It is time for the talking to stop and the action to start. The most anticipated four days in the racing calendar are finally here and the 2025 Cheltenham Festival kicks off as always with the Supreme Novices Hurdle, which this year is fittingly named after Michael O’Sullivan, who tragically lost his life following a fall earlier in the season.
There was 3.5mm of rain during yesterday and overnight, but the ground is still described as good to soft, so there should be no excuses today from any connections on account of underfoot conditions.
It's worth checking out the generous Cheltenham betting offers available this week.
SUPREME NOVICES’ HURDLE
We may not have long to wait for the first superstar of the meeting to emerge, as Kopek Des Bordes looked to have the world at his feet when putting his rivals to the sword in eye-catching fashion at the Dublin Racing Festival.
At the price, he looks more one to include in doubles and trebles across the week.
There is a strong field lining up against him here and any of the next four horses in the market would be a worthy favourite for this race in any other year.
Slight preference is for ROMEO COOLIO, who looks to have rock solid each way claims. We know he handles the track (and the occasion) as he was a good second in last season’s bumper, and connections now seem to have worked out how to ride him over hurdles.
Don’t rule out the local runner, TRIPOLI FLYER. He has an amazing engine and if his jumping holds together he could sneak a place. He should love the ground.
ARKLE NOVICES’ CHASE
Sir Gino’s absence has left the Arkle Chase at Majborough’s mercy, although there is always an element of risk backing an odds on shot in a novice chase.
Asa result, a chance is taken on JANGO BAIE, who would be a slightly ironic winner given that he is only running here as a substitute for Sir Gino.
Jango Baie went in our notebooks when making a really impressive debut over the larger obstacles here in December. He was just outstayed on heavy ground at Sandown last time out and a strongly run race here would really play to his strengths.
One other interesting punting angle might be to perm the three outsiders in a dual forecast. If the favourite were to tip up, then second favourite, L’Eau Du Sud, is no certainty to pick up the pieces.
ULTIMA HANDICAP CHASE
The Ultima Handicap Chase is the first big betting heat of the week, with a massive field of 24 going to post.
Lucinda Russell has a great record in the race and has two top chances here in the shape of Myretown and WHISTLE STOP TOUR.
It is interesting that stable jockey Derek Fox has chosen Whistle Stop Tour and punters should take note. Myretown may be the better horse in the long run, but his lack of experience is a slight worry.
Another northern trainer, Nicky Richards, also has strong claims in a race that has been dominated by the home contingent in recent seasons.
FAMOUS BRIDGE really caught the eye with his win in the National Trial at Haydock last time out and seems to have improved for the fitting of cheekpieces.
At a bigger price, HAPPYGOLUCKY is also worth a look. He was well fancied for this race in 2023, when trained by Kim Bailey. He has had injury problems since and remains lightly raced.
He has switched yards to Mel Rowley, and she has a great record bringing horses back from a lay off.
He possibly won’t be ready today, but also keep an eye on rank outsider Farouk d’Alene as trainer Gary Brown is having an excellent season and is another who does well with other trainers’ cast offs.
CLOSE BROTHERS MARES’ HURDLE
The less said the better about Lossiemouth missing the Champion Hurdle to run here instead. It could be a sign that she hasn’t come out of her last race very well, where she took a heavy fall behind State Man.
As a result, she looks worth taking on and the Mares Hurdle could go the way of JULY FLOWER for Henry de Bromhead, who has a great record in the race. She has returned to Ireland after a stint in France and beat a decent field at Leopardstown last time out.
There are a few at bigger prices who also look interesting including Jetara and Joyeuse, but with the Harry Derham horses looking to have turned a corner a chance is taken on QUEENS GAMBLE.
She was a high class performer in bumpers, remains lightly raced and has some good course form under her belt.
CHAMPION HURDLE
The last two winners of the day’s feature event clash in this year’s Champion Hurdle and with Brighterdaysahead adding further quality to the field we look set for a classic renewal.
The heart is firmly with Constitution Hill and we think he will gain the success here that will finally seal his place as a true legend of the sport.
With only 7 runners, it is hard to find a decent each way angle. One option would be to try to find a double figure price about GOLDEN ACE (ew) in markets without Constitution Hill.
BOODLES JUVENILE HURDLE
Our three tips for the Boodles Juvenile Hurdle are LIAM SWAGGER, HOT FUSS and MISTER CESSNA.
NATIONAL HUNT CHASE
And our three tips for the National Hunt Chase are RESPLENDENT GREY, KYNTARA and NO TIME TO WAIT.