The Cheltenham Festival. One of the big betting weeks of the year across the British Isles and many miles farther afield.

As the cream of the National Hunt scene assemble once more in Gloucestershire, 28 races across four days lie ahead.

This year’s edition on paper, has more arguably more open races but there will of course always be the favourites.

That tag on many occasions – particularly at Cheltenham – has often led to thousands of betslips being shredded in ire.

This is sports betting, after all.

But of the races on the slate, just where is the big money for Cheltenham 2023?

We’ve highlighted one from each day of the festival.

Tuesday, 3:30, Unibet Champion Hurdle (Grade 1, 4yo+, 2m½f)

Where else can we begin than with Constitution Hill.

Though not undefeated after a debut loss, everything to follow has been molded to gold for the British gelding.

Not yet at the two-year point of his career, the 6yo has destroyed the competition in his last five contests by over 10 lengths.

Romping to last year’s Supreme by 22 lengths, Constitution Hill and Nico De Boinville are unbeaten since December 2021.

Taking down Epatante twice in-a-row, the French mare is back for another crack, however, State Man appears the biggest threat.

The overwhelming Champion Hurdle favourite, Constitution Hill could be pushed after Willie Mullins’ horse won the Irish equivalent last time out.

Beating both Vauban and Honeysuckle at Leopardstown, State Man was a Cheltenham debut winner last year also in the County Hurdle.

Mullins might yet believe he is in the fight but from a betting point of view, Constitution Hill is a sure thing.

The biggest of favourites at 1/3, now available at evens with William Hill’s Epic Value offer.

Wednesday, 4:10, Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase, (Grade 2, 5yo+, 3m6f)

Of the four days, picking Wednesday’s favourite banker is the hardest, but Delta Work appears the best shot.

Having taken the baton from mighty stablemate Tiger Roll in last year’s epic face-off up the hill, the now 10yo spearheads Gordon Elliott’s charge.

Third in the Grand National as a follow-up act last spring, a narrow win then came at Punchestown back in November.

His last outing at Cheltenham however, was far from a shining example of his ability.

Nor was finishing sixth at Navan last time out to eventual winner and now Stayers’ Hurdle pick, Blazing Khal.

Delta Work has a chance of revenge here however, in a race he knows how to outlast the field in.

With the predicted softer going after this week’s deluge, it looks the sensible bet.

The most interesting narrative on hand, Davy Russell – a two-time National winner with Tiger Roll in the same colours – jumps on board here.

A contest that has suited his elder custodians in the past, Delta Work is still a decent 11/10 with William Hill.

Thursday, 2:50, Ryanair Chase (Grade 1, 5yo+, 2m4½f)

How sweet it is to see Shishkin back in racing colours and seemingly at his best.

Like last year before the Champion Chase, the son of Sholokhov will go off as favourite to take his festival tally to three wins.

But will 2023 see redemption?

A former winner of the Supreme and the Arkle, Shishkin feels like a Cheltenham veteran but has much to prove in the Ryanair Chase.

Pulled up 12 months back, Shishkin failed to travel and was left rather sore.

Rather worse off in coming third in his first outing this season, the Tingle Creek, Shishkin sustained a kick before the race at Sandown.

Forced to undergo wind surgery, he then roared back with a 16-length romp in the Ascot Chase only weeks ago.

Leaving his many fans dreaming again, Blue Lord will be a tough opponent, but Shishkin looks a good bet for another Cheltenham win.

A fairly heavy favourite at 4/5 with Betfred.

Friday, 3:30, Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup (Grade 1, 5yo+, 3m2½f)

And so to the big one. The main event of the week.

Galopin Des Champs is the favourite in the markets by some way and surely Gold Cup winner-in-waiting.

It feels like destiny is waiting to send the French 7yo home.

Memories of his fall at the final fence on St. Patrick’s Day last year are still fresh in the mind for punters.

Then looking for a fifth win on the bounce in the 2022 Turners’, mount Paul Townend led Rachael Blackmore up the hill by some 12 lengths.

With victory almost assured, Galopin Des Champs then inexplicably stumbled and fell leaving Cheltenham stunned.

Almost apologetically, Bob Olinger then cantered to the winning post almost unchallenged.

Lesser horses may have been mentally scarred by such a loss, so how did this gelding respond?

Winning the Novice Gold Cup Chase at Fairyhouse, of course.

Then this season, the Punchestown Chase; and more recently the Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown.

All is in place for one more Gold Cup to be added – and on St Patrick’s Day no less.

With a winning margin by at least 8 lengths in every race since, cynics might say only a fall could deny him again.

There is huge goodwill for Galopin Des Champs and at 15/8 with Hills’, there is also ample value.