York Dante Festival Betting Tips

The Dante Festival gets underway at York this week, with some cracking races already set up. Some of the highlight races include the Dante Stakes and Musidora Stakes, which are both seen as perfect trials ahead of the Epsom Derby meeting later in May. The action gets underway on Wednesday, with 2 more days of racing to follow, including Friday’s Yorkshire Cup. Ahead of the week’s racing, Bet UK has put together 3 betting tips for each day. For the latest horse racing betting odds on all race across the UK and Ireland, simply head over to Bet UK’s online betting.

The York Dante Festival is the first major meeting at York Races. Featuring some of the biggest races in the York horse racing calendar, including the Musidora and the Dante itself on the final day of the meeting. We've browsed the online horse racing betting markets to pick out the top runners from across the three-day meeting, and we'll be listing our UK horse racing betting tips below.

2024 Dante Festival Tips

Currently, there are no betting tips available for the Dante Festival at York Racecourse, the festival takes place during May, so check back at the start of May 2024 for the latest tips.

Alternatively, check out some of our other options below.

Betting at York Racing

York Racecourse Tips

Horse Racing Betting Tips

Dante Festival Day One Racecard

Dante Festival Day Two Racecard

Dante Festival Day Three Racecard

One of the most anticipated horse racing meetings of the year gets underway at York this week as they welcome crowds to the Ebor Festival. A highlight of the Yorkshire Racing Calendar, punters are treated to four days of racing on the Knavesmire, and we’ll have all of the latest York Horse Racing Tips for all of the feature races.

Bet on Racing at York

As well as the latest betting odds on the Ebor Festival, we’ll also have horse racing betting odds from around the UK and Ireland, so you’ll never miss a race at Bet UK.

Ebor Festival Betting Tips

Summaries

Day 4:

• 13:50 - Strensall Stakes - PHANTOM FLIGHT
• 14:25 - Melrose Handicap - TABLETALK / WILD WAVES
• 15:00 - City of York Stakes - AUDIENCE
• 15:35 - Ebor Handicap - FAIRBANKS / MAGICAL ZOE
• 16:10 - Constantine Handicap - SUMMERGHAND
• 16:45 - Julia Graves Roses Stakes - TROPICAL STORM
• 17:20 - Finale Handicap - RATHGAR

Day 3:

• 13:50 - Heritage Handicap - Qitaal
• 14:25 - Weatherbys Hamilton Lonsdale Cup Stakes - Point Lonsdale
• 15:00 - Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Gimcrack Stakes - The Strikin Viking
• 15:35 - Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes - Regional
• 16:10 - Assured Data Protection EBF Fillies' Handicap - Al Anoud
• 16:45 - British Stallion Studs EBF Convivial Maiden Stakes - Bowen Island
• 17:20 - Heritage Handicap - Midnight Gun

Day 2:

• 13:50 - Lowther Stakes - Heavens Gate
• 14:25 - Goffs Premier Yearling Stakes - Territorial Knight
• 15:00 - Clipper Handicap - Aragon Castle
• 15:35 - Yorkshire Oaks - Emily Upjohn
• 16:10 - Sir Henry Cecil Galtres Stakes - Sea Just In Time
• 16:45 - Nursery - Dukes Of Haather
• 17:20 - British EBF Fillies' Handicap - Miss Information

Day 1:

• 13:50 - Symphony Group Handicap - Democracy Dilemma
• 14:25 - Tattersalls Acomb Stakes - Yaroogh
• 15:00 - Great Voltigeur Stakes - Los Angeles
• 15:35 - Juddmonte International Stakes - City Of Troy
• 16:10 - Stayers Handicap - Divine Comedy
• 16:45 - Visit Irish Yearling Sale With ITM Fillies' Handicap - Got To Love A Grey
• 17:20 - Nursery Handicap - Moving Force

York Ebor Festival Tips: Day 4

Four days of red-hot action culminate in one of the biggest handicaps of the year. The Ebor is a target for trainers on both sides of the Irish Sea and this year's renewal at 3.35 on Saturday is as tough as ever.

Six other races make up the card. The City Of York Stakes is a Group 2 masquerading as a Group 1 and the Melrose could throw up a live outsider for next month's St Leger.

