2012 Cheltenham Gold Cup - Irish challenge looking weak Visit Ladbrokes Save For Later Posted by Bettingpro Staff 10 Jan 2012 Tweet The 2012 Cheltenham Gold Cup is rapidly approaching but there seems to be little in the way of an Irish challenge in the ante post betting. (credit: (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/ Getty Images)) Related Articles See all Cheltenham Gold Cup newsCheltenham Festival champions 54/1 to defend all four crowns2012 Cheltenham Festival - Peddlers Cross left with plenty of optionsBlack And Bent ruled out of 2012 Cheltenham FestivalWilliam Hill price up every race at 2012 Cheltenham FestivalSizing Europe set to defend Champion Chase crownHurricane Fly 7/4 non-runner no bet for 2012 Champion Hurdle Share it Pin It The 2012 Cheltenham Gold Cup is rapidly approaching but there seems to be little in the way of an Irish challenge in the ante post betting.There seems to be a major shortage in suitable Irish challengers in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, but if any runners from across the sea are to run into the each-way positions, the most likely looks to be Quel Esprit.The victory of Synchronised, the early favourite in the Grand National 2012 betting, in the Lexus Chase at the Leopardstown Christmas meeting looks the best indication that there is a weakness in Irish stayers at present.Synchronised finished ahead of the previously highly touted Rubi Light and Quito De La Roque, who were considered to be potential Cheltenham Gold Cup contenders.The pair are still both largely expected to take part in the highlight of the Cheltenham Festival and are 25/1 and 20/1 with Ladbrokes respectively to become the first Irish-trained Cheltenham Gold Cup winner since War Of Attrition in 2006.However, with Ladbrokes offering a refunded stake on all non runners in four Cheltenham races, including the Gold Cup, it may pay to take a chance on Quel Esprit being a slightly surprise entrant.After a terribly unlucky 2011 when falling or being brought down in three Grade One races, he has since won his last two starts.Trainer Willie Mullins has been careful with his race selections by focusing on fields of small runners and a standard below where Quel Esprit would be competing at his best.Mullins is tempted to run Quel Esprit in the Irish Hennessy next month and another solid jumping display here would certainly give him an each-way chance in the Cheltenham Gold Cup odds.Quel Esprit is also 20/1 to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup and has shown previously that he has the stamina to see out the 3m2f. Read our Ladbrokes review Use code MAXIMUMBONUS to get £50 free at Ladbrokes Like Like Post to wall 163 Reads All Cheltenham Festival News Recent Cheltenham Festival Articles 2013 Gold Cup odds - Flemenstar 14/1 for Cheltenham09 Apr 2012Top Irish novice chaser, Flemenstar, is 14-1 (from 20-1) with Coral for next year's Cheltenham Gold Cheltenham Gold Cup 2013 odds – Sir Des Champs favourite to win16 Mar 2012The revised Cheltenham Gold Cup odds for 2013 have Sir Des Champs favourite despite Synchronised’s William Hill celebrate £1 million win in Cheltenham Gold Cup16 Mar 2012William Hill delighted with the Cheltenham Gold Cup result, which saw Kauto Star pulled up and Long Cheltenham Gold Cup 2013 odds - Synchronised 6/1 to retain title16 Mar 2012Synchronised won the 2012 Cheltenham Gold Cup and it is now 6/1 that Jonjo O'Neill's charge retains 2012 Cheltenham Gold Cup race replay - Synchronised wins Gold Cup16 Mar 2012The 2012 Cheltenham Gold Cup was won by Synchronised under a perfect ride from champion jockey afte Watch the Cheltenham Gold Cup on your phone16 Mar 2012The Cheltenham Gold Cup can be watched on your phone at 3.20pm on Friday More Stories Recent Articles Sweden hot favourites for Eurovision Song Contest 201224 May 2012Sweden are hot favourites for Saturday's Eurovision Song Contest after tonight's second semi-final Euro 2012 Group D Betting - Sweden24 May 2012Sweden enter Euro 2012 Group D as underdogs in the battle to secure a berth in the knockout stage. Euro 2012 Group D Betting - Ukraine24 May 2012Euro 2012 Group D Betting, Euro 2012 Group D Preview, Euro 2012 Group D Odds, Euro 2012 Betting, Eu Euro 2012 Group D Betting - France24 May 2012France are second favourites to advance from Group D to the knockout stages of Euro 2012. Euro 2012 Group D Betting - England24 May 2012England are the favourites to progress from Group D to the knockout stage of Euro 2012 in Poland an Next Liverpool FC Manager Odds – Martinez Cut For Anfield Post24 May 2012Roberto Martinez is the odds-on favourite to become Liverpool manager, according to Ladbrokes. More Stories Tags 2012 Cheltenham Gold Cup Ante Post Tips, 2012 Cheltenham Gold Cup Betting, 2012 Cheltenham Gold Cup Odds, 2012 Cheltenham Gold Cup Preview, 2012 Cheltenham Gold Cup Tips
