5 minutes Resident tipster Barry Hill gives his day 1 Cheltenham Festival tips, including a NAP in the Supreme novices Hurdle.
Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4
As we fast approach the sound of the huge roar as the very first race of the 2024 Cheltenham Festival gets underway Barry Hill has his Cheltenham tips to get you underway.
1:30 Cheltenham
Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race)
FIREFOX - 5/1
The anticipation has ended – the pinnacle of racing has arrived! The most thrilling four days of racing in the entire year are upon us. It's often mentioned that Cheltenham receives too much focus, and while there's some truth to that, winning there reveals the reason behind the fervor. FIREFOX stands as the sole contender to have triumphed over Ballyburn, achieving this feat on soft terrain, and with the races commencing on slow ground, he emerges as a significant contender, especially in Ballyburn’s absence. Throughout the preview events, there was considerable buzz surrounding Tullyhill, though his jumping abilities will need improvement from what was observed at Punchestown. Jeriko do Reponet, a remarkable horse, is expected to perform well, and Nicky Henderson is eager for a strong start to the festival with one of his horses, highlighting the stable's condition.
2:10 Cheltenham
My Pension Expert Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices' Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race)
FOUND A FIFTY - 11/2
FOUND A FIFTY has notably enhanced his performance over fences, showcasing a remarkable season thus far. His victory in a Grade 1 event at Leopardstown, coupled with a close second-place finish in the Irish Arkle at the same venue last month, positions him as a formidable contender.
Gaelic Warrior has come agonizingly close at Cheltenham in his past two appearances, securing second place in both the Fred Winter in 2022 and the Ballymore Novice Hurdle the following year. Given his impressive showings this season, this year might mark his breakthrough.
Il Etait Temps emerged victorious in the Irish Arkle at Leopardstown, and his team is hopeful for a repeat performance. Additionally, Matata, though a longer shot, has the potential to make a significant impact, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him challenge the leaders.
2:50 Cheltenham
Ultima Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)
CHIANTI CLASSICO - 15/2
In the challenging Handicap Chase at the Ultima over 3 miles and 1 furlong, I remain a steadfast advocate for CHIANTI CLASSICO, anticipating a significant performance from the gelding trained by Kim Bailey.
Ridden by David Bass, this horse is on an upward trajectory, having secured victories at Chepstow and Ascot, followed by a commendable second-place finish at Kempton. Despite racing wide for a significant portion of that event, it became apparent that he might favor left-handed tracks, notwithstanding his victory at Ascot in a smaller field. His perseverance at Kempton, especially against a horse familiar with the course, impressed me greatly. With David Bass known for his assertive riding style, CHIANTI CLASSICO is certainly a strong each-way contender.
3:30 Cheltenham
Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy (Grade 1) (GBB Race)
STATE MAN - 1/3
Finding an alternative to STATE MAN as the frontrunner seems challenging, especially after Lossiemouth's decision to compete in the Mares’ Hurdle. Despite finishing second to the now-absent Constitution Hill last year, Paul Townend, State Man's jockey, felt that the horse was not at his peak during that race. However, State Man has outperformed the top Irish contenders throughout the season and remains undefeated as he heads into the premier event of the festival's opening day. With Constitution Hill out of the picture, Nicky Henderson entered Iberico Lord into the fray, a horse that has claimed victory in two significant handicap races this year – the Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham and The Betfair Hurdle at Newbury. While Iberico Lord may secure a spot among the top finishers, State Man's remarkable consistency throughout the season positions him as a strong candidate for victory.
4:10 Cheltenham
Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle (Registered As The David Nicholson Mares' Hurdle) (Grade 1) (GBB Race)
LOSSIEMOUTH 4/6
LOSSIEMOUTH emerged victorious in the Triumph Hurdle at last year's Festival and is currently the favorite for the Mares' Hurdle on Tuesday.
Trained by Willie Mullins, this mare has made just one appearance this season, capturing a commanding win in the International Hurdle in January. She is expected to thrive in the longer distance of her next race.
For those looking into forecast betting, it might be worthwhile to consider Henry De Bromhead's Lantry Lady, who secured a convincing win in the Grade 3 Red Mills at Gowran Park. Currently at odds of 20/1, she seems to be undervalued.
4:50 Cheltenham
Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (Registered As The Fred Winter) (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)
ROARING LEGEND - 25/1 (E/W)
Now shifting focus to the Grade 3 Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle, covering slightly more than two miles. There's no standout for me in this field, so I'm tentatively backing ROARING LEGEND for an each-way bet, with Sean Bowen riding for Olly Murphy, fresh off their notable Imperial Cup victory with Go Dante.
5:30 Cheltenham
Maureen Mullins National Hunt Challenge Cup Amateur Jockeys' Novices' Chase (Grade 2) (GBB Race)
CORBETTS CROSS - 2/1
The National Hunt Chase has evolved significantly from its former glory days, where each-way betting offered abundant value. Nonetheless, there's an each-way longshot that catches my eye: Mr Vango, trained by the Bradstock family.
This seven-year-old impressively dominated by 60 lengths in the Devon National in his last appearance, showcasing exceptional jumping ability. A performance remotely close to that level in this race could easily see him surpass expectations based on his current odds.
CORBETS CROSS, despite a disappointing fall as a heavily favored contender in his last race, has positive indicators pointing towards a strong performance in this 3m6f challenge.