Cheltenham Horse Racing Betting Tips: 13 March 2026

Racing fans’ last hurrah of the festival

Friday at the Cheltenham Festival is always tinged with bittersweet anticipation. The build‑up of a week’s worth of storylines – surprise winners, mud‑larks splashing home, Mullins and Nicholls chalking up doubles – collides with the climax of the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup. The 2026 renewal promises drama on ground described as good, good to soft in places. If you’re heading to Prestbury Park or planning an afternoon in front of the TV, here’s a seasoned punter’s take on the day.

For those new to betting, Betting Site World has a handy Sports Betting Guide that explains each market in plain English. Seasoned bettors might instead explore the Bonuses or Bookmakers pages to sharpen their edge. But for Gold Cup Day, let’s get straight into the runners and riders.

Weekly betting tips – race previews and angles

The card features seven races ranging from juvenile hurdles to the showpiece steeplechase. Below are concise previews with one suggested angle for each.

JCB Triumph Hurdle – 13:20

The Triumph Hurdle is the championship race for four‑year‑old hurdlers. Willie Mullins saddles a small battalion, but it’s not the usual Closutton procession. Minella Study created a big impression over course and distance in December and his form received a timely boost when the runner‑up scored earlier in the week. Stablemates Proactif and Selma De Vary will attract support, while filly Highland Crystal has beaten the Fred Winter winner and demands respect.

• Tip: Back the improving Minella Study to upset the Mullins gang; his turn of foot on good ground stands out.

County Handicap Hurdle – 14:00

Always a minefield for punters, the County sees novices clash with seasoned handicap specialists. Dan Skelton has trained three of the last nine winners, and his latest recruit Tellherthename could be the yard’s next project; the six‑year‑old showed plenty as a novice and has moved to a yard renowned for peaking horses for this race. Secret Squirrel has held his own in top‑end handicaps and is feared after a solid Kingwell run, while Sixandahalf – narrowly denied at last year’s festival – loves the helter‑skelter pace.

• Tip: Each‑way on Tellherthename for Skelton’s comeback angle, with Sixandahalf as a lively outsider.

Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase – 14:40

The mares’ chase is still a young race but already throws up quality. This year’s renewal looks deeper than usual. Panic Attack has been transformed by David Pipe and receives weight from most of her rivals. Last year’s winner Dinoblue has maintained her form and is the obvious danger, while Spindleberry, another from Willie Mullins’ yard, boasts smart form over intermediate trips.

• Tip: Side with Panic Attack; she travels smoothly on good ground and is getting weight from Dinoblue.

Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle – 15:20

The Albert Bartlett is a gruelling test over three miles for inexperienced stayers. Doctor Steinberg arrives unbeaten over hurdles and looked a smart prospect when winning at the Dublin Racing Festival, but he may not have the last word. Kazansky was eight lengths behind him last time yet appeals as the type to relish the step up in trip and the stiff finish. Thedeviluno adds Grade 2 winning form, while Spinningayarn and Mondoui’boy bring proven stamina.

• Tip: A speculative punt on Kazansky to reverse form with Doctor Steinberg in a race that often favours strong stayers.

Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup – 16:00

The showpiece Gold Cup crowns the steeplechasing season. Without a dominant champion, this renewal feels wide open. Jango Baie ran a cracker when fourth in the King George at Kempton – a track that didn’t really suit – and the extra distance should play to his strengths. Festival specialist Gaelic Warrior has a stellar Cheltenham record and lost little in defeat at Leopardstown. Unbeaten novice The Jukebox Man adds intrigue and is unlikely to surrender his record without a fight.

• Tip: Jango Baie each‑way; he stays strongly and could reverse King George form with Gaelic Warrior.

Princess Royal Challenge Cup (Hunters’ Chase) – 16:40

Hunter chases pit talented amateurs and ex‑rules horses against one another. Panda Boy looks tailor‑made for Cheltenham’s demands and arrives unbeaten in hunter chases. Con’s Roc is lightly raced in this sphere and may pose the main threat, while Its On The Line has finished runner‑up in the last three renewals and deserves a change of luck.

• Tip: Follow Panda Boy to maintain his perfect record, with an eye on Con’s Roc as the value danger.

Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle – 17:20

The curtain falls with a fiercely competitive handicap for conditional riders. Willie Mullins fields five, and his ex‑French recruit Roc Dino could be a major improver on his first try in a handicap over this trip. Stablemate Kel Histoire also looks ready to step forward on handicap debut, while Karl des Tourelles returns to hurdles off a workable mark after novice chasing. British hopes lie with Andashan and East India Express.

• Tip: Back Roc Dino to capitalise on his unexposed mark, but include Kel Histoire in exactas or forecasts.

Final pointers

As ever at Cheltenham, keep a close eye on the going and any late non‑runners; a shower or two could swing the advantage towards mud‑lovers or make life tricky for speed horses. Trainers like Willie Mullins, Dan Skelton and Gordon Elliott have remarkable festival records, so respecting their charges is wise, even in big‑field handicaps. And don’t forget to manage your bankroll – there’s a long spring of racing ahead!

For more regular insights, visit the Betting Tips page, where our team posts weekly picks across sports. Good luck, and enjoy the final day of a magical festival!