Cheltenham Festival Day 1 Betting Tips
Tuesday’s action at Cheltenham kicks off with the Michael O’Sullivan Supreme at 1.20.
The feature race of the day is the Champion Hurdle in which Constitution Hill bids to remain unbeaten.
Our picks for Tuesday’s action include an impressive winner from the Dublin Racing Festival and some each-way picks in the handicaps.
1.20 Cheltenham - 2m½f (Old) Michael O'Sullivan Supreme Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) (Class 1) (4yo+)
This looks like a cracking renewal of the Supreme and Willie Mullins’ six-strong battalion are headed by the impressive Dublin Racing Festival winner, Kopek Des Bordes.
He couldn’t have been any more impressive that day but gave the impression that he was still learning on the job, and if he settles better in the early stages of this race, he’s going to be hard to beat.
2.00 Cheltenham - 2m (Old) Arkle Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) (Class 1) (5yo+)
Touch Me Not appeals at double-figure odds as an each-way selection. He was in behind Majborough at the Dublin Racing Festival last time out and, while he may struggle to turn that form around, he may prove a clear best of the rest.
There’s also a chance that Majborough’s jumping will catch him out having made errors in his DRF success so the win part of the bet isn’t completely discounted either.
2.40 Cheltenham - 3m1f Festival Trophy Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (Class 1) (5yo+)
Another one who looks capable of going well at decent odds on Tuesday is Victtorino, who has been in fine form for Venetia Williams this term.
There were no signs that he had hit his ceiling when narrowly getting the better of a well treated rival last time and he appears to be on a lenient mark just 3lb higher for this.
3.20 Cheltenham - 2m4f (Old) David Nicholson Mares' Hurdle (Grade 1) (Class 1) (4yo+)
Lossiemouth might take some beating, but last-time-out fallers don’t have a great record at the Festival and it might be worth finding some each-way value.
Dysart Enos might be worth chancing at big odds. Her pedigree suggests she’ll improve for a step up in trip and she handles this sort of ground fine, as seen when chasing home Burdett Road recently.
4.00 Cheltenham - 2m½f (Old) Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy (Grade 1) (Class 1) (4yo+)
Questions hang over how much ability remains for Constitution Hill and, while he’s won both starts this season, he hasn’t had much to beat bar Lossiemouth who was well below her best in that race at Kempton.
Therefore, the mare on the up, Brighterdaysahead, might be worth chancing. The sectional times of her success at Leopardstown were really impressive, and in receipt of 7lb from the geldings, she may be worth siding with in her bid for back-to-back Grade 1 victories.
4.40 Cheltenham - 2m½f (Old) Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (Premier Hcap) (Class 1) (4yo)
Probably the most competitive race of the day and it’s worth taking a chance on one at a price.
Solar Drive fits the bill after his narrow defeat at Musselburgh last time out, and the handicapper has given him a real chance from an opening mark of 124.
5.20 Cheltenham - 3m6f (Old) National Hunt Challenge Cup Novices' Handicap Chase (Class 2) (5yo+ 0-145)
Another open handicap with the tentative vote going to Hasthing. His trainer has a cracking record in this race, having won it six times previously, and this JP McManus-owned runner gives the impression he’ll really appreciate going further this time.
View Tips for Each Race
Cheltenham Day 1 Betting Strategies
Before placing any bets at the Cheltenham Festival and following our Cheltenham day 1 tips, there are many factors which bettors will need to consider. We’ve listed some of the most important strategies and information you’ll need to place bets on the big race events on Champions day.
Set a betting budget
When placing your bets on Cheltenham Festival Day 1, many punters choose to set a budget which often includes a set value for each race. If they select the winning horse, they separate that money and are able to show a profit for the day.
Research Key Stats & Trends
Many factors can influence a race, and some of the key stats include recent winners and the percentage of winners at a specific age. Other trends can include whether a horse has won a Grade 1, or they’re carrying specific odds which go against the grain of recent winners.
Winning Jockey Onboard
When selecting a horse, many punters will select a jockey who has shown strong form in the build-up to the Cheltenham festival or has managed to land a winner in races which have previously run that day.
Top Trainer
There are many trainers who have shown a winning prowess at the Cheltenham Festival, and its these trainers who punters often choose to select again and again if they have winning runners in their arsenal or if they’ve got runners who are top of the market odds.
Course Condition
The going conditions of the course can influence not only the odds in the betting markets but also whether a horse will perform. Some horses will run better if the ground is softer or if the ground is heavier and there has been more rain. If this is your influencing factor, then it's always best to wait until race day to confirm the conditions.
After following key betting trends, there are many betting options you can select following our day 1 Cheltenham betting tips. The primary betting types punters can use at Cheltenham are to win, which means one horse to past the post first. Punters can also place each-way bets, which are better for those looking to place value bets which longer odds or for those looking to bet on more than one horse in a race.
Bet On Day 1 of the Cheltenham Festival
If you’re looking to follow our day 1 Cheltenham Tips, remember to have a solid betting strategy in place and also stick to the budget you’ve set for each day and for each race. There are many key trends to follow, so it’s important to also take a detailed look before making your betting selections and always bet responsibly. However, if you’re ready to watch some thrilling horse racing events, take your seat for Cheltenham Festival.