13:50 - Strensall Stakes (Group 3, 1m1f)

Three-year-olds Sea The Fire and Alyanaabi will find this easier than the majority of their assignments recently but there are a handful of horses with solid York form that could offer value. The John Smith’s Cup form is strong and Haunted Dream was badly drawn that day so has claims but PHANTOM FLIGHT was a good winner on debut for this yard and was outstayed at Goodwood by two smart horses. The drop in trip looks ideal.

Selection: PHANTOM FLIGHT

14:25 - Melrose Handicap (1m6f)

Sixteen runners but maybe not quite as strong as recent renewals. Classy horses with big weights often run well in this without winning so The Equator should figure but both TABLETALK and WILD WAVES have strong claims. The former was outclassed in the Derby but that form has worked out from top to bottom and he ran on well at Ascot. The latter has a trainer / jockey combo to die for in this race and bolted up at Doncaster before slipping on the bend in a farcical race at Haydock. He’s better than that.

Selections: TABLETALK / WILD WAVES

15:00 - City of York Stakes (Group 2, 7f)

As per usual in this division, we have a few Group 1 horses in a division of also rans and hopefuls. AUDIENCE was behind Kinross in this last year, but gave him a serious beating at Goodwood and is older, wiser and smarter this year. Rossa Ryan is adamant he will learn from his complacency on his main rival at Goodwood but he still may find the Lockinge winner hard to pass at the death.

Selection: AUDIENCE

15:35 - Ebor Handicap (1m6f)

The jewel in the crown of this wonderful week at York and a typically strong field to sift through. Low draws have dominated throughout at York this week but this race often flips the bias on its head so let’s look at one inside and one out. Those drawn wide with chances include Epic Poet, who ran well from a bad draw in the John Smith's Cup, and Yashin, who ran a blinder in this last year and looks plotted up. Preference is for FAIRBANKS who could give the Balding team a day to remember. Aside from getting stuck in soft ground at Thirsk and isolated on the unfavored rails at Royal Ascot, he hasn't put a foot wrong and he has ideal conditions today. MAGICAL ZOE is drawn in box one and is worth a saver. A classy hurdler, she should have won her last race at Fairyhouse when getting stopped on the rail. High class Irish raiders dominate staying handicaps on these shores and her yard won a Group race at Glorious Goodwood with a similarly classy mare.

Selections: FAIRBANKS / MAGICAL ZOE

16:10 - Constantine Handicap (6f)

York sprints are typically treacherous with a host of these clearly aimed at this meeting. The most obvious of those is SUMMERGHAND who dead-heated in this last year after being placed in the Great St Wilfrid. He's getting long in the tooth but he was fourth at Ripon last time and is clearly running himself into form. Elmonjed rates a big danger if he can keep up with his elders in the early stages.

Selection: SUMMERGHAND

16:45 - Julia Graves Roses Stakes (Listed, 5f)

A bigger than usual field of frighteningly fast juveniles for this Listed prize but TROPICAL STORM looks the ideal type for this rapid five furlongs. Still a maiden after four starts, he was second in a good race at Newmarket with Group class horses behind. His second in the Norfolk reads well and he didn't get home over six last time when setting off like a scalded cat. Fuji Mountain will give him a run for his money in the first furlong and could place at a big price.

Selection: TROPICAL STORM

17:20 - Finale Handicap (1m21/2f)

The curtain drops on the Ebor festival with a 10 furlong handicap and we will once again be looking to those drawn low to prevail. RATHGAR has spent much of his career running over further but has relished this drop in the trip in two red hot Racing League events and his run style will be well suited by this track. Improving course specialist Ron O is an obvious danger

Selection: RATHGAR

York Ebor Festival Tips: Day 3

It’s the third day of York’s Ebor meeting on Friday and punters are in for a treat. There are some top-class performers lining up, including in the feature race for the sprinters.

Day three on Friday has the Group 1 Nunthorpe Stakes (15:35) supplemented by the Lonsdale Cup (14:25) for the Gimcrack Stakes (15:00).

There are seven races in all at York on Friday and we have selected our best bets in all of them.

