If you are into laying horses, then day one's lay tip was a winner.
Apologies if you were a Kopek Des Bordes supporter, as he should have won that race. However, jumping is the name of the game, and he fluffed the last and chucked the race away.
That meant my opinion on laying him did come in, albeit very fortunate. I got it completely wrong and right at the same time, but he looks like a lovely chaser going forward and can only improve.
Cheltenham 2026 Queen Mother Champion Chase | 4.00 pm – Majborough
I've got a feeling that the Champion Chase curse on odds-on favourites is going to strike again.
It's strange how, in recent years, the best chasers have often flopped when coming to this race, and their jumping can often fall to pieces. It wouldn't be a huge surprise if Majborough came into that category, as we all know he has a problem with jumping. Last time out, he managed to win impressively and jump the best he has done all season. However, this is a high-pressure race, where a lot can go wrong, and I've got a feeling that if they go quick, he might hit a couple.
As a result, I make him the lay of the day, especially at the odds he is at. Laying horses at bigger odds is obvious; if they are to win, then your liability is very high as they are not meant to win. Majborough is meant to win, and I don't think it's as simple as that.
There are a couple in this who could beat him, even if he performs. I think L'Eau du Sud is a bigger player than people might believe. Il Etait Temps is another horse who could beat him if bouncing back to form, and if the favourite is underwhelming, they have a tap-in.
I keep going back to the statistic of there being only three odds-on winners this century from twelve attempts. It's a graveyard for favourite backers.
GambleAware