BOOKIES are fearing the worst ahead of a crunch day at the Cheltenham Festival.
Day one had many licking their wounds as festival favourite Lossiemouth picked up a fourth win in as many years in the Champion Chase.
The bookies have recovered somewhat on day two but they fear the punters will be celebrating tomorrow, on Paddy’s Day.
That’s because several favourites are running, including Fact to File, Jonbon, Teahupoo and Ballyburn.
Many will be chancing their arm on an accumulator, which if successful could hand the bookies a big blow.
Betfair spokesperson, James Mackie said: “Thursday is the day we singled out at the beginning of the week as the day that punters could do well and bash the bookies.
“All three short-priced favourites look very solid, so we are fearing the worst.
“The treble currently pays 9/2 on the Betfair Sportsbook and it would be a result for us if we can get at least one of them beat on the day.”
Punters are also beginning to heavily back Harry Redknapp’s The Jukebox Man for the Gold Cup on Friday.
The horse has shot up to a 4/1 joint second favourite to win.
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Nicola McGeady of Ladbrokes said: “Punters are firmly behind Harry Redknapp and The Jukebox Man in the Gold Cup.
“He has fast become the ‘public horse’ of the 2026 Festival.
“If he continues to attract this level of support, we expect him to challenge Gaelic Warrior for favouritism by the time they go to post on Friday.”
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