Sky Bet face £10 million liabilities as punters eye up Venetia Williams treble

Sky Bet are facing liabilities of more than £10 million if a Venetia Williams-trained treble strikes at Cheltenham on Friday.

The firm have had a series of bets on the treble featuring Royale Pagaille, Green Book and Pink Legend at combined odds of more than 10,000-1.

Royale Pagaille has been backed in the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup (3.30) with the firm at odds of 14-1.

His run comes after the biggest-priced leg in the treble, 33-1 shot Green Book, who bids to make it 4-8 over hurdles in the Albert Bartlett (2.50).

The final leg rests on 20-1 chance Pink Legend, who takes on a strong Irish challenge in the Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Chase (4.50).

Williams has been in superb form at the festival, with L'Homme Presse winning the Grade 1 Brown Advisory Novices' Chase on Wednesday and Chambard scoring at 40-1 in the Kim Muir on Thursday.

Sky Bet's Michael Shinners told the Racing Post: "After Venetia Williams' first and third in the Kim Muir yesterday, we have seen plenty of money for her three runners this afternoon. We have the treble for eight figures."

Meanwhile, Betfair reported a popular 10-1 double in the opening two races on Friday and Vauban kicked it off with victory in the Triumph Hurdle. Star Sports reported significant support for Vauban, taking a bet of £25,000 at odds of 15-8 on Friday morning.

State Man will look to complete the Willie Mullins-trained double in the McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle (2.10). The unexposed runner heads the market at 3-1 (from 4-1 overnight) with the Betfair Sportsbook.

Betfair spokesman Barry Orr said: "We've seen the Willie Mullins opening-race double of Vauban and State Man gain a lot of traction. At current odds of 7-4 and 3-1 respectively, punters are putting their faith in the two favourites obliging in the first two races on Gold Cup day."

Should Gordon Elliott followers be worried? And who is the trainer to be with?

Star Sports were also taking on the Triumph favourite, as trader Ed Dark said: "There's been plenty of business but we haven't quite seen the big hitters we have the previous day with no odds-on shots. There's lots of interest in the first race, we've laied £25,000 on Vauban at 15-8, and £5,000 on Fil Dor at 7-1 and one of the outsiders in Teddy Blue.

"The only bet of note on the Gold Cup so far is £6,000 on Galvin at 100-30."

On Friday morning A Plus Tard has emerged as clear favourite for the Gold Cup (3.30) and is no bigger than 3-1 (from 100-30).

Rachael Blackmore's ride is 5-2 with Coral, who have seen a surge of support for last season's runner-up and expect him to maintain favouritism throughout the day.

David Stevens, from Coral, said: "After an up and down day yesterday for punters, they've come out in force this morning on what is always the biggest betting day of this week.

"A Plus Tard now looks certain to be sent off favourite for the Gold Cup, with the Rachael Blackmore factor sure to be a big part in the support for last year's runner-up that has seen his odds shorten to 5-2.

"State Man is now 3-1 favourite for the County Hurdle, while Hillcrest has been similarly popular for the Albert Bartlett and is now clear 5-2 market leader."

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

Friday's Cheltenham Festival previews:

1.30 Cheltenham: who will come out on top between star juveniles Pied Piper and Vauban?

2.10 Cheltenham: 'He's got a big chance' - who fancies their chances in a red-hot County Hurdle?

2.50 Cheltenham: 'He's got the class and the form' - leading Albert Bartlett quotes and insight

4.10 Cheltenham: which trainer is taking the best horse he's ever brought to Cheltenham?

4.50 Cheltenham: Willie Mullins once again has good reason to be hopeful about the mares' chase

5.30 Cheltenham: 'He'll run a huge race' - is there a dark horse lurking in the Martin Pipe?

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