IMPERIAL CALL may have won the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Leopardstown on Sunday but it was runner up Master Oats who yesterday attracted almost all the interest in Cheltenham's Tote Gold Cup betting.
Last year's champion has been well backed with all the major layers - the sponsor's spokeswoman Hazel Halliwell reported "tremendous support" for Kim Bailey's charge as her employers cut thee gelding's price to 11 to 2 (from 7 to 1) for the March 14th showpiece.
"Punter's have been falling over themselves to take the 7 to 1 all day," said Halliwell whose comments were echoed by her Hills counterpart David Hood.
"Master Oats still has his fan club," reported Hood. "Despite his resounding defeat in the Irish race, punters have plunged to take the 8 to 1 on offer on Monday and he is now 5 to 1 second favourite for Cheltenham."
Corals followed Hills' footsteps with Master Oats and also eased out current favourite One Man who is now 13 to 8 after being 11 to 8 at the beginning of the day.
Imperial Call is on offer at 6 to 1 with Hill's and a point longer with the tote. Flashing Steel, after his disappointing run on Sunday, is now a 20 to 1 chance.
Hill's prices: 5-4 One Man, 5-1 (from 8-1) Master Oats, 6-1 Imperial Call, 7-1 (from 8-1) Dublin Flyer, 12-1 Monsieur Le Cure, 16-1 Couldnt be Better, Jodami, Banjo, 20-1 Barton Bank, Flashing Steel, 33-1 bar.
Tote betting: 6-4 One Man, 11-2 Master Oats, 7-1 Imperial Call, 9-1 bar.
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