13:50 - Heritage Handicap (1m4f)

This competitive handicap looks like a good opportunity for QITAAL to get his reward for a string of consistent efforts. The consistent five-year-old has twice run well in big-field handicaps over 1m2½f at this course and also has some solid efforts in the Racing League over that trip, including when fourth at Chepstow last time. The quicker ground here is in Qitaal’s favour and the step up a furlong and a half in trip might bring the progress needed.

Selection: Qitaal

14:25 - Weatherbys Hamilton Lonsdale Cup Stakes (Group 2, 2m½f)

Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore are having an outstanding week and can strike once again with POINT LONSDALE, who might hold a class edge. He has been placed in Group 1 company before and took the step up to 1m5½f in his stride when bolting up by six and a half lengths in the Ormonde Stakes at Chester in May. Another solid Group 1 third at Saint-Cloud last time proved that Point Lonsdale remains in good heart and, provided he stays this 2m½f trip, he should be too good for these rivals.

Selection: Point Lonsdale

15:00 - Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Gimcrack Stakes (Group 2, 6f)

This is one of the stronger juvenile events of the season and it can go to THE STRIKIN VIKING. The son of Inns Of Court was an impressive winner on his debut over course and distance and went on to finish second in the Railway Stakes at the Curragh for Kevin Ryan. He disappointed when favourite for the Richmond Stakes on his debut for new trainer Hamad Al Jehani at Goodwood, but that track might not have suited him and he has a huge chance now that he is returned to the scene of his only victory.

Selection: The Strikin Viking

15:35 - Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes (Group 1, 5f)

A cracking Group 1 sprint and the one to back is REGIONAL. He was fifth in this race last year but looks quicker than ever this season and has twice run well in defeat in strong company. His best effort came when second in the King’s Stakes Stakes at Royal Ascot, being overhauled only late by Asfoora, and the switch to his faster track looks certain to suit Regional. There is a good chance that he can add another top-level victory to his CV.

Selection: Regional

16:10 - Assured Data Protection EBF Fillies' Handicap (1m2½f)

There was a lot to like about the way that AL ANOUD won a hot handicap at Goodwood last time and the half-sister to Group 2-winning Arc fourth Al Hakeem is surely capable of a lot better after only five starts. Al Anoud won by only a head at Goodwood, but never looked like being beaten and has been raised only 2lb in the weights because of the narrow margin. She is well capable of taking that in her stride and is suited by quick ground like this.

Selection: Al Anoud

16:45 - British Stallion Studs EBF Convivial Maiden Stakes (7f)

Kevin Ryan has a good record with juveniles at York and BOWEN ISLAND could offer some value. He showed loads of promise when second at Newcastle in June and is probably better than his last run at Haydock after setting a strong early pace. There should be plenty more to come from Bowen Island and he can put his experience to use against a field of promising horses, many of whom will be coming here as newcomers or after just one start.

Selection: Bowen Island

17:20 - Heritage Handicap (1m)

A red-hot handicap to close the card and the one to back is MIDNIGHT GUN. He was turned over on his debut for Hamad Al Jehani at Goodwood last time, but still ran a cracker to finish third and had previously been improving rapidly for Ed Walker. Midnight Gun is bred to be a lot better than a 96-rated handicapper as his dam is Group 1 winner Sky Lantern and it’s a matter of time before he proves himself a class apart from this grade. This could be his day.

Selection: Midnight Gun

Ebor Festival - Day Two Predictions

Day two of York's Ebor Festival comes up on Thursday, with the Group 1 Yorkshire Oaks the feature attraction on the Knavesmire.

They race at York from 13:50-17:20 on Thursday afternoon and once more we have got race-by-race selections as the Ebor Festival continues.

13:50 - Lowther Stakes (Fillies' Group 2, 6f)

The unbeaten Leovanni hasn't been spotted since her impressive Queen Mary win at Royal Ascot in June and rates a rock-solid contender for Karl Burke but Aidan O'Brien's Churchill filly HEAVENS GATE is perhaps more battle-hardened right now and produced a personal best in her win at Naas last time from the front. She could be hard to topple.

