All prices at time of writing (Betfair Sportsbook - Gamble Responsibly 18+)
We have found it very hard to oppose quite a few favourites today.
13:20 - Turners Novices’ Hurdle Preview
Generally, this is a true test for an engine (a sprinter) rather than a grinder (a stayer). Winners in recent years have demonstrated class, possessed sufficient tactical pace and proved capable of seeing out the hill climb.
No Drama This End fits the bill perfectly. He is already a winner over course and distance, arriving having won five in succession, and appears to have the most complete combination of proven Cheltenham form and upward momentum. Whilst his profile is solid and lacks flash, that is often the way to go in this type of race. He travels well, jumps well and will stay the trip, whilst Harry Cobden is an added bonus when racing around Cheltenham.
The Irish presence has quality. Ballyfad brings top-notch Leopardstown form, whilst Skylight Hustle has the appearance of a horse still improving at the ideal moment. King Rasko Grey has potential for Willie Mullins; however, the overall Mullins presence is strong in quantity but short of standouts from previous years.
Ill Sort That represents a good long shot. A six-time winner arriving off the back of another success, he has demonstrated he can stay beyond this trip. There is a large increase in class, but his toughness and current form give him a chance of outrunning the market. Klimt Madrik also has proven form over 2m5f.
Whoever can settle best and maintain their position turning into the home straight will likely decide the outcome. Based on that, No Drama This End is the safest bet.
Par and Paddock Tip: No Drama This End - 7/2
Each-Way Value: Ill Sort That - 25/1
14:00 - Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase Preview
The Brown Advisory is a newer version of the old RSA Chase at three miles and a quarter. Whilst the longer trip was always about stamina, this distance demands sufficient class for the journey, clean jumping and the ability to control pace early in the contest.
Recent trends support a clear strategy: you want a horse capable of performing at Grade 1 level, showing consistent form over fences, with enough pace to stay close to the lead for the downhill run into the final climb. This puts the focus squarely on the market leaders, particularly Kaid Dauthie.
Willie Mullins’ charge is the only horse in this field combining all three criteria. He’s won his last two completed starts, most recently at Leopardstown, and appears capable of handling both the surface and pace of this contest. If he maintains his jumping standard, the numbers suggest he has the strongest chance in the field.
The primary threat appears to be Final Demand, who possesses considerable class and whose Leopardstown third came in a much hotter race than most rivals have contested. Whether he’s as effective over this distance and surface as Kaid Dauthie remains the question.
Romeo Coolio has the raw class to make a big impact here and his profile is rock solid on recent form, with four wins from his last five before that Leopardstown success. The niggle is the trip: all his best chase form has come at shorter, so while his engine is not in doubt, 3m1f round Cheltenham asks a new question and makes him more of a class act trying to stretch than an obvious stayer.
For an each-way option, Wendigo merits consideration at current prices. Whilst lacking the pedigree of the Mullins pair, he’s a progressive runner who won at Ayr, and his form suggests this trip could suit him ideally. With several potential candidates likely to find their limits under pressure, Wendigo looks most capable of exceeding his price.
Par and Paddock Selection: Kaid Dauthie - 13/2
Each-Way Value: Wendigo - 8/1
14:40 - BetMGM Handicap Hurdle
The BetMGM Cup Handicap Hurdle presents a classic big-field puzzle where class meets course experience—essentially a replay of the Coral Cup. With 24 runners, this deep and competitive handicap offers numerous plausible contenders, and the market favourites deserve their attention.
The Yellow Clay brings genuine Grade 1 quality, enhanced by Michael Kenneally’s valuable 5lb claim, a significant advantage when carrying top weight around Cheltenham’s demanding contours.
Storm Heart offers a more straightforward proposition. Lightly raced over hurdles with two consecutive victories, this progressive type appears to be improving rather than clinging to its current mark.
Dangers lurk throughout the field. Jingko Blue possesses the quality to build upon its Cheltenham second, whilst the Mullins-trained Kopeck De Mee carries a featherweight and looks open to considerable improvement. Guard Duty and Forty Coats may lack immediate appeal, but these types often thrive in such contests where tactical nous and stamina prove decisive.
Lucky Place at 20/1 represents outstanding each-way value. Nicky Henderson’s charge demonstrated his course credentials in last year’s Coral Cup, and recent form suggests he’s been campaigned in stronger company than his 151 rating implies. Whilst not amongst the leading fancies, he profiles as one of the safest each-way propositions available.
The key lies in pace development. Should the race unfold at a strong gallop, the stronger travellers held up off the speed will prosper. In such scenarios, progressive types like Lucky Place represent the shrewdest investment.
Par and Paddock Tip: Storm Heart - 11/2
Each-Way value: Lucky Place - 18/1
15:20 - Clenfarclas Cros Country Chase
The Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase is undeniably a specialist’s event. Whilst you might possess plenty of class for ordinary staying chases, these banks and bends pose entirely different questions. Course knowledge, rhythm and obstacle navigation prove equally important to raw talent.
Stumptown must be the one to beat. Last year’s winner has experience over both distance and course, and Gavin Cromwell regularly targets this event with the right profile. The 340 days since his last run shouldn’t concern us greatly; this race often suits fresh horses, and he possesses the clearest combination of class and specialist experience. If returning in similar form, he’ll set a high standard.
