Cheltenham Festival Day One Tips and Betting Guide
Best of Bets’ Oliver Holmes has his selections and naps ready for the Cheltenham Festival roar on Day One.
NAP: IL ETAIT TEMPS – Supreme Novices’ Hurdle – 9/2 William Hill
Il Etait Temps is improving all the time. His win in the Tattersalls Ireland Novice Hurdle was fantastic, even with Facile Vega’s blowout. Hurdles experience at Cheltenham helps him enormously and should kick-off the Festival in style for the Closutton brigade.
E/W BET: SHEWEARSITWELL – Mares’ Hurdle – 25/1 Betfred, Boylessports
The rain is going to make a huge difference throughout the Cheltenham Festival, which will benefit Shewearsitwell massively. Her best win came last time out winning four-and-a-half lengths on deep ground at Leopardstown. The ground has come for her, and could make it a double for Danny Mullins.
Handicap Best: PERSEUS WAY – Juvenile Handicap Hurdle – 12/1 William Hill, BetUK
He’s never finished outside the top three on all of his career starts. Despite the ground is to be testing, he should be able to handle it. It’ll be his first time to run over that sort of ground, but the form he has behind him is excellent and looks overpriced.
Selections:
13:30 – IL ETAIT TEMPS (NAP)
14:10 – Jonbon
14:50 – Oscar Elite (The Big Breakaway e/w)
15:30 – Constitution Hill (No Bet)
16:10 – Love Envoi (SHEWEARSITWELL E/W)
16:50 – PERSEUS WAY (Ludus e/w)
17:30 – Mahler Mission
The very best of luck!
How to approach Day One markets responsibly and sensibly
Cheltenham Day One is where punters and new followers set the tone for the week, so a clear, measured plan is essential when examining selections and market prices. Treat tips as informed guidance rather than a promise of profit and always consider stakes in relation to your bankroll.
Assessing the Festival favourites and outsiders
Favourites often carry public money and shortened prices, while outsiders can represent genuine value when form and ground suit. Compare recent wins, margins and the quality of rivals to judge whether a price is justified.
Why Cheltenham novices demand extra scrutiny
Novice events can be unpredictable because experience over fences or hurdles at Cheltenham is limited for many runners. Prioritise horses that have jumped well in big-field events and have acted on similar tracks.
Interpreting ground, weather and form for Cheltenham
Going conditions at Cheltenham change rapidly and have a disproportionate effect on race outcomes, especially over the shorter races and for mares’ events. Look for recent performances on similar soft or heavy ground when a wet forecast is expected.
Evaluating mares’ form on heavy or soft ground
Mares often show clear preferences for ground type; strong wins on deep ground are more meaningful than narrow victories on good ground. When the going turns heavy, consider horses that have handled stamina tests and produced clear-cut margins.
Smart staking plans and bankroll management tips
Decide stake sizes before the card begins and use consistent, proportionate stakes to protect your bankroll across the Festival. Avoid chasing losses and never stake more than you can afford to lose, as Cheltenham form can flip quickly.
Quick checks before placing any Cheltenham wager
Confirm jockey changes, late scratchings, declared weights and ground reports shortly before placing a bet. A last-minute non-runner or heavy ground update can change a selection’s value significantly.
How to use bookmaker offers and bet comparisons wisely
Bookmaker offers can enhance value when used carefully, but read terms and conditions to understand expiry, qualifying bets and payout limits. Use price comparison tools to ensure you back a selection at the best available odds and to avoid unnecessary losses to poor prices.
How to compare bookmaker prices and save on bets
Maintain a shortlist of reputable bookmakers and cross-check starting prices and early market moves to spot value. Small differences in odds compound over multiple bets, so even minor price savings are useful over a festival week.
Reading market moves and starting prices at Cheltenham
Early market movement often reflects insider confidence, stable chatter and strategic backing, while late moves can indicate heavy support or public money. Analyse the reason for a price change rather than following moves blindly.
Choosing between nap, each-way and small value bets
A nap selection is a highest-conviction pick and should carry a larger stake proportionate to your plan, while each-way bets spread risk and can be sensible for mares’ races and handicaps. Small value bets help exploit clear edges without compromising overall bankroll protection.
