Cheltenham Races Preview: Tips, Odds & Predictions

One of the most successful trainers in Cheltenham history, Nicky Henderson loves this place. He’s got That’s Nice in the small field, and he won his only hurdle race of the year which is very promising.

Of the up-and-coming talents, Country Mile, trained by Dan Skelton, could be an outside shout. This horse has had some strong results and could be a turn for the books.

Open to horses aged four and over, Cheltenham horse racing betting fans will be watching this event closely. Usually, there is a small field, but Friday’s renewal could be highly competitive.

Caldwell Potter, trained by Paul Nicholls, won at Carlisle on debut so could run well in this revamped race, but Jango Baie, could be his stiffest competition. In terms of tips for Cheltenham today, he could be one to back.

Won last year by the 7/2 favourite Go Dante, the Handicap Hurdle will have 27 entries. Willmount, trained by Nicky Henderson could go well here with the going likely to be good to soft. 

This is a Class 3 race, and the handicapper will decide upon the weight the horses should carry. Usually, there are around 10-12 runners on the field, and with just eight hurdles, things can open up nicely.

Moved from the Saturday slot, and if you are looking for the best bets for Cheltenham, you may find some gems in this race.

This will be one of the longest races over the weekend, covering three miles and two furlongs. Famed for the feats of legendary horses, such as Mon Mome in 2008, King Turgeon could come to the fore in this edition. 

He’s unbeaten over fences this season, while The Newest One boasts strong form which should give trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies hope.

Featuring seasoned campaigners, Shakem Up’arry and Eldorado Allen are the ones to watch. Shakem Up’arry boasts four wins from 14 chase races, while Eldorado Allen finished second in Warwick.

Results have otherwise been mixed for Eldorado Allen in 2024, but he could step up to the mark.

Contested over three miles and five furlongs, this will be a test of endurance for the field. In terms of Cheltenham predictions for this race, Coko Beach stands out, winning two of his past six appearances in the UK.

Although he faded at Punchestown, he could track the likes of Delta Work well, and this has the ingredients to be a classic.

• Winner – That’s Nice (10/11)
• Place – The Wingmen (5/2)
• Tricast – That’s Nice (10/11), The Wingmen (5/2), Country Mile (100/30)

• Winner – Caldwell Potter (4/5)
• Place – Jango Baie (5/2)
• Tricast – Caldwell Potter (4/5), Jango Baie (5/2), Defeaning Silence (7/1)

• Winner – Willmount (3/1)
• Place –  Bo Zenith (14/1)
• Tricast – Willmount (3/1), Bo Zenith (14/1), Wreckless Eric (6/1)

• Winner – King Turgeon (3/1)
• Place – The Newest One (13/2)
• Tricast – King Turgeon (3/1), The Newest One (13/2), Chambard (10/1)

• Winner – Shakem Up’arry (4/1)
• Place – Eldorado Allen (6/1)
• Tricast – Shakem Up’arry (4/1), Eldorado Allen (6/1), Raffle Ticket (14/1)

• Winner – Coko Beach (17/2)
• Place – Delta Work (9/1)
• Tips – Coko Beach (17/2), Delta Work (9/1), Mister Coffey (9/2)