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The Cheltenham Gold Cup in March is seen by many as the biggest race of the Cheltenham Festival and the Grade 1 race often attracts in excess of a million bets, with huge sums of money being traded on the markets in the lead-up to the race.

The 2008 and 2009 Gold Cups were amongst the most talked about in years. The battles between Denman and Kauto Star enthralled racing fans up and down the country and this year's race is expected to see these two horses battle against each other once more. Both are trained by Paul Nicholls, Kauto Star won the race in 2007 and became the first horse in history to regain the crown by winning last year. However, he was beaten by stablemate Denman in 2008. The score is now 2-1 in favour of Kauto Star and the two horses now arguably form one of the biggest sporting rivalries.

Kauto Star's fourth consecutive win in the King George VI Chase on Boxing Day has convinced many punters to back Kauto Star to be triumphant again but Denman is right there with him in the betting. This is a market where you can all but name your price for any horse bar these two on the exchanges in the run up to the Gold Cup and you can be confident that both horses will move in the days and weeks until the all important fourth day of the Cheltenham Festival.

With ten Grade 1 events throughout the Cheltenham Festival - it is one of the hottest betting events of the year. A flood of money is guaranteed and making sure you get the best Cheltenham betting odds is all important. With Betfair you statistically get around 20% better SP odds compared to traditional bookmakers but for those who watch the markets closely - even better odds are available.

The 2010 Cheltenham Gold Cup betting markets are lining up to be one of the biggest of the year. Will it be Denman or Kauto Star?

For all the latest on the 2010 Cheltenham Festival then please click here and check out our dedicated Cheltenham Festival Betting and Tips page