Cheltenham William Hill Trophy

Cheltenham Festival race guide – the William Hill Trophy

The majority of winners in the William Hill Trophy Handicap over the last decade have gone off at single figure odds. So for all those favourite backers out there, the third race on the opening day card may just see a horse at the summit of the betting run out victorious here. However, this was not the case last year as Paddy Aspell’s Chief Dan George sprung a huge surprise going in at 33/1 and in 2007 it was a 50/1 shot that shocked the field. Such is the nature of handicap chases, every horse, on paper holds a genuine chance of being there or thereabouts come the finish. But what can we expect this year as horses five years and older prepare to take nineteen fences in the hope of landing the £80,000 prize?

William Hill Trophy odds

Three miles and ½ furlong is the trip for this race, where we can expect to see a large field of runners. Twenty four took to the fences twelve months ago yet seven of those were unable to complete their journey. So when analysing your selection for this race, a horse must have proven stamina because this is an unforgiving three miles regardless of ground conditions. The old course at Cheltenham demands a lot in any race, but the William Hill Trophy Handicap is not too dissimilar from the Grand National. In fact, several of those who competed in the corresponding race last year go on to make Grand National appearances. Take the David Pipe trained Comply or Die for example who won the 2008 running of the National but could only finish 13th in this race last year.

Previous Records of the William Hill Trophy

As far as records in this handicap go, Robert ‘Choc’ Thornton rode back-to-back winners in 2004 and 2005 aboard Fork Lightning and Kelami respectively. However, no stable has dominated this race in recent years which speaks volumes about the difficulty of preparing a horse for this race. But there are certain trends which can be identified in this race and the weight is vitally important. No horse since Unguided Missile in 1998 has been able to win this one carrying more than eleven stone to victory. Quite an interesting statistic to consider, so it may be best ebb on the side of caution before backing a top weight favourite in the William Hill Handicap Trophy.

British runners generally have an excellent record in this race and if you can chance on one with Cheltenham form already to its name, you will be giving yourself the best possible chance of beating the bookies. Previous results in this race suggests British course specialist have performed admirably so make a case for those runners who fit this winning criteria. It is a handicap after all, but there are those interesting contenders who may have got in lightly and/or are potentially ahead of the handicapper so be sure to thoroughly check this market in the run up to post time.

William Hill Trophy free bets

Cheltenham Festival free bets

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