For some horses, this is bad news but for mudlarks it is manna from heaven.
The money has come in for Native River in Friday’s Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup and Colin Tizzard’s streetfighter can become the first horse since Best Mate to make it back-to back Gold Cup victories.
On Tuesday, Apple’s Jade can make the most of her 7lb mares’ allowance in her from Buveur D’Air in the Unibet Champion Hurdle, while the Irish have been cooing over the chance of Ballyward in the 4m National Hunt Chase and he can see off OK Corral, who is not certain to stay.
If the Pertemps Final on Thursday was held at Chepstow then Samburu Shujaa would be be odds-on. He has won there twice but if he handles the contours of Cheltenham then he looks a decent wager.
On Wednesday Altior looks a penalty kick in the Queen Mother Champion Chase although Lady Buttons looks good value to nick a place at 33-1 if Phil Kirby lets her take her chance.
The Champion Bumper is a devil of a race to win and Get In The Queue, trained by Harry Fry, looks to have a serious chance.
The horse is owned by Paul and Clare Rooney who boycotted Cheltenham until having a rethink recently.
There would be a certain irony if he was to prevail. But Willie Mullins, who is normally mob-handed in this race, has just the one runner – Blue Sari. He appeared to sprout wings on his only run at Gowran Park and gets the vote.
Cheltenham 2019 tips
Tuesday: Apple’s Jade (Champion Hurdle)
Wednesday: Blue Sari (Champion Bumper)
Thursday: Samburu Shujaa (Pertemps Final)
Friday: Native River (Cheltenham Gold Cup)