It may pay to avoid trying to beat the bookies by attempting to forecast the winners of all 26 races at Cheltenham this week.

Bookmakers will be hoping for big profits despite the economic downturn and with the racing so competitive and the fields so large they are odds-on to end the week in front.

For a smaller outlay punters seeking an interest for the whole four days could do worse than backing Robert Thornton at 7-1 to be top jockey at the Festival.

Thornton is third favourite behind Ruby Walsh and Tony McCoy but has few peers when it comes to riding the Prestbury Park track.

The 30-year-old has ridden nine winners over the last three Festivals and has an excellent book of rides including the well-fancied Voy Por Ustedes, Walkon and Bensalem.

With as many as 50 horses entered over the four days Paul Nicholls is the odds-on favourite to send out the most winners. With Master Minded a penalty kick in tomorrow's Champion Chase and numerous other strong contenders this is one market that looks best left alone.

As at every big meeting the bookies are tempting punters in with special offers and Paddy Power is set to take a £2 million hit if Irish banker Cousin Vinny obliges in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle today.

Paddy Power will refund all losing win and each-way singles up to a maximum of £200 if Willie Mullins's six-year-old justifies favouritism. Spokesman Paddy Power said: "It spices up an already intriguing race, and any punters not betting with us want their heads examined."

Paddy Power are not the only bookies offering refunds, with Boylesports set to hand back any runner-up bets at the Festival if Binocular wins the Champion Hurdle, Kasbah Bliss takes the World Hurdle and Kauto Star becomes the first horse to reclaim the Gold Cup crown.