Mares’ Races have been a recent edition to the Cheltenham Festival, and there have been some moments that went down in Festival history. Best of Bets takes a look at the Mares Hurdle and Mares Chase.

Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle – 2m 3F 200yds – Grade One

The Mares Hurdle was only established in 2008, yet it has given us horses, and races, that will forever be part of the Festival picture. Quevega, Annie Power and Marie’s Rock, who triumphed last year.

This year the Queen of hurdling is set to come to the Mares’ Hurdle to look to regain her title which she won in 2020. Honeysuckle might not have had a vintage season, but she has performed admirably in defeat. Coming up against two staying horses in the Hatton’s Grace, and a young Irish talent in State Man in the Irish Champion Hurdle, she looks to bow out of her career with a win at the Festival.

She does face tough competition, as Marie’s Rock looks to defend her title. Only two runs since her Festival heroics, she backed it up by winning at Punchestown in April then in the Relkeel in January. Lightly raced, she looks the one to give Honeysuckle a big challenge. But, as of writing, Seven Barrows hasn’t confirmed if she will defend her title here, or go for the Stayers’ Hurdle on Thursday.

Brandy Love was recently acquired by the Donnelly’s, and on her belated return to the track, she put in a disappointing performance to finish third behind Queens Brook. Having said that, she has been very lightly raced, only four runs over hurdles. And, maybe, that inexperience may let her down.

Love Envoi is a former Festival winner, having won the Mares’ Novices’ last year. Again, lightly raced, she backed up her efforts by winning the Listed Mares’ Hurdle at Sandown. The only slight concern is the ground. Forecasts still predict good ground, and with only one run on Good to Soft, which was a three-quarter length win, she’s unproven over the surface.

Echoes In Rain looked back to her best when winning last time out at Naas. She faces a step up in trip, she has raced over two-and-a-half miles but fell in the Hatton’s Grace. Last year she performed poorly, finishing fifth, but a turn around in form this season, may see her as an each-way pick.

Verdict: Love Envoi; despite having no run over good ground, she has won at Cheltenham. Youthful, and lightly raced seems the key to this race. Sadly, I can only see Honeysuckle bowing out quietly. 7/1 best price for Love Envoi with William Hill.

Each-way pick: West Balboa looks a little overpriced. She won a Lanzarote that fell apart and matches some of the criteria needed to win the race. Her last graded race was the 2021 Challow Hurdle, and could spring a surprise at 33/1 with bet365.

Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase – 2m 4F 127yds – Grade Two

This is only the third running of the race, so it’s hard to pull any trends or any facts and figures from a newly established race.

The past two winners have gone off at 9/4, if that means anything, but neither were favourites, so maybe those second or third in the market have a better chance.

Allegroie De Vassy is looking to become the first favourite to win the race, but from what I have seen this season, she shouldn’t be up at the very top. She jumps markedly to the right, which is a huge negative around Cheltenham, she looks very keen in her racing, another negative, and she’s a novice who’s racing against more experienced horses. For me, she just can’t be trusted.

Impervious is also a novice, but has been the complete opposite to her market rival. She’s not only been the best in her division, but has been as good as the boys, given her last run was very eye-catching. She looks a very mature novice and could go well.

Jeremys Flame looks a good thing for Gavin Cromwell. Having won her last start at Huntingdon, by some margin, this looks the ideal race since she didn’t quite cut it against the boys at Grade One level. Cromwell could well have placed this horse perfectly.

Out of all the Festival previews that I have heard, Magic Daze looks to be overpriced. And they’re right. Magic Daze was very keen to take a lead in last year’s Arkle. But since then, particularly on better ground, she’s been an outstanding improver, beating Dinoblue convincingly last time out in the Opera Hat. She has as bigger chance as anyone.

Sadly it doesn’t look as though we will be seeing Galia Des Liteaux at the Festival due to the ground, and Zambella could go here, but doesn’t look like a match for the Irish.

Verdict: Magic Daze; The price that she is, makes her look a fantastic bet. Plus she’s improved a lot this season, and there’s a lot to like at 10/1 with bet365.

Each-way pick: Elimay has never finished outside the top two of this race. She clearly likes the track and can go and grab a place if she wants at 25/1 with Ladbrokes.

Cheltenham Mares Races: Festival Preview and Picks

The Mares’ Hurdle and Mares’ Chase have added depth and storylines to the spring Festival, bringing specialist mares into the spotlight and creating genuine betting interest for form-focused punters. This expansion complements the original race notes above by analysing trends, market behaviour and selection approaches for bettors aged 18 and over.

Gambling is for 18+ only and should be approached responsibly; treat any insights as informational rather than guaranteed outcomes. You can explore bookmaker comparisons if you choose to bet responsibly.

Form, Trends and Betting Angles for Mares Events

Reading the form for mares’ events requires separating raw ability from patchy campaigns, since many female runners are lightly raced or campaign selectively for the Festival, which affects prices. Assess how recent runs, the level of opposition and the quality of those performances stack up rather than relying on headline wins alone.

Market moves can reflect connections’ confidence and late news, so combine form study with monitoring the betting to spot value rather than chasing short prices. Always avoid staking decisions that risk financial harm and remember that betting is entertainment.

