Cheltenham 2025

Cheltenham

Ryanair Mares' Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2) (Registered As The Dawn Run Mares' Novices' Hurdle) (GBB Race)

Sky Bet paying 5 places instead of 3

SKY BET EXTRA PLACE RACE

Air Of Entitlement

Sixandahalf

Diva Luna

The biggest field ever assembled in this contest and it's every bit as competitive as you would expect. SIXANDAHALF developed into a useful stayer on the Flat last season and continued that progression over hurdles when routing some decent horses at Fairyhouse in January. Smart French bumper winner Karoline Banbou could hardly have been more impressive when shedding her maiden tag last month and remains completely unexposed, while Jubilee Alpha is a serious contender for the home team.

Jack Richards Novices' Limited Handicap Chase (Grade 2) (Registered As The Golden Miller) (GBB Race)

Caldwell Potter

Anyway

O'Moore Park

Nurburgring

FIREFOX has lots of good efforts to his name at Graded level over hurdles and fences and can make his class tell now moving into his first handicap. Asian Master and Nurburgring are other Irish-trained runners who brings obvious potential to their handicap chase debuts, while Springwell Bay is one who carries solid handicap form having won a hot race here on New Year's Day.

Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

Sky Bet paying 8 places instead of 4

Doddiethegreat

Jeriko Du Reponet

Catch Him Derry

Feet Of A Dancer

FEET OF A DANCER shaped well on her first try at this trip when third at Leopardstown in December and has a very similar profile to that of Mrs Milner who went on to win this race for the yard in 2021, having also made the frame in the same qualifier, so she’s an appealing candidate, not least given her good record when fresh. Win Some Lose Some is proving most progressive and has to be shortlisted, with Jerijo du Reponet and D Art D Art others to note. 

Ryanair Chase (Registered As The Festival Trophy) (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

Sky Bet paying 6 places instead of 4

Fact To File

Heart Wood

Envoi Allen

FACT TO FILE has lost little in defeat behind his mighty stable-companion Galopin des Champs since his victory in the John Durkan and with the drop back in trip looking ideal he can notch up a second Festival victory. The dangers are Il Est Francais, who should prove a real sight on his first go over the Cheltenham fences, and last year's winner Protektorat, who is sure to be up with the pace from the off also.

Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

Bob Olinger

Teahupoo

The Wallpark

Previous winners have an excellent record in this and last year's decisive victor TEAHUPOO looks the one to beat again having followed the same route (kept fresh for this). Home By The Lee was a good third last year and arrives in better form this time around, so rates the main threat. Lucky Place and The Wallpark are also respected given their rate of progress. 

TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

Jagwar

Thecompanysergeant

Masaccio

Mars Harper

JAGWAR won what is traditionally a very strong C&D novice handicap in January and a 7 lb rise doesn't look enough to stop him up against largely older and more exposed opposition. Thecompanysergeant started out for Gavin Cromwell with a good third over hurdles and could have more to offer for his good new stable so he's second choice. Masaccio ran well for third behind the selection here last time and also makes the shortlist along with Path D'Oroux and last year's winner Shakem Up'arry. 

Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Amateur Jockeys' Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Daily Present

Johnnywho

Sa Majeste

Weveallbeencaught

Gavin Cromwell landed an almighty punt in this race a year ago and has a couple of very live chances in MINT BOY and Yeah Man. There's slightly more substance to the latter's form but the former could take off over this sort of trip, so is marginally preferred. Johnnywho certainly won't lack for assistance from the saddle so he's feared, with Manofthepeople one to consider at longer odds with her rider having won this race before.

Hexham

Welcome To Britain's Most Scenic Racecourse Novices' Limited Handicap Hurdle

Dickens

Am Still Here

Larkfield Lusive

Having caught the eye on his handicap debut at Newcastle, MOONLIGHT MONARCH could be the answer here with improvement on the cards. Dickens held every chance when exiting at the third-last at Uttoxeter and he will surely go close granted a clear round, while Am Still Here and handicap-debutante Royal Creek are others to consider.

Major Family Law 16 Year Anniversary Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race)

Benmore

Nathan Wells

An ordinary maiden and a decent opportunity for BENMORE if he can put it all together in first-time cheekpieces. Famous Liss went close in novice company last year and has a chance if bouncing back from his latest run, while Nathan Wells and Jungle Jet should both be monitored for support on their respective stable debuts. 

Paxton's Are Case IH's No1 Dealer Handicap Chase

Divas Doyen

Halpha Soleil

Konfusion

KONFUSION should have more to offer over fences and is a confident pick assuming this doesn't come a bit quick on him after Wetherby. The step back up in trip should suit last month's Newcastle runner-up Diamond Mix and he's second choice ahead of Low Mileage, who has refound some form since the cheekpieces and tongue tie combination have gone on. 

