Bookmakers prepare for Cheltenham bonanza

Bookmakers predict punters will go on a betting spree at Cheltenham, with £600 million forecast to be wagered this week.

William Hill expect a staggering £150m a day will be placed throughout the industry on each of the four days of the Festival, with another £1m per race staked on-course in cash.

That figure equates to around £24m per race for the 26 races, with betting reaching a £40m climax in the third 'War of the Wolds' rematch between Kauto Star and Denman in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup on Friday.

However, the layers fear four red-hot favourites who could cost them dear - Dunguib, Master Minded, Big Buck's and Kauto Star. Hills estimate the betting industry would be rocked to the tune of almost £50m should the four Festival bankers oblige.

"Bookies really are starting on the back foot this year," said spokesman David Hood. "These are four outstanding chances for punters to get their teeth into - and each one dominates a day of the Festival.

"We can only hope to get one or more of them beaten, but realistically they look like bankers for the punter and if all four win, it will put the bookies on their knees. Punters won't be able to carry it all home!"

Irish banker Dunguib runs in the first race of the meeting, the Spinal Research Supreme Novices' Hurdle on Tuesday, and is a 5-6 chance.

The other three represent the formidable team of trainer Paul Nicholls and jockey Ruby Walsh.

Master Minded (5-6) goes for a third successive victory in the Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase on Wednesday and the following day Big Buck's (8-13) defends his Ladbrokes World Hurdle crown.

Kauto Star (8-11) would cap a glorious week for his stable and for favourite backers with a third win in the Gold Cup. All four to win is a 17-2 chance with Hills.