How recent form shapes Mares Hurdle chances

Recent wins at graded level are useful, but look closely at the nature of the victory — was it a dominant display or a narrow success against weak opposition, and did the horse travel strongly through the race? For example, horses returning from a long lay-off may need the run, whereas improving novices often progress quickly between seasons.

Consider horses that have shown consistency over the winter and those that have been aimed at Cheltenham with a clear programme, as they often arrive with the fitness and sharpness needed for the Festival hurdles. Pace, finishing speed and ability to handle the Cheltenham undulations are key indicators.

Interpreting recent runs and jumping reliability

Assess the jumping at recent starts, since mares races can be decided or undone by mistakes over hurdles or fences, and horses that clip or drift often lose valuable momentum around Cheltenham. Video review of the last two runs is essential to see whether technical issues are improving or persistent.

Durability and a clean jumping record often separate each-way contenders from those with win potential, and trainers who prioritise schooling at home tend to produce more reliable jumpers at the big meetings.

Key stats and trends to consider for punters

Look at age profiles, recent course form and whether the mares have raced against males, as those contests can provide a benchmark of ability. Younger mares can improve markedly, but experienced winners at Cheltenham or similar tracks bring proven temperament under high pressure.

Also factor in the pattern of top yards targeting these races; consolidated entries from certain stables often highlight horses prepared specifically for Festival targets rather than opportunistic runners.

Trainer patterns and yard form at the Festival

Some trainers have strong Festival records with mares and will place their runners to maximise chance rather than shoehorn them into unsuitable races; track those yard patterns and recent Cheltenham form when weighing selections. Irish yards often bring well‑prepared mares liable to peak for spring targets, and that should influence market assessment.

Be mindful of stable workload and declared jockeys as indicators of intent, and remember that trainers will sometimes split stable resources across different Festival days, which affects likely fitness and target selection.

Course and ground influences at Cheltenham Festival

Cheltenham’s uphill finish and undulating fences demand horses with balance and stamina, and the going can change quickly over the four days; check forecast trends and each runner’s proven ground preferences before committing to a selection. Some mares handle quick ground while others need cut to show their best, so ground-dependence is a material factor for both hurdling and chase contests.

When a horse has a limited run record on a specific ground type, weigh that as a potential risk even if form suggests suitability, since inexperienced ground handling at the Festival can lead to underperformance.

Betting markets, odds movement and value spotting

Monitor ante-post markets and intra-day odds to identify when a horse is being supported or drifted by the market, and look for value relative to the judged chance rather than absolute price. Each-way depth varies by bookmaker, so compare offers and each-way terms rather than assuming uniform returns across firms.

Consider modest staking in competitive handicaps and use smaller stakes on speculative each-way ideas; disciplined bankroll management reduces the risk of chasing losses and keeps betting recreational.

Selection strategy for mares novices and veterans

Novices can be dangerous if they have matured physically and shown rapid improvement, particularly if they have experience over similar trips and handled a competitive jumping test. Conversely, veteran mares with festival form and course winners bring reliability and the tactical nous needed to cope with Cheltenham pressure.

A balanced selection approach blends a small portfolio of win bets on progressive novices with cautious each-way coverage on proven Festival performers, while maintaining clear staking rules to avoid overexposure.

Comparing Mares Hurdle and Mares Chase race dynamics

The Mares Hurdle typically requires a blend of speed and stamina with a high tempo, whereas the Mares Chase often necessitates sharper jumping ability and the capacity to quicken between fences, so assess physical suitability for the discipline rather than assuming form carries across both codes. Horses switching codes should be judged on recent schooling and fence experience.

When the same stable runs horses in both races, examine the stated target and prep races to see where the connections believe the best chance lies, and don’t be swayed by headline entries without the supporting form detail.

Practical staking and bank management for Festival bets

Set a Festival staking plan before the cards begin and allocate a fixed percentage of your betting bank to each day and selection, avoiding impulse increases after losses or wins. Conservative staking and limiting the number of speculative bets supports long‑term enjoyment and reduces risk of harm.

Use bookmaker comparison tools to check prices and rules, and remember that low‑risk money management is part of responsible gambling for anyone aged 18 or over.

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Frequently asked questions about Mares races

What age profile tends to do well in Mares hurdles?

Many winners come from four- to seven-year-olds who combine upside with experience, but improved older mares can also prevail when their form has been consistent. Age is a guide, not a guarantee, and should be weighed with recent performances and race conditions.

How important is Cheltenham form when assessing runners?

Cheltenham form is valuable because the track is unique; horses that have coped with the undulations and intensity of a Festival field often transfer that advantage. Prior course form is helpful but not decisive if other signs of progression are strong.

Should I favour mares with recent Festival experience?

Festival experience can be an asset in handling the sights, noise and race rhythm, and it often separates steady performers from less reliable types under pressure. However, improving novices can overturn experience if their profile suits the race conditions.

Are novices at a disadvantage over established mares?

Novices face a learning curve, especially over fences, but they can hold an advantage if they are progressive and have been placed deliberately for a Festival run. Treat each horse on its merits and assess race maturity rather than relying solely on novice status.

What ground conditions suit the key mares mentioned here?

Some mares thrive on quicker ground while others need cut to find their stride; check each horse’s past results on Good, Good to Soft or Soft surfaces and place greater weight on runs over the expected going. Connections often declare intentions based on the forecast and the horse’s proven preferences.

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