BK Racing Hexham Marathon Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Betterforeveryone

Shighness

Don Brocco

BREEZE OF WIND stayed on well to score at Ayr 17 days ago, his fifth career success, and he is taken to make it back-to-back wins in this race as he returns to 4m. Dr Shirocco is better over fences than hurdles and could be the main danger with his recent run behind him, while Destiny Is All also merits consideration.

Happy 40th Birthday Kerry Kirkham Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race)

Baratablet

The Clonmel Kid

Highland Fashion

BARATABLET again showed plenty of ability when runner-up on his hurdling debut at Ayr last month and this looks an excellent opportunity for him to go one better with improvement on the cards. Highland Fashion, who remains capable of better, looks the main threat. 

Brocksbushes Handicap Chase

Gibberwell

I See The Sea

Torosay

Not nearly as competitive as the numbers suggest and I SEE THE SEA is very much the one to beat as he escapes a penalty for his wide-margin victory at Wincanton a week ago. C&D winner Return Fire appeals as the one to chase him home ahead of Croagh Patrick. 

Download The NE Bet App Today Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle

Uokhun

Jem In Em

Kauto D'Amour

It's been uphill all the way for THE BIG BREAC since venturing down the handicap route and a 6 lb rise for the latest of his back-to-back Wetherby wins may not be eugh to prevent him from completing the hat-trick. Star Vantage has been knocking on the door of late and should be in the mix once again, while Zwicky also arrives here in good order and is likely to give another good account.

Chelmsford City

bet365 Amateur Jockeys' Handicap

Sir Maxi

Amaysmont

Safari Dream

Lots with chances and it could be worth siding with Archie Watson's new recruit KURIMU to capitalise on a handy-looking mark with this step up in trip also looking a plus. C&D scorer Kondratiev Wave heads the list of dangers with Sir Maxi, Safari Dream and Amaysmont all in the mix too.  

It's Never Ordinary At bet365 Fillies' Novice Stakes (GBB Race)

Hey Boo

Invisible

Forty Years On

Ed Walker's No Nay Never filly CHAMPAGNE ON ICE made a promising start when runner-up at Kempton and can build on it to get off the mark at the chief expense of Wonderbolt who shaped really well when a debut Wolverhampton sixth and rates a big threat. C&D scorer Hey Boo has to concede 7 lb all round but is still firmly in the picture too. 

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Brunel Charm

Dion Baker

SOUTHBANK can race off a 1 lb lower mark than when a good recent third over C&D so is taken to bag a fourth C&D victory now. Course scorer Just Ten High is feared most, with Brunel Charm appealing as the pick of the rest for minor honours. 

Each Way Extra At bet365 Handicap

Fidelius

Existent

The vote goes to EL BUFALO, who responded well to the first-time blinkers when making every post a winning one over C&D recently and this 4 lb higher mark should be comfortably within reach. The Stuart Williams-trained duo Diomed Spirit and Existent can fill the places.

Racing Value At bet365 Handicap (GBB Plus Race)

Penzance

Magico

Felix

PENZANCE left the impression that his turn is near when fourth at Lingfield recently and he can emerge on top. Metallo has posted solid efforts in defeat the last twice and looks sure to be involved in the finish once again. Third on the list is Magico.

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Time Tested

Solanna

Cerulean Summer

TIME TESTED is unexposed over this trip and he could be the answer on the back of a creditable fourth dropped to a mile at Newcastle where the steady pace wouldn't have been ideal. Egoiste returned to form when finding just one too good over this C&D a fortnight ago and he will be a threat if able to build on that. Cases can also be made for Green Power and the consistent Cerulean Summer.

Download The bet365 App Handicap

Drifts Away

Star Pupil

This looks trappy and the suggestion is STELLA HOGAN, who has done nothing wrong in her four appearances since the turn of the year and she looked better than ever when striking over 7f here on Saturday. Though below par at Southwell on Tuesday, Timetobenice will merit serious consideration if allowed to take his chance, while Star Pupil is also in with a shout. Conversely, the hat-trick seeking Drifts Away looks vulnerable off his revised mark.

Newcastle

Gamble Responsibly At BetUK Classified Stakes (Div 1)

Violeta

Eva Rosie

EVA ROSIE was suited by the step back up in trip when opening her account over C&D on her penultimate start and, having not been ideally placed last time, she is taken to resume winning ways back at this level. Dee's Dream has run well in this grade on her last 2 outings and could be thereabouts once more, with Rampant also considered.

Gamble Responsibly At BetUK Classified Stakes (Div 2)

Ana Emaraaty

Mr Coco Bean

Having won twice at this course last year, ANA EMARAATY took a step back in the right direction when fourth here on his latest outing, despite having been denied a clear run, so he could be ready to return to winning ways. Yakhabar promises to be suited by this step back up in trip and is feared most, ahead of Spartan Times.

