Cheltenham Open Meeting Preview

The Cheltenham Open Meeting: A Must-See Early Season Event in National Hunt Racing

The Cheltenham Open Meeting is regarded as the premier early-season event in National Hunt racing, attracting racing enthusiasts from all over. Spanning three days, this event showcases current stars, emerging talents, and well-loved veterans. The main excitement unfolds over the weekend, with Saturday and Sunday featuring key races where the big names collide in early-season showdowns.

Saturday’s Key Races: BetVictor Gold Cup and More

The highlight of Saturday’s racing action is the BetVictor Gold Cup, a Grade 3 chase contested over 2M4F. Kylemore Lough currently leads the betting market, but with such a competitive field, any of the top contenders could emerge as the favorite come race time. One intriguing entry is Guitar Pete, a former top-class hurdler who has shown promise as a chaser. After clinching a hard-fought victory at Wetherby, the 7lb weight penalty he now carries may not be enough to hold him back. The large field and brisk pace may pose a challenge, yet his current odds make him a tempting option.

In addition to the BetVictor Gold Cup, keep an eye on Gumball and West Approach, who are set to be well-fancied favorites in the day’s earlier contests. Gumball is already being tipped for the Triumph Hurdle, and a win here could further strengthen his position as a leading contender for the March showdown. Minella Rocco is another one to watch, especially in the 1:50 race, which is expected to be a true test of stamina. If conditions suit him, he could well be the one finishing strongest.

Sunday’s Top Contests: Shloer Chase and Greatwood Handicap

The main attraction on Sunday is the Shloer Chase, where Fox Norton aims to defend his title. He will face a tough challenge from Special Tiara, who defeated him at the Cheltenham Festival, adding extra intrigue to this competitive race. Another horse to keep an eye on is Cloudy Dream, a northern contender with solid form who could shake up the competition in the two-mile category this winter.

Sunday also features the prestigious Greatwood Handicap Hurdle, where the favorite is Jenkins. He has received strong market support, and if his trainer has managed to iron out previous issues, he could show significant improvement this season. At longer odds, Nietzsche is worth considering after a solid third-place finish at the Cheltenham Festival last season. Expect further progress from this promising hurdler.

A potential standout on Sunday is Dame De Compagnie, who competes in the Supreme Novice Hurdle Trial. Thanks to a 7lb allowance, she enters as a fascinating prospect with a bright future ahead.

Our Expert Predictions for Cheltenham’s Weekend Races

Saturday Predictions

  • 12:40 – Gumball
  • 1:15 – West Approach
  • 1:50 – Minella Rocco
  • 2:25 – Guitar Pete
  • 3:00 – Thomas Campbell
  • 3:30 – Red Indian
  • 4:00 – Posh Trish

Sunday Predictions

  • 1:15 – Another Frontier
  • 1:50 – North Hill Harvey
  • 2:25 – Cloudy Dream
  • 3:00 – Nietzsche
  • 3:30 – Dame De Compagnie
  • 4:00 – Skidoosh

Television Coverage: What Races Can You Watch Live?

If you can’t make it to Cheltenham, you can still catch plenty of the action on TV. Here’s what to look out for:

Saturday Live on ITV: 1:50, 2:25, 3:00, 3:30
Sunday Live on ITV4: 1:50, 2:25, 3:00, 3:30

For a comprehensive viewing experience, Racing UK subscribers can enjoy coverage of every race across both days.

Latest Betting Odds for Cheltenham’s Biggest Races

Here are the top odds for some of the standout races this weekend:

BetVictor Gold Cup – Saturday 2:25

The favorite, Kylemore Lough, is currently at 6/1, but several close contenders such as Tully East, Le Prezien, Starchitect, Ballyalton, Foxtail Hill, and Romain De Senam are also in the running. If you’re looking for a longshot, Guitar Pete is available at 20/1.

BetVictor.com Handicap Chase – Saturday 1:50

Three Faces West leads the betting at 100/30, with Minella Rocco, Doing Fine, and Premier Bond all tied at 5/1.

Listed Handicap Hurdle – Saturday 3:00

Thomas Campbell is favored at 9/4, followed by Rockys Treasure at 5/1. Given his current form, Thomas Campbell could turn this race into a one-horse affair.

Shloer Chase – Sunday 2:25

Last year’s winner, Fox Norton, is the 5/4 favorite, with Special Tiara priced at 3/1 and Cloudy Dream at 5/1. The latter could offer value as he steps up to top-level competition.

Greatwood Handicap Hurdle – Sunday 3:00

Jenkins leads the market at 4/1, followed by Mohaayed at 7/1 and London Prize at 9/1. For those seeking higher odds, Nietzsche is available at 14/1.

Supreme Novice Hurdle Trial – Sunday 3:30

This race could help shape the early picture for the Supreme Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham in March. Dame De Compagnie is the current favorite at even odds, benefiting from a 7lb allowance, while Slate House offers competition at 13/8, making for a fascinating battle between two promising runners.

Exciting Betting Offers to Look Out For

BetVictor’s Enhanced Each-Way Terms

As the sponsor of the BetVictor Gold Cup, BetVictor is offering enhanced each-way terms, paying out on the first five places for the 2:25 race on Saturday.

Fitzdares’ Special Place Terms

Fitzdares is boosting place terms on four races each day over the weekend. Check their website for details on which Cheltenham races are included.

William Hill’s High Five Promotion

William Hill offers a 15% free bet bonus if your selection wins any of the televised Cheltenham races this weekend.

Bet365’s Free Bet Offer on Televised Races

If you back a winner at odds of 4/1 or greater in any of the eight ITV races at Cheltenham, Bet365 will reward you with a free bet for the same stake on the next televised race.

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