Are you ready for a nap? Introducing the latest craze in racing
The world of horse racing sometimes seems to have its own special language, especially when it comes to racing post betting and looking through the recommendations from the top experts and tipsters. But there is one word that every racing fan needs to keep a sharp lookout for and that it the nap. Here, we take a look at what it is, and why you need to take notice. Then we will run through some of the top horse racing naps for the weeks ahead. Wide awake? Then let’s proceed!
What are racing naps?
A racing nap has nothing to do with taking a break in the world of tipsters. In fact, a nap is the one horse of the day that the experts would bet their own money on above all others. Racing Tips is one of the best known sites for top tips, and they publish the best daily naps via their website and also by way of their Twitter feed. Of course, they are quick to remind eager punters that a nap is not a guaranteed winner – there is no such thing. But for anyone who is unsure where to stake their wager, taking a look at the naps table for some advice from the experts has to be a good place to start.
Cheltenham naps
To get up to the minute naps for the biggest event in the National Hunt calendar, keep a close eye on the Racing Tips site for free horse racing tips and naps, as there are certain to be changes between now and each race day. However, that does not stop us from looking ahead to the Cheltenham Festival and picking some likely candidates.
Champions Day: Buveur D’Air in the Champions Hurdl
Every racing pundit will tell you that it is sometimes better to look to the minor races for the best bet, but the opening day of Cheltenham is the exception that proves the rule. Here, there is one stand out horse in one stand out race, and that is Nicky Henderson’s 2017 winner Buveur D’Air. The horse returns to defend his title looking stronger than ever, and realistically, the race is only his to lose.
Ladies Day: Samcro in the Ballymore Novice Hurdle
Samcro has been singled out by racing experts far and wide as a star of the future. So far, he only has seven races under his belt, and trainer Gordon Elliott has warned race fans not to expect too much. But when the six year old has won every race he has run in, and in such style, that is easier said than done. There is no doubt that Cheltenham will be a step up, but those in the know are certain he will romp home.
St Patrick’s Day: Laurina in the Novice Hurdle
Willie Mullins has a fantastic record at Cheltenham, and while the Gold Cup itself has so far eluded him, he is certain to have plenty of winners this year. Since moving over to Mullins, five-year-old Laurina has raced twice and won twice, and made it look remarkably easy. Bookmakers have already shortened the odds to even money, and seem to be in agreement with our tipsters that this is a horse that’s going places.
Gold Cup Day: Cracking Smart in the Albert Bartlett
Another horse from the Gordon Elliott stable, Cracking Smart has attracted the attention of the top tipsters with solid performances in Navan and Naas. He is coming into form at just the right time, and while many punters are pointing to the fact that Willie Mullins’ Next Destination has finished ahead of him in recent races, the experts feel that the extra distance at Cheltenham will play to his strengths.
