The New Year has been heavily affected by the cold snap in Britain but that is not to say that punters have lost their appetite and horse racing fanatics are beginning to cast their eyes towards antepost betting for the year ahead.

After witnessing some exciting performances at the back end of 2009 and with the Cheltenham Festival and the 2010 Flat Season fast approaching, Nick Wilby picks out his top antepost tip for this year’s Cheltenham Festival.

SIZING EUROPE

Arkle Chase,
2m, Cheltenham Festival, March 2010
5/1 (Paddy Power)

Unbeaten over fences, Sizing Europe has put the disappointments of the last two years firmly behind him since he took to the bigger obstacles this season.  Troubled with injury problems ever since his impressive victory in the Irish Champion Hurdle, he has barely clipped a fence this campaign.

After making easy work of Harchibald in the Buck House Novice Chase on his seasonal debut, he followed up in the Grade 2 Craddockstown and bookmakers had seen enough to make De Bromhead’s superstar their antepost favourite for the Arkle Chase.  It is not hard to see why and jumping enthusiasts will be able to see that Sizing Europe evidently relishes jumping and he attacks his fences with ears pricked and great venom.  That, along with his ability to quicken and his relentless engine on the racecourse made him an evens chance for the Bord Na Mona Chase at Leopardstown over the Christmas period.

While he managed to keep his unbeaten record over fences intact in the race, it almost went wrong for the eight-year-old when Captain Cee Bee loomed over him approaching the last, only to fall and allow Sizing Europe an easy victory over Osana. 

As the dust settled over the race, many punters chose to side with Captain Cee Bee in the antepost market for the Arkle Trophy, but not me.  Cheltenham will suit Sizing Europe much better than Leopardstown and his outstanding jumping will see him in an even better light than we have witnessed.  He remains an outstanding prospect and will take the world of beating come March.

Nick Wilby's advice - Back Sizing Europe for the Arkle Trophy at 5/1 with Paddy Power.

Follow this link to Paddy Power for information on how to get a free bet on any of their 2010 antepost markets.