Bookies Prepared For Betting ´Frenzy´

Bookmakers are anticipating a betting bonanza when Kauto Star and Denman face off in today´s totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup.

The big-race sponsors expect £30 million to be staked on the outcome of the first clash between the Paul Nicholls-trained stablemates, with rival firm Ladbrokes predicting £40million.

Totesport spokesman Damian Walker said: "The talking stops at 3.30pm and we expect the showdown to attract betting industry turnover in excess of &£163;30million.

"We have ante-post liabilities on Denman while Kauto Star is a winner in our ante-post book.

"With little rain forecast up until off-time, we expect Kauto Star will prove more popular with punters and start clear favourite."

Ladbrokes believe &£163;100,000 will be riding on each second of what is one of the most highly-anticipated clashes in recent years.

With over 90% of the money resting on Kauto Star and Denman, the race, which lasts around six and a half minutes, is expected to be a rollercoaster ride.

David Williams of Ladbrokes said: "It´s the race that will stop the nation. We´ve not had a head-to-head like it since Arkle beat Mill House at Cheltenham over 40 years ago.

"Friday afternoon will see bookies up and down the land go into meltdown. It will be a thrilling climax to the busiest week of the year."

Kauto Star is the even-money favourite to defend his crown from stablemate Denman, who is unbeaten over fences.

Coral are little more conservative in their estimates, putting the total at around &£163;25m, although they are also expecting something of a frenzy after Wednesday´s meeting was called off due to high winds.

"The Cheltenham Festival is traditionally the biggest betting week of the year, and the Gold Cup showdown between Kauto Star and Denman is a fitting climax to what has been an extraordinary week," said the firm´s David Stevens.

"This is without doubt the most eagerly-anticipated Gold Cup for four decades. Wednesday´s postponement has only added to the sense of excitement surrounding the big clash between Kauto Star and Denman.

"Turnover on the Gold Cup alone could exceed £25 million, making it the biggest betting race in Cheltenham history, with most of the bets placed on either one of the ´Big Two´.

"A win for either will hit us hard, but if both are beaten, it would be the biggest Gold Cup shock since 100-1 shot Norton´s Coin won 18 years ago."

Fred Craggs, the man who bagged £1million from William Hill after staking a 50p accumulator, has put up his selections for Gold Cup day, including 25-1 shot Neptune Collonges for the big event.

"I´m flattered that fellow punters want to know what I´m betting on," he said.

"Hopefully if they follow my tips on Gold Cup day they´ll be laughing all the way to the bank.

"I don´t pay particular attention to form, I go on hunches. I lookout for certain jockeys and trainers - sometimes you just get a gut feeling."

Craggs also nominated Labelthou, Whispered Promises, Celestial Halo, Climate Control and Gone To Lunch for his accumulator at odds of 4,566,743-1.

(C) PA Sport