Favori De Champdou is the other clear contender. Arriving off a recent victory, he’s previously won over this course and distance. His profile screams reliability in this discipline, and I’d be surprised if he wasn’t prominent jumping the final bend, provided he rediscovers his smooth rhythm.
Amongst longer-priced runners, Vanillier offers considerable value. Despite early errors, he finished third here last year and arrives in good form following his Punchestown victory. He appears potentially well-handicapped if everything clicks. The Goffer also holds each-way appeal after his fourth-place finish in 2025, performing better than the bare result suggests.
Par and Paddock Selection: Stumptown - 5/2
Each-Way Value: Vanillier - 15/2
16:00 - BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase
This looks set to be a changing-of-the-guard Champion Chase, and the standout candidate is clear. Majborough presents the most impressive profile. At just six years old, he’s the top-rated horse in the field (174) and arrives off a Leopardstown victory where his form figures suggest significant potential as a 2-mile chaser. It’s worth noting he’s done all his winning around the 2-mile mark, so stamina concerns are unfounded for a race that punishes anything failing to travel at full pace and jump cleanly. Whilst he’s a well-known quantity at short odds, both the figures and his recent progress suggest he’s the one they all need to beat.
The more interesting betting angle, particularly for those wishing to oppose the favourite at a bigger price, is Leau Du Sud. He boasts a course-and-distance victory, handles good-to-soft ground, and his profile is as solid as one could wish for at Championship level over 2 miles. His third-place finish at Sandown 95 days ago means he’ll arrive fresh rather than tired, and Daniel Skelton’s horses often peak for the big spring targets. Whilst he may lack Majborough’s upside, he appears to have fewer question marks than most.
Il Etait Temps possesses sufficient talent to win this, though his Ascot fall last time raises a small trust issue when margins for error are non-existent, but I do like him. Found A Fifty is consistently solid but faces a tougher test than he’s been contesting. Captain Guinness has the course record and defending champion’s advantage, yet at 11 years old he may prove vulnerable to younger legs. Quilixios is intriguing after falling in last year’s renewal, but twelve months off makes him difficult to back with confidence.
This type of racing rewards horses that can travel fast and jump accurately, attributes that matter above all else.
P&P Selection: Majborough - 4/5
Each-Way Value: Il Etait Temps - 5/1
16:40 - Debenhams Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Challenge Cup Handicap Chase
The Grand Annual typically rewards clean jumping and forward positioning. With a large field and tight handicap, there’s minimal margin for error in this year’s renewal.
Be Aware is difficult to ignore. The seven-year-old arrives in excellent form (figures 3881222) and appears specifically prepared for this contest. Whilst relatively untested over the sharp two-mile Festival handicap route, his profile suggests he travels strongly enough. Daniel Skelton understands the demands of this race, and having Harry Skelton aboard provides crucial tactical nous. Off an initial mark of 147, he looks fairly treated and dependable.
Vanderpoel also catches the eye. Following consecutive victories, including a Sandown success last time, his profile shape is particularly appealing. As a progressive seven-year-old with proven form at today’s distance, he carries just 141 pounds—a significant advantage in such a competitive field. Ben Pauling’s string are consistently dangerous in handicaps when arriving with momentum.
Dangers lurk throughout. Calico possesses course-and-distance form with obvious claims. Jazzy Matty won this in 2024 and remains competitively handicapped. Jour De Vasion is another progressive sort, though completing a four-timer in this company asks plenty.
Expect a strong gallop. Those held up slightly off the pace should prove more effective than front-runners in these conditions.
Par & Paddock Each-Way Tip: Be Aware 11/2
Each-Way Value: Vanderpoel 7/1
17:20 - Weatherbys Champion Bumper (In Memory Of Sir Johnny Weatherby)
Generally, the winner of the Champion Bumper will have gears or the ability to stay and finish strongly. With such a competitive field this year, it is difficult to ignore the powerful Irish runners again.
Willie Mullins’ Love Sign Daunou offers the most appeal. Mullins has enjoyed considerable success in this event and this gelding has the correct profile. He won at Naas last time over a longer distance than today’s trip. As many horses arrive here off sharp 2m wins, proven staying power is a major asset. He remains lightly raced in bumpers, and his breeding indicates there is more to come. Overall, he seems to have the best mix of class and stamina.
The second choice is Quiryn. Paul Townend’s booking immediately stands out and can make a significant difference for this yard. At just four years old, he has less experience than others but won well at Naas and is the type Mullins can improve sharply from first run to second. In a Champion Bumper, having unused gears counts for a great deal. If he settles, he could be the one who travels the best when turning in.
As usual, there are dangers throughout the field. The Irish Avatar appears another serious runner from Mullins after a Navan win, whilst Keep Him Company has solid Leopardstown form for Gordon Elliott and boasts a more seasoned profile. Diamant Dore is undefeated and clearly respected; this represents a huge jump from an Ayr maiden bumper to a Grade 1 at the Festival.
Ultimately, this may come down to which horse handles the occasion best.
Par and Paddock Tip: Love Sign Daunou - 9/2
Each-Way Tip: Quiryn - 13/2
Day 2 - Each-way Lucky 15.
14:00 - Kaid Dauthie - 13/2
16:00 — Il Etait Temps - 5/1
16:40 — Jour Devasion - 10/1
17:20 — Keep Him Company - 7/1