Extra Winnings With BetUK Acca Club Handicap

The Vital Spark

Frankies Dream

Startling

The thriving FRANKIES DREAM remains one to be with and can defy a penalty if turned out quickly. She Went Whoosh and Cemlyn are others to consider. 

BetMGM: It's Showtime Restricted Maiden Stakes (GBB Race)

Camino Del Ray

Moby Quick

MOBY QUICK went close at Wolverhampton last time despite being trapped wide throughout and he sets the standard. Papa Oscar was a major disappointment at Kempton on debut having been all the rage in the betting but is evidently thought capable of better. 

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Mr Baloo

Brazilian Rose

Outrun The Storm

MR BALOO is in a good vein of form at present and is taken to resume winning ways. So Quiet rates an obvious danger on the back of his recent Southwell second, while Brazilian Rose found a Lingfield Class 2 too much last time but can show she's still in form at a venue where she's done very well this year. 

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Monks Dream

Dark Kestrel

King's Crown

A further 2 lb nudge from the handicapper doesn't look enough to prevent CASTAN making it 4 in a row since fitted with cheekpieces. Monk's Dream and King's Crown arrive in form and can give Bryan Smart's charge most to do. 

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Pals Battalion

WILLIAM DEWHIRST can boast a superb course record and having posted another sound effort when third under a penalty over 7f last week, he could be the answer from 3 lb lower. Mondammej is back on his last successful mark so he commands respect, along with Pals Battalion. 

Boost Your Acca At BetMGM Handicap

Just Typical

Concert Boy

Mr Jetman

Having dropped below his last winning mark, ODD SOCKS HAVANA turned in another solid Newcastle effort when second a week ago and he now looks ready to strike. Just Typical had an excuse last time so he can bounce back, with Mr Jetman one to monitor in the betting. 

Limerick

AOS Security Hurdle

Kurasso Blue

Its Bilbo

Dark Oak

ITS BILBO rates the pick on form and with the prospect of better still to come he gets the vote. Gordon Elliott's new recruit Kurasso Blue rates the main threat to Henry de Bromhead's promising sort ahead of Dark Oak and Butter Fingers. 

Irish Stallion Farms EBF Shannon Spray Mares Novice Hurdle (Grade 3)

Familiar Dreams

Grainne A Chroi

Barnahash Primrose

MOZZIES SISTER arrives on the back of a couple of cracking efforts in open novice company and can come good back among her own sex. Last month's Navan listed scorer Tareze heads the dangers along with Barnahash Primrose and Sainte Tartare in an open-looking Grade 3. 

Lynch Quarries Handicap Hurdle (0-100)

Aleish Lass

A Mere Bagatelle

Master Of The Sums

St Anthonys Corner

MASTER OF THE SUMS produced his most promising effort yet when third in novice company here in December and rates the type to progress again now handicapping. Garcon Doux and A Mere Bagatelle are a couple of potential threats.

John Buckley Engineering Ltd. Maiden Hurdle

Custom Taylor

Nytol

Rachel's Secret

CUSTOM TAYLOR appeals most dropping significantly in class and he can get off the mark over hurdles in a first-time visor. Stablemate Rachel's Secret may well be capable of better on second run after a significant absence, while Masterboy Davis should run well again if the blinkers have a similarly positive impact. 

Ryans Cleaning Novice Handicap Chase

Coming Up Easy

Carlas Big Jim

MY GAFFER seemed reinvigorated by the switch to chasing when scoring at Clonmel and can follow up. Natural Breeze and St Faz are a couple of the dangers.

Ryans Cleaning Veterans Handicap Chase

Flash De Touzaine

Pakens Rock

KRABAT ran well in a messy contest at Clonmel a fortnight ago and is worth chancing back over fences despite his poor strike-rate. Soloman Lane is feared most ahead of Big Debates, who landed a similar contest here at Christmas.

McDermotts Gala Patrickswell Handicap Chase (0-100)

Maciver

Made In The Woods

Wyoming Baby

SPELLACY'S CROSS has made a promising start over fences and improved again upped in trip when going down only narrowly to the thriving Maciver at Clonmel 2 weeks ago. He can reverse the placings on 4 lb better terms. Another to consider is Without Exception, who had excuses on both his starts over fences so far and is potentially well handicapped having won over hurdles last month off 2 lb lower. 

Irish Stallion Farms EBF (Pro/Am) Auction Flat Race

L' Evangeliste

Fruit De Mer

Emily Love

Henry de Bromhead point winner FRUIT DE MER gets the vote, with confidence in his chance increased should the betting vibes be strong. Watchful Protector has shown a fair level of ability on both starts and is second choice ahead of Emily Love, another who has won a point and switches to a good stable for her bumper debut. 

Cheltenham Festival Replays Thu 13 March 2025

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Cheltenham Festival Replays Thu 13 March 2025

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