trick.

MON MOME 100/1: Last year’s Grand National winner has run well a couple of times this season but will be way out of his depth here unless we get monsoon conditions.

MR POINTMENT 500/1: Looked a leading Aintree contender a couple of years ago but his form tailed off and is likely to be fighting it out for last place here if he completes.

MY WILL 100/1: Fine third in last year’s National and a return to Aintree is likely to be high on his agenda. Was fifth in this 12 months ago and connections will be thrilled if he runs a similar race.

TRICKY TRICKSTER 14/1: Made the most of Denman’s disappointing display to win the Aon Chase and clearly has a degree of class. Could run into the money but would be a big surprise if he were to come home in front.

CONCLUSION: It would be very dangerous to dismiss Denman as Paul Nicholls should have him back to his best – but that still may not be good enough. KAUTO STAR really has looked better than ever this season and Nicholls has clearly learned not to over-race his French import. It is going to take a below-par performance from the champion for anything else to win, but Cooldine could be the one to chase him home.

Kauto Star (4/6 with Paddy Power) looks every inch the likely winner again, having barely put a foot wrong in what has been another memorable season.

The 10-year-old conceded his crown to Denman (4/1 with Bet365) in 2008 and it looked as though that seven-length demolition had left its mark as Paul Nicholls’ charge subsequently failed to shine at Aintree, before unseating Sam Thomas on his second start back last term.

He bounced back to land a third King George that Christmas, but Nicholls believes he went to the well a couple of times too often in that period and gave Kauto Star a good break before returning to Cheltenham last March.

That worked the oracle as he firmly turned the tables on Denman and although Imperial Commander (8/1 with Stan James) pushed him all the way in the Betfair Chase on his reappearance last November, that was merely a blip as he bulldozed a decent field when landing a record fourth successive King George on Boxing Day.

He has been off the track since then in preparation for the Gold Cup and it will be a major surprise if he cannot secure a third title.

The ground is in his favour at present and if it stays on the dry side, expect to see another super show from the reigning champion.

With so many question marks over Denman this time, Nicholls third-string Tricky Trickster (14/1 with Sportingbet) is taken to make the frame at a reasonable each-way price.

Currently the score stands at one all between the two Paul Nicholls-trained superstars, with Denman having got the better of his stablemate in the 2008 renewal of The Festival’s feature, only for Kauto Star to reverse the placings last year and become the first horse to regain chasing’s Blue Riband, having recorded his initial totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup success in 2007.

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The Cheltenham Festival runs from Tuesday 16th to Friday 19th March 2010 and as always, Bet365’s  fantastic offers will help you get the most out of the highlight of the National Hunt calendar.

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There has been a big swelling of support for Tricky Trickster on the preview evening circuit to finish second or third, but the value has now also dried up about him as a consequence. I personally feel that Kauto Star will win by a long way, so will have a look at winning margin bets on the day and fancy Cooldine to finish second.

Kauto Star

Probably the best chaser since Arkle and a third Gold Cup would be just rewards for an unbelievable horse.

His preparation for the defence of his crown has been pretty much faultless and his master trainer has protected him to ensure he is as fresh as a daisy. The long-term weather forecast looks kind for Kauto Star supporters as it seems unlikely the ground will be soft on the final day. Connections have said that soft ground wouldn’t be a major worry, but there is little doubt that good ground suits this fellow better than the majority of the others. It could be argued that a ‘back in-running’ strategy would be sensible for Kauto, as if Denman takes it up with a circuit to go, people will remember two years ago.

However, I’m of the opinion that Denman won’t be able to pour it on like he did that day and it’s unlikely that the champion will trade much bigger than his SP. He is up against some relatively unexposed types in Imperial Commander and Cooldine this year, though, so it wouldn’t be a bad idea to lock in a profit approaching the third last.

Denman

Paul Nicholls has said time and time again that Denman would come on massively for his run at Newbury and it would, of course, be dangerous to write off the former Gold Cup winner. It may be that his extraordinary Hennessy win took a lot out of him and his best chance of beating his next door neighbour is surely if the heaven’s open. Denman is a bruiser and it should be fairly obvious if he is back to his best when the field set out for the final circuit. If a number of them already look stretched, that would be the time to back AP McCoy’s mount.

There is no better front runner in jump racing than this monster of a horse and he has a habit of breaking hearts. Whether he will be able to do that on a sound surface is debatable, but he is all guts and Kauto will have to be on top form if he is to get past him.

The big race and the jewel in the Cheltenham crown, the Cheltenham Gold Cup is the one race that you just have to get involved in, as Denman and Kauto Star lock horns once again.

If you can’t get to the tv or want to watch online and bet in running while watching the action, we are pleased to announce that Paddy Power are streaming the race live on their site, and will also throw in a free £50 bet on the race!

