Cheltenham Day One Preview

Cheltenham 2025 Day 1 Preview

1.20 Supreme Hurdle

At the top of the market lies Kopek Des Bordes, who was unbelievable in his last race. Having witnessed that display in person, I can say it really was something special. Saying that, the horse needs to prove his class around Cheltenham; it’s a whole different game. We know he is a bit of a character, so he’ll have to be on his best behaviour, particularly in the build-up. He will have to remain calm, but Willie Mullins has placed a hood on him, so the horse should be much more relaxed than on previous occasions. He’s currently odds on, which I feel is too short, so I will avoid him, although he will be very popular with punters no doubt. Down the bottom of the racecard lies Workahead and William Munny. These two horses are of interest to me and I will be favouring Barry Connell`s horse. Workahead was impressive last time out, where he finished 7 lengths ahead of William Munny but I just have a sneaky feeling about William Munny. He bolted up on the 20th of February in a listed race at Punchestown and afterwards, trainer and owner Barry Connell sounded bullish about his festival chances. The horse has decent form where he finished ahead of Romeo Coolio last season. This could be an emotional day for all involved as Michael O`Sullivan won this race in the very same colours as William Munny, who I think is a cracking each-way bet at odds of 8/1.

2.00 Arkle Chase

A very poor turnout here with just five runners. Other horses must be running scared and they have every reason to do so with Majborough heading the top of the market. The winner of last season’s Triumph Hurdle, he has impressed over fences this season. Winning both his chase races fairly easily, this looks like a penalty kick for the JP Mc Manus owned horse. It looks like this could be one of the bankers of the week, with many punters appearing to select Majborough for their multiples. At odds of 8/15, there’s no value but he will be extremely hard to beat. Second in the market lies L`eau Du Sud for the Skelton team. He is four from four so far this season but it’s a different jump in class here. He probably is the best of the rest but can he pass Majborough? Very unlikely.

2.40 Ultima Handicap

Twenty-plus runners over three miles; a tricky one to call no doubt. With Britain having such a good record in this race, eyes are drawn to the top of the market where Katare Dori and Whistle Stop Tour are sitting. Katare Dori was very impressive last time, but a 12-pound rise could disrupt him, while Whistle Stop Tour looks interesting as he is such a lightly raced horse. At odds of 20/1, Sequestered looks interesting for the Gilligan family, who hail from Galway. He is a very strong traveller who ran a good race at the Dublin Racing Festival last time out. He is probably the best of the Irish in this race and is definitely one to keep an eye on with good each-way value on offer.

3.20 Mares Hurdle

Lossiemouth is here and will take all the beating. Many hoped she took her place in the Champion hurdle where I feel she would’ve struggled against the big two. At the Dublin Racing Festival, she fell a long way from home when it appeared she was locked in a match between herself and State Man. Top Jockey Paul Townend is on board and the grey mare should win fairly comfortably but there are questions to answer, especially after her last run. I was hoping Golden Ace would run here as I felt it had a massive a chance but she has gone towards the feature on day one. The one that looks to be overpriced is Jetata, she will enjoy this race, especially if it`s run strongly. At odds of 28/1, she is good each-way value.

4.00 Champion Hurdle

The feature of day one, it looks like a match between the classy Constitution Hill and the upcoming mare, BrighterDaysAhead. Nicky Henderson’s superstar has had a frustrating time with injury but if the rumours are to be believed, he is back and will win. The way Brighterdaysahead destroyed State Man at Leopardstown was impressive, it was a rapid display all the way but questions are raised here on the potential pace setter, King of Kingsfield with many pundits reckoning he won’t be able to lead for long enough as that will no doubt impact the second favourite here. If Constitution Hill is back to his usual self, he will take a lot of beating and I am going to sway with him, putting my faith in all at the Henderson stable. This horse has got it all and he will no doubt go down as one of the best hurdlers ever if he hacks up here which is looking very possible.

4.40 Fred Winter Juvenile Hurdle

A bit of an unknown here with so many inexperienced horses on offer. Puturhandstogether looks to be potentially decent with form of 312 from three runs so far. Many have made the argument that he has more in the tank. His trainer, Joseph O`Brien has done well when targeting big races and could this be another? The yard is no stranger to this race as it took home victory twice in recent years. At Bigger odds of around 16/1, Quantock Hills looks to me that’s he’s a value play here. Harry Cobden is jocked up for Warren Greatrex, who seems confident about his horse. Liam Swagger also deserves a mention with James Owen in fantastic form this season, especially with juvenile horses.

5.20 National Hunt Chase

With a distance close to four miles on offer here, the winner will need to be a tough stayer. Neil Mulholland trains Transmission, who catches the eye with Patrick Mullins booked for the ride. He has ran four times this season at Cheltenham, including winning and coming second, a big run is expected. Gericault Roque was second to Corach Rambler at the 2022 festival, but he has been running well recently and his trainer, David Pipe certainly knows how to ready one. Looking down the market, Kyntara at 20/1 definitely catches the eye. He has changed trainer in recent times but the raw ability is there for sure, he could be well overpriced.

Best bet of Day 1: William Munny (Each Way)

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