The very first handicap of the Cheltenham Festival is staged on the opening Tuesday, in the form of the Ultima Handicap Chase.
The Ultima, as it's more commonly referred to, is a competitive Grade 3 contest over a testing 3m1f on the Old course that's almost always won by British trainers.
It's no surprise, therefore, to see a British-trained horse in Mark Walford's Into Overdrive heading the market.
The eight-year-old fully deserves his position atop the betting. He boasts form tying in behind L'Homme Presse and in front of subsequent G1 runner-up and Gold Cup-bound Sounds Russian this term, and off a mark of 147 he looks to have plenty going for him with this race in mind.
Not far behind is Henry de Bromhead's Ain't That A Shame (11/1) and Mr Incredible (12/1) for Willie Mullins.
Both would have decent claims were they to line up here, but the Irish don't send many to this race and the latter is currently favourite for the Kim Muir - and Mullins has never won a handicap chase at the Festival.
Latest Ultima Handicap Chase Ante-Post Odds
Also 12/1 is Paul Nicholls' Threeunderthrufive, who looks to be in the grasp of the handicapper at present, and Remastered for David Pipe. The latter was a strong fancy of mine last season, but he unfortunately never lined up in the race. The 10-year-old has had a brilliant season and so has a lofty mark to contend with, but he'd be of interest again.
Thunder Rock (14/1) cannot be advised as trainer Olly Murphy has suggested he may skip the Cheltenham Festival - and likewise for Gordon Elliott's Indigo Breeze at the same price, who looks more of a Kim Muir horse for Gordon Elliott.
One at a bit of a price that catches my eye is Ga Law at 18/1.
He's also rated very highly, but that's not a huge issue for this particular contest that often sees those carrying big weights run well.
The seven-year-old has been touted by trainer Jamie Snowden as a future Gold Cup type, and if he were to target the Ultima I suspect he would be at least half the price - and then some - on the day.
Cheltenham Festival Betting Odds
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