Introduction
The Cheltenham Festival is the pinnacle of UK National Hunt racing, drawing top-class horses, trainers, and punters from around the world. Day 1 of the festival sets the tone for the week, featuring a mix of novice and championship races, including the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and the prestigious Champion Hurdle. For UK punters, making informed bets is key to maximising returns, and this guide provides expert betting tips for each race on Day 1.
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Race-by-Race Betting Tips for Day 1
1. Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (13:20)
Key Contenders: Kopek Des Bordes, Romeo Coolio, Workahead, Salvator Mundi.
The opening race of the festival is traditionally dominated by Irish-trained horses, and this year is no exception. Kopek Des Bordes, trained by Willie Mullins, is a strong favourite after an impressive Grade 1 win at the Dublin Racing Festival. However, Gordon Elliott’s Romeo Coolio presents a serious challenge, boasting both experience at Cheltenham and a proven track record in big races.
Betting Tips:
- Win Bet: Kopek Des Bordes – Has the class to dominate this field.
- Each-Way Bet: Romeo Coolio – A strong alternative with Cheltenham experience.
- Longshot Value: Salvator Mundi – The highest-rated of Mullins’ other runners.
2. Arkle Chase (14:00)
Key Contenders: Majborough, L’Eau Du Sud, Firefox.
This race was shaping up to be a thrilling battle between Britain and Ireland, but the withdrawal of Sir Gino leaves Majborough, trained by Willie Mullins, as the clear favourite. With an impressive Grade 1 Irish Arkle win, he fits the profile of recent winners. L’Eau Du Sud is Britain’s main hope, having secured four consecutive chase victories, including the Grade 2 Kingmaker at Warwick.
Betting Tips:
- Win Bet: Majborough – Proven class and strong festival trends.
- Each-Way Bet: L’Eau Du Sud – More experienced over fences than the favourite.
- Longshot Value: Firefox – Runner-up in key Grade 1 races.
3. Ultima Handicap Chase (14:40)
Key Contenders: Masaccio, The Changing Man.
This 3m1f handicap chase is known for producing future Grand National contenders. Masaccio and The Changing Man both have solid form and fit the profile of past winners.
Betting Tips:
- Win Bet: The Changing Man – Progressive and well-handicapped.
- Each-Way Bet: Masaccio – A strong alternative at.
4. Mares’ Hurdle (15:20)
Key Contenders: Brighterdaysahead, Lossiemouth, Golden Ace, Kargese.
Brighterdaysahead has been dominant in the mares’ division and is expected to take all the beating. However, if Lossiemouth takes part, she could provide serious competition after winning this race last year.
Betting Tips:
- Win Bet: Brighterdaysahead – The standout performer in the field.
- Each-Way Bet: Golden Ace – Offers good value at.
- Longshot Value: Kargese – A Mullins runner who could spring a surprise.
5. Champion Hurdle (16:00)
Key Contenders: Constitution Hill, State Man, Lossiemouth.
This year’s Champion Hurdle is shaping up to be an epic battle. Constitution Hill remains unbeaten but hasn’t quite hit top form this season. State Man, last year’s winner, is the reliable option, while Lossiemouth could be a wild card if she runs here instead of the Mares’ Hurdle.
Betting Tips:
- Win Bet: Constitution Hill – A champion with proven quality.
- Each-Way Bet: Lossiemouth – Great value if she enters.
6. Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (16:40)
Key Contenders: Naturally Nimble, Hot Fuss, Total Look.
This is one of the most unpredictable races of the week, often producing big-priced winners. Total Look and Hot Fuss look like strong each-way plays.
Betting Tips:
- Win Bet: Naturally Nimble – Has the right profile for this race.
- Each-Way Bet: Total Look – A strong contender.
- Longshot Value: Hot Fuss – Could outrun odds.
7. National Hunt Chase (17:20)
Key Contenders: Transmission, Haiti Couleurs.
The National Hunt Chase is the longest race of the festival and has undergone significant changes this year, opening the door for new contenders.
Betting Tips:
- Win Bet: Transmission – Strong form in staying chases.
- Each-Way Bet: Haiti Couleurs – A solid option.
General Betting Tips for Day 1
- Check the ground conditions: Soft ground could favour certain horses.
- Follow trends: Look at previous winners and Irish dominance in specific races.
- Bet responsibly: Set a budget and avoid chasing losses.
Conclusion
Day 1 of the Cheltenham Festival offers thrilling races and exciting betting opportunities. Whether backing favourites like Constitution Hill or seeking each-way value in the handicaps, there are plenty of options for UK punters. Keep an eye on the latest odds and market movements for the best value bets.
Stay tuned for our expert betting guide for Day 2 of Cheltenham!