Selection: Heavens Gate @ 13/8

14:25 - Goffs Premier Yearling Stakes (6f)

Maw Lam has been running well in good races all summer and the 98-rated filly must hold very solid claims on these terms, but TERRITORIAL KNIGHT has improved in each of his three starts and Kevin Ryan's colt won a Pontefract novice in fine style five weeks ago. There should be more to come and he's perhaps some value today.

Selection: Territorial Knight @ 10/1

15:00 - Clipper Handicap (Heritage Handicap, 1m)

New Image is proving very consistent and can get involved despite a 6lb penalty for his Ascot success this month, while Metal Merchant is well matched with him on form. ARAGON CASTLE won well over a similar trip at Hamilton two starts ago for Andrew Balding and then ran well in the circumstances at Glorious Goodwood over further after stumbling leaving the starting stalls. Hayley Turner rides now and they have solid claims.

Selection: Aragon Castle @ 9/1

15:35 - Yorkshire Oaks (Fillies' & Mares' Group 1, 1m4f)

Queen Of The Pride is on the upgrade and a key player after her Lancashire Oaks win last time, while three-year-olds You Got To Me and Content make solid appeal after fighting out the Irish Oaks at the Curragh last month. Nothing went right for EMILY UPJOHN at Glorious Goodwood three weeks ago and if she can put her best foot forward now, she may prove too strong back at a track where she was a convincing winner on her only previous visit.

Selection: Emily Upjohn @ 4/1

16:10 - Sir Henry Cecil Galtres Stakes (Fillies' & Mares' Listed, 1m4f)

William Haggas and Tom Marquand won this race with Sea Theme 12 months ago and could repeat the feat with another daughter of Sea The Stars in SEA JUST IN TIME. She looked a smart prospect when scoring on her debut at Newmarket in May before fluffing her lines at Goodwood next time. The track may have hindered her there and she put away a useful rival at Kempton under a penalty earlier this month – she has more to come.

Selection: Sea Just In Time - NO LONGER RUNNING!

16:45 Nursery (7f)

Age Of Gold won at Yarmouth over 6f on his debut in May and probably found the quick rise into Listed company at Royal Ascot a bridge too far in June. He makes his handicap debut now and is respected for the Godolphin team. DUKES OF HAATHER won nicely at Chester last month on his handicap bow and Adrian Keatley's colt ran a sound race since at Glorious Goodwood in a valuable nursery. He has more to find but could run into the frame at a big price.

Selection: Dukes Of Haather @ 25/1

17:20 - British EBF Fillies' Handicap (Heritage Handicap, 7f)

MISS INFORMATION was a convincing winner at Chepstow and Epsom last month and was an eyecatcher when coming from an unpromising position to finish fourth at Glorious Goodwood three weeks ago off this mark. The Blue Point filly may still have untapped potential for Andrew Balding and Oisin Murphy.

Selection: Miss Information @ 4/1

York Ebor Festival Tips: Day 1

The first of four days at York’s Ebor meeting takes place on Wednesday and it’s a top-class afternoon of action, featuring three Group races.

Day one on Wednesday has the feature Juddmonte International Stakes (15:35), which is supplemented by the Group 3 Acomb Stakes (14:25) and Group 2 Great Voltigeur Stakes (15:00).

There are seven races in all at York on Wednesday and we have selected our best bets in all of them.

13:50 - Symphony Group Handicap (5½f)

This is a red-hot sprint that will be run at a fast pace and DEMOCRACY DILEMMA could be the one to see it out best. He has been running in the strongest sprint handicaps of the season and was unlucky not to land the Dash at Epsom after being caught on the line.

He had no chance running into a headwind at Haydock two starts ago, but ran another cracker when third over 5f at York last time in Listed company and that suggests he has the class to defy top weight in a race like this. This track suits him well and he can prove that by winning the opener.

Selection: Democracy Dilemma @ 12/1

14:25 - Tattersalls Acomb Stakes (Group 3, 7f)

This is a top-class juvenile event featuring some potential stars in Ruling Court and The Lion In Winter. However, they take out a huge chunk of the market and the most interesting runner at the prices is YAROOGH.