Trainer and jockey angles to consider before betting
Cheltenham specialists and trainers with a strong Festival record deserve close attention, especially with experienced jockey bookings. Note trainer tactics on similar profiles and whether a rider-horse combination has proven Cheltenham form.
In-play considerations for long festival days at Cheltenham
In-play betting can be useful if you can observe a race unfold, but volatility is high and prices can change fast during the run. If you choose to bet in-play, set strict limits and avoid impulse decisions after a few results.
Practical tips for live betting without overexposure
Only use funds you can afford to lose for in-play markets and have a clear exit plan for wins and losses. Avoid increasing stakes to recover earlier losses because this typically leads to larger problems rather than sensible returns.
Specific thoughts on Oliver Holmes’ Day One selections
Oliver’s Nap and E/W choices reflect a mix of form, ground suitability and tactical fit for Cheltenham’s unique tests, with specific respect to Il Etait Temps and Shewearsitwell. The selections are written as informed opinions and should be used as a basis for independent judgement rather than certainty.
Why Il Etait Temps is a sensible Nap pick
Il Etait Temps has shown progressive form and a win over similar rivals suggests he handles pressure and Cheltenham-style hurdles. The step up in company at the Festival is a test, but his hurdle experience and recent performance make the Nap choice credible.
Why Shewearsitwell looks appealing each-way on heavy ground
Shewearsitwell’s Leopardstown performance on deep ground is a clear box to tick when heavy going is forecast at Cheltenham. An each-way structure here recognises the variance of big-field mares’ events while still backing a likely ground specialist.
Responsible gambling advice and legal notices for UK readers
This content is intended for readers aged 18 and over and is not betting advice or a promise of returns. Bet responsibly, seek help if gambling causes harm, and only wager what you can afford to lose.
How to use this guide alongside bookmaker comparison tools
You can use our bookmaker comparison tools to check odds and responsible offers, ensuring you get the best price without chasing losses. Explore promotions carefully and never let offers influence stakes beyond your predetermined plan.
You can explore current bookmaker offers through our comparison tools if you choose to bet responsibly, and review free bet terms at https://bestofbets.com/free-bets to understand qualifying conditions. You can also find casino bonus information and welcome offers at https://bestofbets.com/casino-bonus if you are interested in casino promotions for new customers.
Frequently asked questions about Cheltenham bets
Is betting on Day One at Cheltenham legal in the UK?
Yes, betting at Cheltenham is legal for UK residents aged 18 and over provided you use authorised betting operators. Always ensure a bookmaker is licenced by the UK Gambling Commission before placing a bet.
What stake size should I use for festival selections?
Stake sizes should be a small, consistent percentage of your total betting bankroll to manage risk. Avoid increasing stakes after losses and never bet more than you can afford to lose.
Can free bet offers improve value for beginners?
Free bet offers can add short-term value but read the terms carefully to understand qualifying bets, payment methods and withdrawal rules. Use them to test markets responsibly rather than as a substitute for sound staking.
How does soft or heavy ground change chances?
Soft and heavy ground typically favours horses with proven stamina and past wins on similar going, altering the balance between speed and endurance. Check recent form on similar ground to assess whether a selection can handle testing conditions.
Should I use cashout or keep bets in-play at Cheltenham?
Cashout can secure a partial return or limit losses but may also reduce potential winnings compared with letting a bet run. Decide on a cashout policy before an event and avoid emotional reactions during the race.
How reliable are nap selections and betting tips?
Naps and tips are informed opinions based on form and track knowledge, not guarantees of success. Use tips as part of a wider, disciplined approach and maintain sensible stakes to manage variance.
Where can I check bookmaker comparisons and offers?
Use trusted comparison pages to check multiple bookmakers’ odds and welcome offers; ensure any offer you use is compatible with your intended stake and wagering style. For a list of recommended bookmaker free bets see https://bestofbets.com/free-bets.
18+ only. If you are concerned about your gambling, seek support from organisations such as GamCare or GambleAware and consider setting deposit and time limits with your bookmaker. You can visit our free bets page for current bookmaker offers and terms at https://bestofbets.com/free-bets and our casino bonus page for offers at https://bestofbets.com/casino-bonus.
