Our early predictions are live for Badminton 2023. Here are some initial thoughts.
The top 10 win chances are not without some surprises.
Badminton entries were announced yesterday. We ran the predictions straight away, curious to see the early call. These are the top Badminton 2023 win chances based on the current entries and their results to date. To see the win, podium and top 10 chance for each and every entry, just head to the Eventing Prediction Centre. We'll be updating predictions closer to go-time as well.
Nicole, Diarm and Rosie react to these early predictions on the EquiRatings Eventing Podcast.
What stands out:
Laura Collett and London 52 (800 Elo) are at the top of the win chances. If the pair win for a second year in a row, history will repeat itself exactly 20 years on from Pippa Funnell and Supreme Rock’s back-to-back Badminton wins in 2002 and 2023.
Swallow Springs (734) and Oliver Townend land higher than stablemate and five-star stalwart Ballaghmor Class (821). It’s novel to see Ballaghmor Class outside the top 5 win chances.
Gemma Stevens and Jalapeno (673): For the first time since 2014, Gemma is here without Arctic Soul. With Jalapeno – who has strong CCI4* form and one previous CCI5* appearance (Pau 2019) – Gemma is back on the chase at Badminton.
Dacapo (672) and Laura are equal 7th on the win chances, giving Laura two in the top 10 (like Oliver). A Pau 2021 appearance is the only five-star under Dacapo’s belt but he has (1) Laura at the helm (the Prediction Centre takes both horse and rider into account) and (2) strong CCI4* results.
See the full Badminton predictions on the Eventing Prediction Centre which will be updated pre-competition and after each phase.