Hi all,
Inside today’s main piece you’ll find my Cheltenham Day 1 preview.
With 28 races across four days, there’s no need to go mad on Day 1—unless you really fancy something. I learned the hard way that knowing when not to bet is half the battle. These days, it’s one of the few real edges punters have over the bookies.
That said, this is Cheltenham. A few fun bets? They’re part of the experience. I know I shouldn’t say it, but it’s true. That’s why I set aside £500 for the week. It’s separate from my usual betting bank. This is the week. The jewel in British racing’s crown. The roar of 60,000 people (probably not this year). A four-day betting bonanza like no other.
Sure, a 5/1 winner at Sedgefield pays more than a 4/1 winner at Cheltenham. But the buzz? That’s different. A Festival winner feels like scoring a last-minute goal in a Cup Final. Pure euphoria.
Let battle commence!
Lossiemouth’s Late Switch
After saying only, a couple of weeks ago that Lossiemouth was part of a 2-year plan, and nothing will change that she will run in the Champion Hurdle Willie Mullins has declared her for the Mares’ HurdIe. I think her owner was desperate for a Cheltenham winner after a poor season so far. It’s probably the right decision but what leaves a bad taste in the mouth is that punters have been led down the garden path by connections since Christmas. Fair play to connections of Golden Ace who have rolled the dice and head for the Day 1 feature.
Cheltenham Festival – Day 1
Despite the abundance of odds on favourites and likely Irish dominance I’m still looking forward to this year’s meeting. The handicaps are my main betting races but here’s a quick look at the four Grade 1’s on Day 1.
Kopek Des Bordes to Settle the Nerves?
Kopek Des Bordes faces 11 rivals, five of them stablemates, in the opening Supreme Novice’s Hurdle (1:20). Given he can get worked up before his races connections have opted for the application of the hood. If he comes through preliminaries, I think he wins and get’s favourite backers off to a good start.
Arkle Novices’ Chase: Majborough’s to Lose?
Majborough faces four rivals in the Arkle Novices’ Chase (2:00). Despite the size of the field, you couldn’t totally rule any of the five out. I’m still with Majborough but if I wasn’t on at 5/1, I wouldn’t be backing him at 4/7. Jango Baie probably needs 2m 4f, but he could be a viable alternative to the odds on favourite.
Take No Chance on a Mullins' One-Two?
As I mentioned earlier Lossiemouth now heads to the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle (3:20). He biggest rival is stablemate Jade De Grugy who looked better than ever when making a winning seasonal return in a Grade 3 at Punchestown last month. Lossiemouth probably doesn’t have to be as good as 12 months ago to win but she faces a real rival in her stablemate. Take No Chances has plenty to find on official ratings but she’s likeable and progressive and on drying ground has each way claims.
Constitution Hill to Silence the Doubters?
Constitution Hill is the best hurdler of the last 40 years, but he does face his stiffest test to date. We’ll find out how much of Constitution Hill’s old ability remains. He hasn’t been tested on either start this season but the 2023 Champion remains the one to beat. Strictly on this season’s RPR’s Brighterdaysahead has produced much better figures than Constitution Hill. The mare put in one of the performances of the season when routing her rivals in a Grade 1 at Leopardstown over Christmas. A reproduction of that performance would see her win this if Constitution Hill isn’t as good as he was two season’s back.
Good luck with your Cheltenham bets.
John