Horse Racing Tips: Coral Cup Predictions, Preview and Best Bets For Cheltenham Festival

The Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle, a Grade 3 race held on Cheltenham’s Old Course, is a renowned event for hurdlers aged five years and older. Spanning 2 miles and 5 furlongs, this race is notorious for its unpredictability, with favourites often finding victory elusive. The race is taking place on Cheltenham Day 2, on Wednesday, March 13th, at 2:50 pm.

Last year, Langer Dan, trained by Dan Skelton, defied the odds to secure a win at 9/1, showcasing the unpredictable nature of this contest. As we approach the 2024 renewal, the Coral Cup remains one of the most challenging puzzles for enthusiasts and punters alike. Read on to find our betting tips and predictions for this Coral Cup renewal.

Coral Cup Preview, Predictions And Best Bets

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Coral Cup Best Bets

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The Coral Cup’s Landscape

Positioned between the prestigious feature races of the Cheltenham Festival’s second day, the Coral Cup stands out as a formidable challenge for participants and bettors. Its handicapping system levels the playing field, bringing forward horses that appear to be well-positioned to make their mark, all seemingly with a legitimate shot at glory.

Given the race’s competitive nature, with entrants often listed at double-digit odds, each-way bets are particularly enticing, offering a quarter of the odds for a top-four finish.

Front-Runners and Key Contenders

The spotlight shines brightly on Sa Majeste, who emerged as the odds-on favourite after a remarkable victory over Noble Yeats at Limerick. His limited but impactful appearances on both French and Irish soil make him a tantalising prospect for the Coral Cup, carrying an air of mystery and untapped potential.

Langer Dan looks to defend his title, buoyed by last year’s triumph and aiming to repeat his success under the same handicap mark. His resilience in the closing stages of races has become a hallmark of his performances.

Doddiethegreat, representing Nicky Henderson’s stable, enters as a serious contender after a commendable fourth-place finish in the Betfair Hurdle. His sparse racing history over hurdles only adds to the intrigue surrounding his potential.

No Ordinary Joe has demonstrated a fondness for Prestbury Park, with notable performances in previous festivals. His recent third-place finish at Kempton Park serves as a solid preparation for the challenges ahead.

The Dark Horses Worth Watching

In the Coral Cup, the possibility of an outsider stealing the limelight is always present. Built By Ballymore stands out after dominating performances in maiden and novice hurdles, hinting at his capability to surprise many.

Gordon Elliott’s entries, including Better Days Ahead and novices Cleatus Poolaw and Jigoro, along with Henry De Bromhead’s Hiddenvalley Lake, represent a formidable contingent capable of upsetting the odds.

Predictions for the Coral Cup

Main Bet: Langer Dan to Triumph

Langer Dan emerges as the prime contender for the 2024 Coral Cup. Trained by Dan Skelton, whose stable has shown a commendable 23% win rate over the last 14 days, Langer Dan possesses an impressive race record that speaks volumes of his capabilities and resilience. Despite recent performances that saw him facing challenges at Kempton, Doncaster, and Sandown, it’s essential to remember his victorious moment at Cheltenham last year, where he displayed remarkable tenacity.

Langer Dan’s ability to navigate the demands of this race, combined with his proven track record at Cheltenham, underscores his potential to reclaim the title. His versatility across various grounds and distances, coupled with his highest RPR of 148, highlights his competitive edge in a field where experience and adaptability are crucial.

The Dark Horse: Built By Ballymore

Built By Ballymore’s ascent in the world of hurdling is notable for its impressive victories in maiden and novice hurdles. His performance at Limerick, followed by a commanding win over seasoned winners at Punchestown, illustrates not just his capability but his adaptability and growing competence in the field. Such victories not only boost his credentials but also hint at his readiness to take on the challenge of a competitive handicap like the Coral Cup.

Under the guidance of Martin Brassil, Built By Ballymore has shown a progressive trajectory in his racing career. Brassil’s strategic approach to selecting races and preparing his charge for the demands of Cheltenham’s challenging course could be a pivotal factor. The preparation and tactical nous from the stable could well position Built By Ballymore to exploit the gaps left by more favoured contenders.

The Coral Cup’s testing conditions and the tactical complexity of navigating a large field over 2 miles and 5 furlongs require a horse that can demonstrate both stamina and speed. Built By Ballymore’s past performances suggest he possesses the requisite blend of qualities to thrive in such a setting. His ability to maintain a strong pace and finish with conviction in his previous races offers a glimpse into his potential to upset the odds in the Coral Cup.

For punters and racing enthusiasts looking to back a less obvious choice, Built By Ballymore represents an attractive proposition. His form, coupled with the relatively longer odds, provides a potentially lucrative opportunity for each-way bets. In a race where favourites historically face stiff challenges, selecting a dark horse like Built By Ballymore could yield significant dividends.

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