CHELTENHAM legend Ruby Walsh has revealed his banker of the entire week – who’s already being smashed in the betting.
And he’s picked out an eye-catching favourite you might want to avoid – in bad news for one British trainer.
The 59-time Cheltenham winner has sided with champion trainer Willie Mullins in picking his best bet of the Festival.
Speaking ahead of next week Ruby said: “Banker? I think Kopek Des Bordes in the Arkle.”
Walsh believes the 2025 Supreme winner will have too much for Nicky Henderson‘s long-time favourite Lulamba.
He said: “Lulamba is a very, very good horse and so is Romeo Coolio but I think both will ultimately be better horses over further distances next season.
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“And I think at this trip Kopek Des Bordes will just have too much pace and be too good for them.”
Kopek Des Bordes, having been 2-1 just days ago has shortened to 6-4 – as the biggest week of the National Hunt season approaches.
Meanwhile former favourite Lulamba who was once as short as evens is now as big as 2-1.
The huge market move shows punters aren’t bothered about the Irish raider having only one run this season.
Walsh also discussed which well-backed favourite punters ought to avoid in the curtain raiser on Tuesday.
The 11-time Cheltenham top jockey said: “I wouldn’t be surprised if the favourite backers miss out in the first (Supreme).
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“I think there’s huge, huge talent running for the bookmakers really, and I think the favourite could be turned over, and that’s the way I would see this Supreme.”
The current favourite for the Supreme Novices Hurdle is another of Henderson’s – Old Park Star.
The gelding, who has won his last three starts, is 2-1 for the 2m Grade 1.
However punters might think differently as his price has stayed solid in the build up.
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