He has won twice at Haydock and Kempton on his last two starts and comfortably scored from the front under a penalty last time. Another big step forward will be needed now that he competes in this stronger race, but top trainer William Haggas rarely overfaces his runners and there is a good chance that Yaroogh is ready for this sort of test.

Selection: Yaroogh @ 20/1

15:00 - Great Voltigeur Stakes (Group 2, 1m4f)

This looks like it might come down to a match between King’s Gambit and LOS ANGELES and ready preference is for the Irish Derby winner. Los Angeles is a genuine Group 1 contender who is competing in Group 2 company and he stayed on well to land the Irish Derby at the Curragh last time.

He has to shoulder a penalty for that victory, but is as tough as they come and the York straight should bring his proven stamina into play. King’s Gambit has yet to come up against the top horses that he will face here and Los Angeles is a class apart.

Selection: Los Angeles @ SP

15:35 - Juddmonte International Stakes (Group 1, 1m2½f)

The feature race of the day should go to CITY OF TROY. The top-class Derby winner failed to show his best when successful in the Eclipse at Sandown last month, but the runner-up Al Riffa came out and won a Group 1 in Germany by five lengths next time.

City Of Troy will probably need to improve again because this looks like his hardest examination, but there should be plenty more to come on just his seventh career start. Provided he turns up in the same form as he was when successful at Epsom, he should have too much for his rivals.

Selection: City Of Troy @ 6/4

16:10 - Stayers Handicap (2m½f)

This is a hot race that might be between Samui and DIVINE COMEDY. Preference is for Divine Comedy, who has looked an improved performer on her last two outings when running away with a hot handicap at Haydock and taking a good second at Royal Ascot.

She has gone up 5lb for that runner-up effort last time, but pulled nicely clear of the remainder in what is often one of the strongest staying races of the season and it will be a surprise if she isn’t capable of competing in Group races soon. She can stamp her class on this handicap.

Selection: Divine Comedy @ 7/1

16:45 - Visit Irish Yearling Sale With ITM Fillies' Handicap (5f)

This looks like a good opportunity for GOT TO LOVE A GREY to score again at the track. The Dark Angel filly landed the Marygate over course and distance as a juvenile last season and returned from a break by bouncing back to form at Goodwood last time.

She was beaten only half a length by winner Shagraan that day and showed plenty of early speed. She is entitled to improve significantly with that first run in six weeks behind her and has gone up only 2lb in the weights, so it will be disappointing if she can’t go one better.

Selection: Got To Love A Grey @ 5/1](https://www.betuk.com/betting/horse-racing/york#racing/event/1021459356?coupon=combination|3498283710,3498283081,3498284086,3498284002,3498283307,3498283384,3498283813|0|replace)

17:20 - Nursery Handicap (6f)

The last can go to Richard Fahey, who won this race in back-to-back years in 2015 and 2016 and his best chance this year is MOVING FORCE. The lightly raced youngster has competed in Group 2 company on his last two outings and should find this nursery a lot easier than when sixth in the Prix Robert Papin at Chantilly last time.

That was on easy ground, but the majority of his best form has come with quick conditions and there is every chance that he can bounce back to form under Oisin Orr, who is Fahey’s go-to jockey.

Selection: Moving Force @ 9/1

Ebor Festival Day 1 Racecard

Looking to find the races that take centre stage on day 1 of the Ebor Festival? Find out what famous race meetings open the festival below.

Ebor Festival Day 2 Racecard

Day 2 of the Ebor Festival is York races ladies day! Which leads to a fantastic racecourse at almost any racecourse in the countries, The atmosphere at York racecourse will be fantastic as York racecourse attracts thousands of horse racing fans on this day. Check out the racecard below.

Ebor Festival Day 3 Racecard

Day three of the Ebor Festival is Nunthorpe Day that features the fantastic Nunthorpe Stakes, arguably the most famous horse race at the event outside of the Ebor Handicap. Check out the racecard below.

Ebor Festival Day 4 Racecard

The final day of the Ebor Festival features the extravagant Ebor Handicap, this is one of York race's oldest races being first run in 1843. However, it is also the richest race of the day, so if you're looking for the top thoroughbred horse races at York racecourse, day 4 of the Ebor Festival is the one to look out for.

