Cheltenham Day 1 Tips – Tuesday Day One Preview, Tips & Key Runners
Cheltenham Day 1 on Tuesday begins with one of the most famous moments in racing, the roar that greets the start of the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at 1.20. From that point the action barely lets up until the closing stages of the National Hunt Chase at 5.20, where the 17 runners face a gruelling stamina test.
The ground is expected to be good to soft, conditions that usually produce fair races across the card and allow horses to run to their form. Below is a race-by-race preview of Cheltenham Day One, highlighting the key runners and the horses who could make the biggest impact on Tuesday’s opening card.
1:20 – Supreme Novices’ Hurdle
The Supreme is always a frantic beginning to the Festival and the 2026 renewal looks particularly competitive. The race is over 2m½f on Cheltenham’s Old Course and is usually run at a relentless early pace.
Old Park Star heads the market after winning his last three starts and currently trades around 9/4 with most bookmakers.
Mighty Park sits close behind in the betting at roughly 9/2. He is a tougher type who should be well suited by a strong pace, while Talk The Talk (9/2) and El Cairos (15/2) both have form that suggests they could easily outperform their odds.
At this stage Old Park Star and Mighty Park appear the two runners with the strongest overall claims.
TIP: Old Park Star
CHIEF THREAT: Mighty Park
E/W OUTSIDER: Mydaddypaddy
2:00 – Arkle Novices’ Chase
The Arkle Novices’ Chase looks set to revolve around Kopek Des Bordes and Lulamba, both of whom have impressed in their chasing campaigns.
Kopek Des Bordes, generally available around 6/4, has shown steady improvement with each outing. His efficient jumping combined with the Paul Townend and Willie Mullins partnership makes him a clear benchmark in the race.
Lulamba, priced around 13/8, brings an equally strong profile. Trained by Nicky Henderson and ridden by Nico de Boinville, he has yet to taste defeat over fences and has looked polished throughout his chasing campaign.
The pair dominate the market and it would be no surprise if the race developed into a straight contest between them. Slight preference goes to Kopek Des Bordes, though Lulamba remains a serious threat.
TIP: Kopek Des Bordes
CHIEF THREAT: Lulamba
E/W OUTSIDER: Steel Ally
2:40 – Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (Fred Winter)
Now officially called the Juvenile Handicap Hurdle but still widely referred to as the Fred Winter, this race regularly produces one of the most complex puzzles of the day.
Winston Junior (13/2) looks an interesting contender near the head of the market. Trainer Faye Bramley has already enjoyed success at Cheltenham this season and her runner shapes as though a strongly run handicap hurdle will suit perfectly.
Manlaga (7/1), impressive when beating several of these in the Victor Ludorum, appears the most obvious danger.
Elsewhere, Saratoga (13/2), Bibe Mus (18/1), Ammes (15/2), and the potentially well-treated Munsif (8/1) all bring solid profiles into the contest.
TIP: Winston Junior
CHIEF THREAT: Manlaga
E/W OUTSIDER: Ammes
3:20 – Ultima Handicap Chase
The Ultima Handicap Chase once again promises to be a fiercely competitive staying handicap over 3m1f.
Iroko (13/2) brings particularly strong credentials. A former Martin Pipe winner at the Festival, he finished fourth in last year’s Grand National and looked better than ever when winning a strong graduation chase at Ascot in December.
Jagwar (7/2) is another major player. He won last year’s Plate over 2m4f at this meeting and has shaped throughout the season as though a longer trip could bring further improvement.
Handstands (10/1), a Grade 1 winning novice, has the quality that often proves decisive in this contest.
There are several interesting each-way possibilities too. Myretown (10/1) won this race in dominant fashion last year and cannot be dismissed if returning to form. Quebecois (10/1) looks well suited by the step up in trip, while Johnnywho (11/1), runner-up in the Kim Muir last season, brings proven Festival form.
TIP: Handstands
CHIEF THREAT: Jagwar
E/W OUTSIDER: Johnnywho
4:00 – Champion Hurdle
With Constitution Hill, State Man and Sir Gino all absent, this year’s Champion Hurdle lacks some of the headline names but in doing so has produced a much more open contest.
The New Lion (11/4), winner of last year’s Turners Novices’ Hurdle, sets a strong standard and attempts to follow the path taken by greats such as Istabraq and Faugheen by winning the Champion Hurdle twelve months later.
Poniros (14/1) is another intriguing contender. Winning the Triumph Hurdle on his hurdling debut at 100/1 last year required a serious level of ability and he still has the potential to improve further.
Lossiemouth (2/1) brings a formidable Festival record into the race. A three-time winner at the meeting, she remains unbeaten in four runs at Cheltenham and lines up alongside fellow mares Brighterdaysahead (9/2) and last year’s winner Golden Ace.
Add improving runners such as Tutti Quanti (22/1) and Alexei (20/1), along with established performers Anzadam (22/1) and Workahead, and the race still looks deep despite the missing stars.
TIP: Lossiemouth
CHIEF THREAT: The New Lion
E/W OUTSIDER: Anzadam
4:40 – Sun Racing Plate Handicap Chase
The Sun Racing Plate Handicap Chase is rarely straightforward, yet a few runners stand out in what looks another strong renewal.
Madara (4/1) appears a particularly solid contender, especially given his record at Cheltenham. Connections have likely had this race in mind for some time.
McLaurey (4/1) has also been prominent in the betting market and demands respect, although his jumping will face a stern test in such a competitive field.
Zurich (10/1) and Will The Wise (8/1) both arrive with progressive profiles and could easily feature if they cope with the demands of a large Festival field.
Downmexicoway (8/1) and No Questions Asked (14/1) are further improvers who could outrun their odds if the race unfolds in their favour.
TIP: Madara
CHIEF THREAT: McLaurey
E/W OUTSIDER: Will The Wise
5:20 – National Hunt Challenge Cup
The National Hunt Chase traditionally provides a gruelling finish to the opening day, run over a demanding 3m6f that places the emphasis firmly on stamina.
Backmersackme (4/1) looks particularly well suited to the test. His strong finishing effort when second over 3m1f at Cheltenham in October suggested this race could be a natural target, and he reinforced that view when winning a valuable Leopardstown handicap over a shorter trip last time.
Grand Geste (14/1) arrives with reliable staying form from Haydock and should relish the distance, while Newton Tornado (5/1) has shown the type of consistency that often pays dividends in races like this.
Kurasso Blue (14/1), King Of Answers (11/1), Iceberg Theory (17/2) and One Big Bang (11/1) all have profiles that suggest they can remain competitive over this marathon distance.
TIP: Backmersackme
CHIEF DANGER: Newton Tornado
E/W OUTSIDER: King Of Answers
The opening day often shapes the mood of the entire Cheltenham Festival. A few good results on Tuesday can make the week feel very different. With such a strong card to begin proceedings, the hope is that Champion Day provides plenty of excitement and sends everyone into Wednesday in good spirits.
BETFRED
