Bookies fear Paul Townend multiples on day three of the Cheltenham Festival

The Paul Townend factor is pulling in the punters ahead of day three at the Cheltenham Festival, with all of his mounts in Thursday's Grade 1s proving popular in multiple bets according to bookmakers.

Townend enjoyed a terrific Wednesday, picking up his first victories of the meeting aboard Sir Gerhard in the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle and Energumene in the Queen Mother Champion Chase, and the jockey's high-class book of rides on Thursday have attracted support.

He kicks the day off aboard Galopin Des Champs in the Turners' Novice Chase (1.30) before partnering the Emmet Mullins-trained Winter Fog in the Pertemps Final (2.10), as well as taking plum rides on leading fancies Allaho in the Ryanair Chase (2.50) and Klassical Dream in the Stayers' Hurdle (3.30).

While his hope in the Ryanair Mares' Novices' Hurdle (4.50) Brandy Love is now a non-runner, Ladbrokes have reported that multiple bets on Townend have been popular throughout the morning.

Cheltenham Festival tips: one key runner from each ITV race on Thursday

Ladbrokes spokesperson Nicola McGeady said: "We've seen Galopin Des Champs, Winter Fog, Allaho and Klassical Dream all being very well supported. Paul Townend is the man everyone seems to want in their multis following his successful day yesterday.

"Given it's St Patrick's Day, it's fitting to see the Irish brigade coming for the money."

The heavy rain on Wednesday and unknown ground conditions has resulted in uncertainty with most firms reporting no major bets as yet, although Star Sports have taken a £40,000 bet and two £10,000 wagers on Galopin Des Champs at even-money in the Turners Novices' Chase.

The six-year-old is likely to be sent off favourite with many firms and is now the general 10-11 favourite to come out on top in a thrilling clash with Bob Olinger, who is next-best at 11-10, with Coral also reporting he has been the pick of the morning punters.

Galopin Des Champs: has come in for support in the Turners Novices' Chase (1.30)Credit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

"We couldn't split the big two in the Turners overnight so we've let the punters decide and they appear to be siding with Galopin Des Champs, who is now the 10-11 favourite from evens," said Coral's Dave Stevens.

The double between either Galopin Des Champs or Bob Olinger and Irish hotpot Allaho could be one of the most popular bets on the day too, with Betfair believing Allaho is a "crucial" horse to get beat in his defence of his Ryanair Chase.

The eight-year-old is the 8-13 favourite with that firm to make it back-to-back wins in the 2m4½f Grade 1, with Irish Gold Cup winner Conflated next best in the betting at 13-2.

Betfair spokesperson Barry Orr said: "The Allaho and Bob Olinger or Galopin Des Champs double is the most popular bet today. Allaho is the anchor and the crucial horse for punters and bookies alike today."

2022 Cheltenham Festival offers

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Thursday's Cheltenham Festival previews:

1.30 Cheltenham: 'It'll be some spectacle' – key quotes ahead of Bob Olinger v Galopin Des Champs

2.10 Cheltenham: 'A Grade 1 winner carrying 10st, it's up to him' – clues for the Pertemps Final

2.50 Cheltenham: 'Everybody is up against it' – is there any stopping Ryanair banker Allaho?

3.30 Cheltenham: Paisley Park 'likes to have a laugh' but can he produce another miracle?

4.10 Cheltenham: 'He looks to have been overlooked' – analysis and trainer quotes for the Plate

4.50 Cheltenham: Dinoblue heads seven runners for Willie Mullins in bid to resume normal service

5.30 Cheltenham: 'He's really turned the corner' – key quotes and insight for the Kim Muir

Sign up to William Hill here and get 30-1 on Allaho to win the Ryanair Chase for the second year in a row on Thursday of the festival. New customers using EPA30. Applies to bets placed from 09:00 8th March 2022 until 14:50 17th March 2022. Max £1 bet at 30-1. Returns paid as 2 x £15 free bets (30-day expiry). Player, currency restrictions and terms apply. 18+. begambleaware.org.