Imperial Commander is the 10/3 favourite with the sponsors for the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup after 15 horses were left in the race at the latest declaration stage.
Kauto Star has been cut to 11/2 (from 6/1) whilst his stablemate Denman has been pushed out half a point to 13/2 as the ground continues to dry out at Prestbury Park.
“Kauto Star has been steadily shortening in the betting for the Gold Cup and it’s not difficult to envisage further support for the former champion if the ground continues to dry out at Cheltenham,” totesport spokesman George Primarolo told betrescue.com
Alarazi is the new 8/1 joint-favourite (from 33/1) for the County Hurdle with totesport following his success in the Paddy Power Imperial Cup this afternoon. He is also 6/1 joint-favourite for the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys Handicap Hurdle but is more likely to head to the shorter race.
Over at Wolverhampton, Lowther won the William Hill Lincoln Trial and has been cut to 16/1 (from 33/1) for the Lincoln itself. Runner-up Tartan Gigha has also been cut to 16/1.
Looking ahead to the first day of the Festival, Khyber Kim has been trimmed to 14/1 (from 16/1) for the Stan James Champion Hurdle whilst Alfa Beat has been very well-backed for the opening race of the second day and is now 9/2 favourite (from 6/1) for the National Hunt Chase.
Punters continue to ignore both Nicky Henderson and Paul Nicholls in the top trainer market and there has been further support for Willie Mullins this afternoon and he is now 7/2 (from 9/2) to train the most winners. There has also been plenty of support for Richard Johnson in the top jockey market and he is now 10/1 (from 14/1) with totesport.
