Cheltenham Weekend Tips and Kempton Newcastle Guide

Pinch yourself punters.

There are just three weeks remaining until Cheltenham fever sweeps the country – nay globe – once more.

This weekend sees one of the last chances for names to make a final statement ahead of the trip to Gloucestershire in mid-March.

With race cards at Kempton and Newcastle in mind on Saturday, two Handicap Chases stand out from the crowd.

As the Group 1 Coral Trophy Chase at Kempton headlines, the Vertem Eider then plays a more than able role as support act.

So, as we continue our build-up to Cheltenham, here are our four weekend punts.

15:00, Kempton, Coral Trophy Handicap Chase (Group 1, 3m, 5yo+)

In arguably the big race of the weekend, the Coral Trophy Handicap Chase in Surrey sees three front-runners already penned in for the Ultima at Cheltenham.

However, one name yet to confirm his trip to the festival is Cap Du Nord.

Having only recently made his debut at Cheltenham, Jack Tudor rode the somewhat startled 10yo home in flat last on New Years’ Day.

A sizeable setback, yes, but the duos’ last two outings together have been significantly improved.

With a runners-up spot behind Cooper’s Cross – also racing here – in the SkyBet Handicap at Doncaster last month, Cap Du Nord then won impressively last weekend at Ascot.

A seven-length winner in the Swinley, the French gelding also comes into this as defending champ.

So can Cap make it back-to-back wins on successive weekends?

A 5/1 shot with Coral and Ladbrokes looks a good bet and it could also provide vital prep if the expected journey to Cheltenham emerges.

Elsewhere in the going, we noted the three front-runners present here and of the trio set to go in the festival curtain-raiser, Our Power is pricking up our ears.

Though this will be the first outing of the season for Sam Thomas’ gelding, the 8yo wrapped up last term in glowing fashion with Charlie Deutsch in the saddle.

Winning the London Gold Cup at the end of October, Sam Twiston-Davies rode Our Power to a memorable win in the PaddyPower Silver Plate on this very same course.

Could Our Power muscle his way to a second win at Kempton and an eighth career win?

An 8/1 price with BoyleSports says yes.

15:25, Newcastle, Vertem Eider Handicap Chase (Group 2, 4m1½f, 5yo+)

Around 25 minutes afterwards, we switch north to Newcastle for a step down in class for the Vertem Eider but a contest which looks just as appealing for punters.

Whilst most of the pre-Cheltenham field have assembled south of London, the in-form Eva’s Oskar has opted to stand out from the crowd here.

An 8/1 winner of the Dahlbury at Cheltenham at the end of last year, the 9yo was unfortunate not to have had two wins up the hill having been beaten by Does He Know in the race prior.

Sixth in at Sandown earlier this month but set for the Ultima also, Eva’s Oskar looks a very decent 9/1 with bet365.

In the same race and for a slightly bigger price, we have also got our eye on Houston Texas.

Winless in three, the Irish son of Dylan Thomas book-ended last season and the new term with wins at Carlisle at short odds.

Rather going against the argument, in four previous forays to Newcastle, Houston Texas has yet to pick up a win.

Yet, trainer Nicky Richards saw his own Aubis Walk absolutely bolt up to a 23-length romp a short trip away at Sedgefield on Thursday.

Visibly bullish of the chances of another winner to come this weekend, eagle-eyed watchers of Sky Sports Racing may have noted a cause for optimism.

Here, Richards’ horse is bigger 16/1 punt with William Hill but with more than a hint of form to come.

How to assess form and make informed punts this weekend

Assessing recent form requires a blend of raw finishing positions, race context and a judge of how a horse is trending over fences and trips.

Always factor in jockey bookings, recent recovery between runs and whether the run was a prep for a festival target such as Cheltenham.

Key form pointers for Coral Trophy contenders

Look at performances over three miles and on similar fast, flat tracks to Kempton when weighing Coral Trophy chances.

Pay attention to horses with recent high-speed finishing sections at Ascot or Doncaster, as these underline current fitness and confidence.

Interpreting recent Ascot and Doncaster form lines

Ascot wins over fences can indicate a horse handles pace and a testing surface, whereas Doncaster typically rewards stamina and jumping consistency.

Compare sectional times and the quality of rivals beaten to understand where performances truly rank.

What to look for in long-distance chase fields

In contests like the Vertem Eider, stamina reserves, jumping fluency over extended distances and the ability to travel off the bridle are decisive.

Note horses that finish strongly in two-mile-plus races; late-closing signs often translate well at Newcastle’s marathon trip.

