Now in full colour, the Weatherbys Cheltenham Festival Betting Guide 2016 is published today brandishing an improved design and layout.
Emanating from customer feedback and research, the improvements make the publication more user friendly and readable - which is essential due to the high level of detail and data contained within.
In addition to the key trends, stats and facts for all races, with the exception of the new mares race, there are appraisals for over 150 of the main contenders, an analysis of the Irish challenge by Tony Keenan, and a foreword penned by legendary gambler and owner JP McManus.
No stone is left unturned in the quest to give readers that extra edge. This is clearly illustrated in the bloodstock feature, by Alan Mosely (senior pedigree researcher at Weatherbys), that looks at some of the leading protagonists seeking to uphold the family tradition of festival success this year.
These include Barters Hill, whose dam Circle The Wagon is a half-sister to Fundamentalist, a regular at the festival who landed the 2004 Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle and whose dam, Run For Shelter, was a half-sister to one of the greatest chasers of the 1980s, Badsworth Boy, the first and only three-time winner of the Queen Mother Champion Chase; No More Heroes, out of What A Breeze - a half-sister to 2008 festival winner Fiveforthree; and Bellshill, related on his dam’s side to the great One Man.
Another example of the guides thoroughness is the introduction of a ‘Freshnessometer’ reading, which is calculated by dividing the number of days off the course by the number of runs that season. This gives readers an indication, when compared to other races, whether being fresh or busy would be an advantage in that race.
The guide, as well as a number of complementary services for the main event at Prestbury Park - including online and SMS updates the night before each day’s racing, can be ordered from Bettrends Shop priced at £15.95 (inc. 1st class postage and packing).