The best of the best have won the Gold Cup, the list is endless. It includes the likes of Arkle, Dawn Run and Best Mate, to name but a few. This year’s festival highlight is ‘different’ to a certain degree.

Gold Cup Live Stream

In the line up are two already crowned champions. Ok, previous Gold Cups have been contested by past winners, but this year’s race is a battle of “the best staying chaser of their respective era”, Denman vs Kauto Star.

Kauto won his first Gold Cup in 2007, beating the ill fated Exotic Dancer by two and a half lengths. The following year, he surrendered his crown to his stable mate, eventually going down by seven lengths to a breath taking display by Denman.

Kauto Star was crowned king again in 2009, getting pay back on Denman and dishing out a 13 length beat down. It was a great display by Kauto Star but the racing world knew Denman wasn’t at his best, running a brave race to finish second.

In 2010 they finally get to settle the score, as both have had no interruptions in training.Of the others it’s very hard to see any of them turning over one, never mind two of the Paul Nicholls’ pair.

Tell Massini

Unbeaten in three starts over hurdles including two Grade 2’s without much fuss. Well fancied to take this but job been made harder by presence of Quel Esprit. Should go close.

Quel Esprit

Fell at the second in Wednesday’s Neptune Investment Novices Chase and fact his trainer deems him well enough for this speaks volumes. Real danger if not suffering any after effects.

Restless Harry

Impressive here last time out but all his best form is on deep ground. Will come more into equation if the heavens open but form behind Reve De Sivola been franked and a live danger.

Shinrock Paddy

Confirmed his early promise last time out when scooting up in a Punchestown Grade 1 and no reason to think he won’t handle this step up in trip. Even more interesting if the money comes.

Enterprise Park

Another Willie Mullins runner with a chance but difficult to know how much he’s achieved in three runs so far. All form on very soft ground and much will depend on how he’ll handle conditions.

Betchworth Kid

Useful on the Flat at up to 2 miles and done well since brought hurdling notching a win and two close places over insufficient trips. 3 miles should be much more to his liking today and not without hope.

Fionnegas

Won first four starts and only 2 1/2 lengths behind Dunguib last time at Leopardstown, although that could have been a lot more. Probably needs to step up significantly on that.

Cappa Bleu

Strange career so far with decent chasing efforts in France leading him to be quite well fancied for the Hennessey where he fell. No good at Taunton when sent hurdling last time and plenty to prove.

Najaf

Looks another good French import for the all conquering Nicholls stable but only scraped home on UK debut. Be unwise to write him off but needs to improve on what we’ve seen so far.

Silver Kate

One of the more experienced participants with 10 runs under her belt and has absolutely hacked up a few times this season. Only managed third only try in Graded company and looks up against it here.

Arvika Ligeonniere

Just one win from his four starts and definitely the least likely winner from the Mullins brigade. Probably has a bright future but unlikley he can make the breakthrough at this stage.

Possol

Been chasing for a long time now and already exploited lower handicap mark over hurdles a few times already. Loved the hustle and bustle of a big field over fences and could run on into a places if putting best foot forward.

Chartreux

Looks an exciting prospect for David Pipe but hasn’t proved much yet with his three wins all in modest company. Hard to know what to expect but a big run less likely than a poorish one.

Premier Victory

One of only two mares in the race and looks to have plenty to do based on last run when put in place at Thurles. Consistent before that but plenty to find here.

The modern philosophy for jockeys is to ‘stay handy and avoid the trouble’ as there has been a bigger field than usual, 14 hopefuls having the audacity to take on those Paul Nicholls’ titans, Kauto Star and Denman, 12 months ago.

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However, whereas in 2008 Denman forced the pace from a long way out and ground his rivals into submission, his subsequent heart problem had left doubts in the minds of his connections as to whether he was still the potent force of old, so he was ridden with uncharacteristic restraint and, consequently, the race was run at a much more even tempo.

This resulted in the rare sight of all but one (Halcon Genelardais had been pulled up) being still in contention as they passed the stands with a circuit to race, a pace which allowed Kauto Star to get into a rhythm in his attempt to reclaim his crown, having been bullied out of it by the aggressive tactics of his stablemate the previous year.

Plenty were still in with a chance at the top of the hill, six from home, but two fences later the Nicholls trio – Neptune Collonges, Kauto Star and Denman – had shaken off the chasing pack. Kauto was always going to have too much speed for Denman on the prevailing ground, and after three out he changed up a gear and gradually pulled away, with Exotic Dancer rewarding his place supporters by running on to deprive Nicholls of another clean sweep by passing Neptune Collonges for third.

