The weights for all the major Cheltenham Festival handicaps were announced today and the results are sure to bring about a fury of betting activity in the ante-post markets. Many trainers are praying for a fair amount of horses to drop out to earn a spot in their respective races. Market leader of the Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle, Qaspal, needs 97 horses to drop out for a chance of running. The entries were announced last month and Qaspal was 8/1 with Ladbrokes, but now the Phillip Hobbs-trained six-year-old looks unlikely to run.

The first day of the festival has the first big handicap with The T’Other One at the top weight. The Paul Nicholls-trained nine-year-old is 14/1 with Ladbrokes and Bensalem is 6/1. December course winner The Package moves down to 7/1. The biggest hurdle is the Coral Cup on March 17th. Beshabar, trained by Nicholls, can be backed at 10/1. Top weight is shared by Irish raider Jumbo Rio and Mr. Thriller, trained by David Pipe. The last race of the Cheltenham Festival is the Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase Challenge Cup. Last year’s third place finisher French Opera carries top weight. The Nicky Henderson-trained seven-year-old has 8/1 odds.

William Hill Handicap Chase Trophy Odds

6/1 Bensalem

7/1 The Package

10/1 Razor Royale

12/1 Theatrical Moment

12/1 Synchronised

12/1 Calgary Bay

14/1 Exmoor Ranger

14/1 The T’Other One

14/1 Galant Nuit

14/1 Cappa Bleu

14/1 Ogee

16/1 Siegemaster

16/1 Niche Market

16/1 Casey Jones

16/1 Miss Mitch

16/1 Sa Suffit