Popular Bet Types at Cheltenham

Last Updated 5 hours ago

Part of what makes the Cheltenham Festival so engaging is the sheer variety of bets on offer. The simple win bet is the foundation, but the other popular markets add a layer of strategy that can suit any budget or level of confidence.

Singles and each-way singles

The most basic bet is the single, backing one horse to win. When confidence is high and the odds are short, a win-only single does the job.

The staple of most Festival strategies, though, is the each-way single, effectively two bets in one, on the win and the place. In the big handicaps, where places often pay on the first five or six, an each-way bet on a 16/1 shot can return well even if the horse only finishes fourth.

Multiples for bigger prices

Doubles, trebles and accumulators are popular with more ambitious punters. Combining two short-priced favourites in a double creates a more appealing combined price.

An accumulator needs every selection to win, so landing a four or five-horse acca across the tough Cheltenham fields is difficult, but the potential payout is the draw. Keeping these stakes small is sensible.

Forecasts and tricasts

The forecast asks for the first two home in the correct order. It is difficult, but returns can be large in wide-open handicaps. A reverse forecast covers both finishing orders, doubling the stake while improving the chance of success.

The tricast extends that to the first three in order. The difficulty is high, but in a race such as the Coral Cup with 20 or more runners the dividends can be considerable, which is why it is best treated as a small-stake punt.

Novelty and special bets

Bookmakers also offer specials that add to the atmosphere, from the number of winning favourites across the week to the leading trainer, or the colours of a championship winner’s silks.

These are lighthearted markets for a bit of fun rather than the core of a serious strategy.

Mixing a few each-way singles with a small double and the odd forecast creates multiple narratives to follow across a Festival day. Each market is covered in depth in the site’s Cheltenham Festival betting guides, including the win and each-way bet, the forecast and the tricast.