It would seem that Denman’s only chance of beating Kauto Star again is to put it up to him early on in the final circuit – a slow-run Gold Cup in 2007 had played into the hands of Kauto – and, while Denman’s fall in the Aon Chase at Newbury, has cast doubts, his camp need to be positive.

English trainers have won three of the last five runnings, the Irish have one and the French one too. Charles Byrnes broke the Irish duck in this race last year, winning with this years RSA Chase fancy, Weapons Amnesty.

Albert Bartlet Novices Hurdle Free Bets

The Irish again have a competitive bunch going over with the Willie Mullins trained Enterprise Park leading the line. Paul Nolan’s Shinrock Paddy is also fancied. However, the U.K trainers hold the ace with the Tom George trained Tell Massini.

Tell Massini,  at 9/2 with Paddy Power has been one of the most impressive novices all season, right up there with Dunguib in my opinion.

He has only raced three times in his career, winning all three with quite a bit in hand, jumping superbly throughout. He seems to have it all, class, stamina and speed. A further asset to his already huge arsenal is he has won twice round Cheltenham.

He beat Reve De Sivloa easily by eight lengths in November. That form has since been franked with the runner up winning the grade one Challow Hurdle. The form looks rock solid and visually the horse has impressed. The son of Dr. Massini should also welcome better ground, where he can use his slick jumping and speed. A great bet and great value at 9-2.

I really can’t see any of the English horses getting close to Tell Massini but the Irish might give him most to think about.

Enterprise Park at 7/1 with Sportingbet heads the Irish challenge and should go well.

From the powerful Mullins/Walsh stable, the son of Goldmark has been quite impressive winning all three of his starts. He managed to win a bumper despite having so much stamina in his pedigree. He’s from the family of Risk Of Thunder and The Listener, so he won’t wilt coming up the Cheltenham hill.

He has won both starts over timber nicely, with both races having the form franked. What strikes me about Enterprise Park is his sire. He’s by Goldmark whose progeny are generally flat bred and like good ground. This injection of speed along with the forecast good ground could bring out huge improvement. A live each-way chance.

Another Irish contender with live hopes is Shinrock Paddy at 8/1 with Paddy Power.

Trained by Paul Nolan, the son of Deploy looks to be progressing very nicely. He won the Sandra and Barry Kelly Novice Hurdle, a grade one event, by fifteen lengths, impressively. That day he took the step up in trip in his stride, staying on strongly at the business end of the race.

There are stamina concerns with Paul Nolan’s horse stepping up a further half mile. I wouldn’t be too concerned though, as Shinrock Paddy has won over three miles on heavy ground in points. A further positive is he has ran well round Cheltenham on both starts there, winning a listed bumper in 2008, before running well behind Dunguib in last years Champion Bumper. Like Enterprise Park, he has a flat pedigree. He’s by Deploy and is out of a King’s Theatre mare, the good ground will be welcomed. Expect a big run.

Of the rest entered up I can’t see much getting into the race. One to note though is The Betchworth Kid at 10/1 with Bet365.

Formerly trained on the flat by Michael Bell, he is now in the hands of Alan King. He was quite a decent horse on the flat, rated 104. He seems to have transferred his ability to hurdles, jumping well in the main. The better ground and bigger field will suit but I think the market leaders will come up the hill better.

All in all it’s hard to get away from Tell Massini. He has impressed me with everything he’s done and is the best U.K horse in the race by a country mile. The better ground is only going to aid his cause and he will be very tough to beat. Only the Irish horses can beat him and of the two, I’d have to favour Shinrock Paddy.

Strictly on form, he is ahead of Enterprise Park, on a form line through Rhyl Accord and Hugo De Vindecy. But I still can’t see him beating Tell Massini. Get on!!

Arcalis

And it would not surprise me at all if sneaky old Howard Johnson had trained him for this race all season as he knows he needs decent ground, which he looks like getting – and he is 5lbs lower this season.

His Festival record catches the eye having won the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, finished fifth in the Champion Hurdle, and fifth and seventh in the County Hurdle (the first time beaten by only two lengths). The truth is, there are worse big-priced outsiders around than him even if he is a ten-year-old.

As for the likeliest winner, I really fancied Noble Prince (10/1 with Paddy Power) (for the 2m5f handicap hurdle so was surprised when they told us he was running here instead. I do think this is a Grade 1 horse at 2m4f, and they may have wanted to run him on the Friday as he is a good ground horse plus, of course, they won’t hang around here over 2m1f.

The novices Bellvano (10/1 with Victor Chandler) and Tito Bustillo (8/1 with Paddy Power) are also major players, so they would be my four against the field.

County Hurdle Tips

• Back Arcalis @ 33/1 with Bet365
• Back Noble Prince @ 10/1 with Paddy Power
• Back Bellvano @ 10/1 with Victor Chandler