About Ebor Festival

The Ebor Festival is arguably at the pinnacle of this world class sport in August, with thousands from around the world attending the festival, whether it's for the Ebor fashion lawn or for the racing, the Ebor festival is one of the last major race meetings of the flat season and rightfully acts as a main event for horse racing lovers.

The festival is split across four days, they are:

• Wednesday: Juddmonte International Day (featuring the Juddmonte International race as the main race)
• Thursday: Ladies Day (featuring the Yorkshire Oaks as the main race)
• Friday: Nunthorpe Day (featuring the Nunthorpe Stakes as the main race)
• Saturday: Ebor Day (featuring the Ebor Handicap as the main race)

Whether you’re placing a bet at Cheltenham, Kempton or Aintree, the National Hunt Season is full of top-class racing. Not only do we have the main meetings at Bet UK, we also have daily horse racing betting from across the UK and Ireland, so you’ll never miss a hurdle or chase race.

Normally National Hunt racing does run throughout the entire UK horse racing calendar. However, the main events happen between October and April, where the biggest horses in jumps racing will feature in Grade 1 handicaps.

Before placing a bet on any National Hunt Horse racing at Bet UK, you’ll need to know the ins and outs of National Hunt Racing. So, whether you’re looking for a win, place or each way, we’ve got you covered.

In our National Hunt Guide, we’ll talk you through all of the betting options and give you some insight into how to select a horse that can handle the distance and going conditions.

National Hunt Bets at Bet UK?

Win Bet in the National Hunt

A simple bet; it basically means you’re betting on a horse to finish in first place.

Place Bet in the National Hunt

As well as betting on a horse to win a race, punters can place a bet on a horse to finish either second or third in a race.

Each way Bet in the National Hunt

This option provides punters with two separate bets - one to win and one to place. Normally the place part of the bet is settled on the first three horses to finish; however, this can vary depending on the number of horses in the race and whether the race is a handicap.

Non-Handicap Races 2-4 Runners pays on win only 5-7 Runners pay on the first and second with a ¼ of the odds 8 or more runners will pay out on first, second and third with a ⅕ of the odds

Handicap Races 2-4 Runners pays on win only 5-7 Runners will pay on the first and second and offer ¼ of the odds 8-11 Runners on the first, second or third places with a ¼ of the odds 12-15 Runners on first, second and third with a ¼ of the odds 16+ Runners pays on the first four to pass the post with a ¼ of the odds

Forecast Betting

If you want to pick more than one horse in a race, then a forecast could be the best option for you. Within this bet, you will select a horse who will finish in first and second place, and the bet will only pay out if that scenario occurs.

Tricast

This bet is similar to a forecast but involves three horses, and the bettor must select them to finish correctly in first, second and third for the bet to pay out.

What races will horses feature in during the National Hunt Season?

Bumpers are National Hunt flat races that feature zero obstacles. Normally for younger horses who have no experience over hurdles or fences, they will make their debuts in these races in preparation for the next season.

Hurdles are the smallest of the National Hunt obstacles. These are where horses will progress to after bumper races.

Chase fences are the larger obstacles in National Hunt racing. These steeplechase fences require more skill to jump than hurdles, and horses can often fall if they misjudge the size of the fence.

What are novice National Hunt races?

These types of races are specifically for horses who are new to the National Hunt Racing. Common over hurdles and chase fences, multiple races can be seen throughout the season.

What are Handicap races?

Like those seen in the flat season, handicap races are the most common in National Hunt Racing. Each horse in these races will carry different weights depending on its most recent performances.

What are Conditions races?

Unlike handicaps, every horse involved in a conditions race will carry the same weight regardless of their form.

What are the Different Grades of Races Used in National Hunt Racing?

Like other UK horse racing, many of the races across the National Hunt Season will have classifications ranging from Grade 1, which are the biggest races on the calendar, to Grade 2, Grade 3, down to listed races, handicaps and then bumpers. Races will also be given a class of 1-7, with Grade 1-3 contests falling under class 1.

