Bookies prepare for 'worst day of the week' as money piles in for favourites

Bookmakers are bracing themselves for potentially "the worst day of the week" as punters rally around leading favourites on Wednesday's Cheltenham Festival card, while Rachael Blackmore's mounts have also been popular.

With Sir Gerhard, Shishkin, Tiger Roll and Facile Vega all dominant forces at the top of the markets for the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle (1.30), Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase (3.30), Glenfarclas Chase (4.10) and Weatherbys Champion Bumper (5.30) respectively, the bookmakers are hoping for some major upsets on the second day of the meeting as the money comes in for some of the festival's leading names.

"This has the potential to be the worst day of the week with everyone backing the same horses," Nicola McGeady of Ladbrokes said.

"Sir Gerhard, Shishkin, Tiger Roll and Facile Vega are the key horses making up the accas. Other big losers in the book include Stage Star and Bravemansgame."

Blackmore won a second Unibet Champion Hurdle on Honeysuckle on Tuesday and money is reportedly coming in for her rides on day two, which include Journey With Me (Ballymore) and Envoi Allen (Champion Chase).

Rachael Blackmore's five rides have also been popular on WednesdayCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

"All of Rachael Blackmore's mounts are shortening up, with Journey With Me (6 from 13-2), Envoi Allen (14 from 25-1), Poker Party (14 from 20-1) and Houlanbatordechais (12 from 16-1)," McGeady added.

"I think it's fair to say that the general betting public have really latched on to Rachael Blackmore, especially after yesterday's performance," Betfair's Barry Orr said. "Given their big odds, any multiple of her five rides would be a stinking result today." Blackmore also rides Champagne Gold in the Coral Cup.

David Stevens of Coral said: "Despite a good day for the home team on Tuesday, punters have kept plenty of faith in the Irish, with Sir Gerhard a rock-solid 4-6 (from 8-11) favourite in the opener, and Capodanno, Farouk D'Alene and Beacon Edge all shortening against a strong British line-up in the Brown Advisory.

"Our Coral Cup is a typically lively heat, with Drop The Anchor, Camprond and Gowel Road all threatening Saint Felicien's position at the head of the betting, while Energumene (3-1 from 7-2) and Envoi Allen (14-1 from 22) have been backed against favourite Shishkin in the Queen Mother.

"Tiger Roll is surprisingly easy to back so far, with his odds eased to 15-8 (from 13-8), but I firmly expect the Tiger's massive fan club to make their presence felt before he reaches the starting line for the last time."

Although the bookies experienced a mixed day on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival, the day began with a much more welcome start for reality TV star Georgia Toffolo, who won £37,500 after staking £2,500 on a reverse forecast in the Supreme.

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Wednesday's Cheltenham Festival previews:

1.30 Cheltenham: 'It is ours to lose' – can anything stop the might of Sir Gerhard in Ballymore?

2.10 Cheltenham: star novices Bravemansgame, L'Homme Presse and Ahoy Senor clash in thriller

2.50 Cheltenham: can The Shunter land the Coral Cup after switching back to hurdles?

3.30 Cheltenham: 'This is going to be the biggest test of Shishkin's life' says Nicky Henderson

4.10 Cheltenham: Tiger Roll bids to bow out on a high back where it all began

4.50 Cheltenham: can Andy Dufresne unlock sky-high potential for Gordon Elliott in Grand Annual?

5.30 Cheltenham: who will be crowned the bumper king? Facile Vega and American Mike face off

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