When to favour proven Cheltenham course winners

Proven Cheltenham form is a premium at the festival, but similar courses and undulating tracks can still act as reliable proxies.

Use past hill performance as a guide, particularly for horses being aimed at the Ultima or similar staying events.

Trainer and jockey factors affecting weekend picks

Trainer form, stable location and whether a yard is resting its best juveniles for Cheltenham can affect weekend entries and targets.

Jockey bookings are informative; retaining a stable’s primary rider often signals confidence in a horse’s chance.

Using bookmaker prices to assess market confidence

Early prices and opening market moves reflect both public money and insider knowledge, and consistent drift may suggest doubts about a declared chance.

Conversely, shortening favourites that attract reasonable volumes indicate genuine market respect rather than flash publicity.

How ground and trip influence each selection

Both Kempton and Newcastle can play differently depending on recent rain; assess soft or heavy going form separately from good or fast readings.

Horses that have failed on deep ground but thrived on good going should be treated cautiously when the forecast changes.

Reading market moves and early betting prices

Monitor price fluctuations from several bookmakers to spot where value and market confidence lie before placing a bet.

Small, sustained moves are more meaningful than single bets; compare SP with early prices to understand late support.

Staking plans and sensible money management tips

Decide stake sizes before you bet and avoid chasing losses; staking discipline is central to long-term, responsible engagement with racing.

Only bet with discretionary funds and set limits on exposure for festival prep races and week-to-week wagers.

In-play and late information to adjust selections

Late declarations, confirmed ground reports and last-minute jockey changes can materially alter a horse’s appeal and should be checked pre-race.

Watch for any veterinary notes or stable comments from reliable sources; these often explain market moves and can inform small, sensible adjustments.

Using bookmaker comparisons to find best value

Compare odds across multiple reputable bookmakers to secure the best available price and consider terms like void-if-non-run and extra-place concessions.

You can explore current bookmaker offers through our comparison tools if you choose to bet responsibly and are 18 or over.

Practical festival prep and why these races matter

Weekend handicaps like the Coral Trophy and Vertem Eider serve as final hard runs for potential Cheltenham starters and reveal fitness and temperament.

Analysing how a horse handles these races gives a clearer picture of whether it will cope with Cheltenham’s unique demands.

Data points that often separate marginal chances

Key indicators include weight carried relative to last wins, recent class drops or rises, and time since last victory.

Cross-referencing these with the jockey’s strike rate and trainer’s recent performance provides a rounded view of realistic prospects.

Responsible betting reminders and legal age requirement

Betting is for those aged 18 and over only and should always be treated as entertainment rather than a route to income.

If you are concerned about your gambling, seek help and use bookmaker tools such as deposit limits, time-outs and self-exclusion.

Where to check offers and account terms before betting

Read bookmaker terms and conditions for free bets, extra places and enhanced odds to understand the true value of any offer.

Affinity or affiliate links may be used to help you compare options, but never let a bonus override sound selection or staking principles.

To recap, focus on recent form, suitability to trip and ground, and market tone when assessing Cap Du Nord, Our Power, Eva’s Oskar and Houston Texas.

Place bets only if you are 18 or over, stick to a disciplined staking plan and treat weekend punts as informative pieces of the Cheltenham puzzle rather than certain outcomes.

Find our recommended bookmaker free bet offers and compare sign-up promotions at https://bestofbets.com/free-bets to see current terms and welcome deals.

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Frequently asked questions about this weekend’s races

Are these tips suitable for Cheltenham betting decisions?

These analyses offer insight into form and fitness but are informational and should not be taken as guarantees for Cheltenham selections.

What age must I be to use these betting guides?

All visitors and bettors must be 18 or over to use bookmaker services and follow the advice on this page.

How should I manage stakes across multiple weekend punts?

Decide a fixed unit size based on your disposable entertainment budget and avoid increasing stakes after losses.

Do early market moves reliably predict race outcomes?

Early moves show market sentiment and can be informative, but they do not guarantee results; consider them alongside form and race context.

Where can I find the best odds for these horses?

Compare prices across regulated UK bookmakers to find the best odds, and check terms for free bets and extra-place offers before committing.

Can I rely on trainer talk and social media for last-minute tips?

Trainer comments can be helpful but are often guarded; rely on verified sources and official declarations rather than speculation.

What responsible gambling tools should I use?

Use deposit limits, staking limits, time-outs and self-exclusion tools provided by bookmakers if you need to manage betting activity.

Who should I contact if I have a gambling problem?

If you are worried about your gambling, contact organisations such as GamCare or Samaritans for confidential support and guidance.