Rather Be favourite for Cheltenham revenge on Mister Whitaker

Latest odds from the trading floor

Rather Be is the 6/1 (from 8/1) favourite for Saturday’s BetVictor Gold Cup.

He’s now ahead of the horse that beat him into second place at last season’s Cheltenham Festival, Mister Whitaker, at 13/2, following the latest entry stage for the Grade Three contest. 

Baron Alco and Kalondra are next at 8/1, with Benatar 12/1.

“Although Mister Whitaker took the spoils at Rather Be’s expense at the Festival, punters seem confident a fair shift in the weights in favour of Nicky Henderson’s charge on Saturday can see him gain revenge,” said Coral’s David Stevens.

Henderson is also responsible for the Greatwood Hurdle favourite, with his Verdana Blue heading the betting at 9/2 with Coral, ahead of Silver Streak at 7/1.

“Although Nicky Henderson has warned Verdana Blue is not certain to line up on Sunday, the mare has won her two starts over hurdles this season and sets the standard in a typically competitive looking Greatwood,” added Stevens.

**BetVictor Gold Cup
6 Rather Be, 13/2 Mister Whitaker, 8 Baron Alco, Kalondra, 12 Benatar, 14 Frodon, Le Prezien, 16 Full Glass, King’s Socks, Movewiththetimes, Top Gamble, West Approach, 20 Bar

**Greatwood Hurdle
9/2 Verdana Blue, 7 Silver Streak, 10 Ballymoy, Global Citizen, Storm Rising, 11 Midnight Shadow, Western Ryder, 12 Nube Negra, 16 Brelade, Charli Parcs, Le Patriote, Not That Fuisse, 20 Bar

**Betfair Chase
2 Bristol De Mai, 3 Might Bite, Native River, 10 Politologue, 12 Clan Des Obeaux, Disko, 14 Outlander, Thistlecrack, 16 Don Poli, Shattered Love, 25 Bar

**Betfair Exchange Handicap Hurdle
6 Paisley Park, 7 Soul Emotion, 8 Chef Des Obeaux, First Assignment, Hear No Evil, 10 Moon Racer, 12 Captain Cattistock, No Hassle Hoff, 14 Dragon D’Estruval, 16 Calett Mad, Theo’s Charm, 20 Bar