Chester Cup Odds

Competed over the fantastic Chester racecourse, the 2012 Chester Cup takes place on the 9th May this year and it should be a tremendous race.

Run just shy of two miles and three furlongs, it is competed by thoroughbreds aged four and over and is the oldest flat race in British horse racing with the first event of its kind taking place in 1924.

There are of course many races which attract the attention of more horse racing betting than usual and this is definitely one of them. It is a historic and famous race where many horses, jockeys and trainers have made their name.

Take Barry Hills for example. He is the only trainer to have a winner in the Chester Cup on four occasions with his first win in 1980 and his most recent in 2009 with Daraahem.

At the beginning of May each year, attention turns to Chester and this race is the feature race on the opening day. It is one many get excited about and the 2012 Chester Cup will be no different.

Looking at the betting trends for this race, it is worth noting that Royal Ascot is a decent indicator of how this one might go, with the quality at Chester extremely high. In-form National Hunt horses are also worth keeping an eye on.

It is also essential for potential winners to start well. Because of the short final straight – just 239 yards – there is often little time for late bursts. It is all about getting a lead and holding onto it in the Chester Cup.

Looking at last year’s race, Overturn was successful. The 11/2 shot was much fancied prior to the race due to National Hunt form and this proved to be justified with a credible victory.

Highlighting that the outsider can be in contention though, Mystery Star – who was available at 50/1 prior to the race – came in third position for trainer Mark Hopkins.

As for the 2012 leading contenders, Overturn is the favourite to complete successive victories and can be backed at 5/1. Gulf of Naples is then available at 6/1, while Never Can Tell is the third favourite at 7/1.