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Cheltenham 2026: Day 1 Tips
Your Authoritative Guide to the Tuesday Opening Card
The roar is back. Day 1 of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival brings a high-octane mix of championship speed and gruelling handicap tests. With the ground currently described as Good to Soft, the focus shifts to horses with proven track records and clinical jumping ability. This guide dissects all seven fixtures to identify the strongest value on the card.
Old Park Star carries a perfect record into the opener. This horse dominated a Haydock Grade 2 by 18 lengths, proving he possesses the ideal blend of speed and stamina. He is top-rated at 151 and excels on good to soft ground. While Mighty Park brings significant hype, the clinical jumping of the Henderson charge makes him the primary selection.
BACK IT HERE 9/4Lulamba is a relentless galloper who holds a distinct fitness and experience advantage. He has a flawless record over fences, including a comprehensive victory at Newbury. Unlike Kopek Des Bordes, who missed his recent engagement, Lulamba arrives in peak condition and is a specialist over this two-mile distance.
BACK IT HERE 15/8Saratoga is a high-class operator on the flat who has adapted quickly to hurdles. His recent second-place finish at Naas suggests he is extremely well-treated off a mark of 130. He fits the profile of a progressive juvenile and typically tracks the pace, which is vital in this crowded field.
BACK IT HERE 13/2Jagwar is a course specialist who has been building toward this target all season. The step up to 3m1f is exactly what this horse requires. He was narrowly denied in a head-bobber last time out and now looks primed to go one better. He ticks every trend for a race that rewards course familiarity.
BACK IT HERE 9/2The New Lion has an incredible 85% win rate and looks like a champion in waiting. He won a Grade 2 over this C&D on his last start and thrives when there is a strong early gallop. While Lossiemouth is highly talented, her first-time cheekpieces suggest a need for extra sharpeness that The New Lion already possesses.
BACK IT HERE 5/2McLaurey has been meticulously prepared for this race by a yard famous for handicap raids. He won a valuable hurdle last season and has gained necessary experience over fences this term. He carries a nice racing weight and is effective over this trip. He is comfortably the most unexposed runner in the lineup.
BACK IT HERE 4/1Newton Tornado represents a trainer who won this race last year and specializes in staying chasers. He was impressive at Doncaster, jumping fluently and galloping his rivals into submission. This marathon trip is expected to bring out even more improvement from this progressive seven-year-old.
BACK IT HERE 11/2Cheltenham Day 1: Essential Betting Q&A
What is the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle?
The Supreme Novices’ Hurdle is a Grade 1 race over two miles and half a furlong that serves as the opening event of the Cheltenham Festival. It is exclusively for “novice” horses who have not won a hurdle race before the current season.
Who is the top-rated horse in the 2026 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle?
Old Park Star is the top-rated runner in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle with a performance rating of 151. This is backed by his perfect 3-0 record over hurdles, including a Grade 2 win at Haydock.
How does the Arkle Novices’ Chase differ from the Supreme?
The Arkle Novices’ Chase is contested over fences rather than hurdles, meaning the horses jump larger obstacles. It is the premier championship test for two-mile novice chasers.
Why is Lulamba favored over Kopek Des Bordes?
Lulamba holds an advantage in terms of chase experience and recent fitness. While Kopek Des Bordes is a Supreme winner, Lulamba has a proven 3-for-3 record over fences this season and arrives in peak condition.
What makes the Fred Winter Juvenile Hurdle a unique betting market?
The Fred Winter is a handicap exclusively for four-year-old horses. Because these horses are young and rapidly improving, the handicap system creates a very competitive and often high-odds betting environment.
Does Jagwar have a good record at Cheltenham?
Jagwar is a noted course specialist who thrives on the unique Cheltenham terrain. His suitability for the 3m1f trip and his track record make him a primary selection for the Ultima Handicap Chase.
Is Lossiemouth the horse to beat in the Champion Hurdle?
Lossiemouth has a perfect 4-4 record at Cheltenham, making her a huge threat. However, her team has added cheekpieces for the first time, suggesting they are seeking an extra edge to handle the speed of rivals like The New Lion.
What are the key factors for the National Hunt Chase?
Stamina and jumping accuracy are the most critical factors due to the marathon 3m6f distance. Horses like Newton Tornado, who have shown they can jump and gallop relentlessly, are the ideal profile for this race.
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