What are the key National Hunt Racing Days

Throughout the National Hunt Season, there are key meetings on which punters will potentially place bets. These are the:

Betfair Chase King George VI Chase at Kempton Cheltenham Festival, which features the Champion Hurdle, the Champion Chase, and the Cheltenham Gold Cup Aintree Festival, which includes the Grand National

What are the most common types of going in National Hunt Racing?

Due to main National Hunt races happening in the winter months, the going conditions for the races are Good to Soft (good ground holding water), Soft (common in the jumps season, the ground holds more moisture) and Heavy (very wet and can be difficult to run on). In Ireland, Yielding is the equivalent of good to soft.

National Hunt Horses to Watch in 2022/23

Honeysuckle

Given her form since 2020 season, it's hard to ignore Honeysuckle. The winner of Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown and the Punchestown Champions Hurdle, she looks set to keep her unbeaten run intact this season. We expect to see her in Ireland at some point in November, so keep your eyes on the racecards.

Famoso

A half brother to Tornado Flyer and with bloodlines to Hurricane Fly, it’s hard to ignore the pedigree of Famoso. Trained by Paul Nicholls, it looks as though he’ll go out over distances of just over 2 miles and given the fact he’s had an extra year to mature, we think he’ll soon go beyond his 111 rating.

Exelerator Express

Trained by Bet UK ambassador Neil Mulholland Exelerator Express was victorious in four of his seven outings in 2021 and has also placed in two of those races. He’s expected to head to Cheltenham Festival later in the season with the Arkle the aim.

Coconut Splash

Trained by Evan Williams, this six-year-old ran well last season and finished the campaign with a rating of 137 as a novice chaser. He’ll most likely head to somewhere like Chepstow or Wetherby for his first start of the season, as he seems to favour soft or heavy ground. He’s still a novice when it comes to chasing so it may take a race for him to find his feet, but given that he finished second behind Chantry House in his last race, we expect to see good things.

Ante Post betting, also known as futures betting, is well known with regards to horse racing betting. Horse racing betting often offers odds on big races long before they actually take place, allowing you to potentially get better odds and bigger returns.

What is Ante Post betting?

Ante Post betting is when you place a bet on a horse race before the race card is confirmed and the race actually takes place. For example, the Cheltenham Festival Gold Cup is a popular Ante Post race, as it is one of the biggest races of the horse racing calendar. In the run up to the race, there might be a wide selection of horses that are speculated to be entered into the race. Until the racecard is officially confirmed, any bet placed on the race will effectively be classed as Ante Post.

There are also some risks with Ante Post betting however. As the racecards are not yet confirmed, there is a chance that your selection might not even race. So although you might get increased odds on a sure favourite, there is a chance that your horse has no chance of winning. With Ante Post betting, any bet that is placed and then does not run, will be resulted in a loss. This means that no refunds will be issued and the stake will be lost.

Ante Post betting also applies to more betting markets than just horse racing. There are also other sports that feature ante post betting, including football betting. For example, a bet on the outright winner of the Premier League would be an ante post bet, as it will not be settled until the end of the season. These kind of ante post bets provide less risk however, as the team you bet on is guaranteed to take part in the Premier League season.

Ante Post Betting Example

• The Cheltenham Gold Cup is raced every March at Cheltenham racecourse, but markets for the race are typically open all year round. In anticipation of the race, you decide to place a bet on Horse A in January.
• As the race draws closer, the race card is confirmed. Horse A has instead been entered into another race and will not be taking part in the Gold Cup.
• With Horse A entering into another race, your bet will be resulted in a loss. Unless there is a special ‘No Runner No Bet’ offer, a horse not running will always result in a loss with no stake being returned. If there is ‘No Runner No Bet’ offer, then the stake will be returned.
• If Horse A does run, then the bet will be settled as normal. The bet will also avoid any Rule 4 declarations, meaning that your chances of winning will be increased, but your payout will remain the same.

Head back to our Bet UK Betting Guides for more information on our huge selection of betting markets.

Bet UK's online betting has the latest Ante Post betting on the biggest racing festivals, including the 2025 Cheltenham Festival and Royal Ascot. Bet UK's sports betting blog covers the latest sporting news from all major events, including the latest odds, tips and previews.