Cheltenham Festival Top Tips

It’s Cheltenham eve and we are less than 24 hours away from the biggest week of jump racing in the UK calendar. There is a lot of noise out there. Every trainer, jockey and their respective connections talking up the chances of what seems like half the field in every race!

To keep things simple, I’ve opted for a tried and tested approach. Identify horses from a yard that is in form or has a history of success at Cheltenham. Look for value rather than the best horse in each race and factor in the going and how that might change over the week.

With more rain expected at Cheltenham I’m focusing heavily on horses that like soft to heavy conditions. Despite it sounding obvious I think punters often overlook this and get drawn to the horses that have been backed strongly in the Ante Post. As a result you can miss out on some value.

Given that there are 7 races a day, you’ll need deep pockets to have a selection in each. Therefore I’ve focused on a couple each day to keep things interesting.

Good Luck and Happy Punting!

Supreme Novices Hurdle

Nigel Twiston-Davies thinks Al Dancer is his best chance of the week and I’m inclined to agree with him. Angels Breath undoubtedly offers stiff competition. The fact Nico de Boinville gave him the nod over stablemate Mister Fisher says it all. The favourite has won this race twice in the last 5 years. Whilst I think the price is slightly restrictive, Al Dancer looks like he could be the latest favourite to come out on top.

Champion Hurdle

Nicky Henderson believes he has Buveur D’Air spot on. However his horse up against the supremely talented Apples Jade who has done nothing but impress this season. Gordon Elliot had 8-winners at Cheltenham in last year’s Festival. Whilst he is talking down the chances of matching that this year, he will be expecting Apples Jade to go very well. Melon has disappointed one too many times for me. So for punters looking for an each way bet the rarely beaten Espoir D’Allen looks like better value despite a step up in quality.