Cheltenham Festival 2025: Antepost Reaction To Handicap Entries

Tuesday 18th February saw the entries released for the twelve handicaps that take place at the Cheltenham Festival over the four day jumps racing extravaganza.

Our markets were quick to react to the probable lineups of each contest, with punters rapidly hunting down the value prices, especially those people who enjoy an each-way bet. Let’s look through the ante-post movements on each of the twelve races:

Champions Day – Tuesday 11th March

Ultima Handicap Chase 3m1f

A trio consisting of The Changing Man, Johnnywho and Crebilly head the betting at 8/1. Tizzard’s runner was a 24 length scorer in the G2 Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase, while the other two are popular picks due to the JP McManus factor.

Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle 2m

Stencil (6/1) supporters appear to be drawing on his showing behind East India Dock in the Triumph Trial at Cheltenham in January. Money has also come in for Joseph O’Brien’s Puturhandstogether (10/1), who tackles a handicap for the first time.

National Hunt Novices’ Handicap Chase 3m5f

Gavin Crowell’s Now Is The Hour (7/2) is expected to go well, with Captain Cody (11/2) looking like the Willie Mullins first string for the race.

Style Wednesday – Wednesday 12th March

Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle 2m5f

French recruit Kopeck De Mee (6/1) has been put in the Coral Cup, County Hurdle and Martin Pipe so you need to follow your own instincts with him. Exciting mare Wodhooh is in two of those races, so the same applies with her.

Cross Country Chase 3m5f

Gavin Crowell’s Stumptown is all the rage at 5/2, while Galvin brings invaluable Cross Country experience to the table at 6/1.

Grand Annual Handicap Chase 2m

Punters have been eager to put their X next to Libberty Hunter (8/1) after solid runs this season. Dual-purpose performer My Mate Mozzie (10/1) has had a steady stream of interest too.

St Patrick’s Thursday – Thursday 13th March

Jack Richards Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase 2m4f

Jagwar (4/1) lead home a one-two for Greenall/Guerriero on Trials Day and is popular in the market for this 2m4f Chase. Jonjo’s Springwell Bay loves it at Prestbury Park and is fairly static at 10/1.

Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle 2m7f

Nicky Henderson’s Jeriko Du Reponet (6/1) did just enough in his qualifier and will improve, while Gwennie May Boy (12/1) has plenty of new fans after scoring at Haydock Park. Nab Wood (20/1) can bounce back after unseating early on last time out.

Trustatrader Plate Handicap Chase 2m4f

Many of the aforementioned handicappers also appear at the head of this Cheltenham betting market, so you may want to watch your bets.

Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Handicap Chase 3m2f

Sa Majeste (7/1) is the current favourite for this marathon test after scoring in a chase at Fairyhouse at the start of February. Paddy Power Chase runner-up – Midnight Our Fred, is also gaining some momentum at 12/1.

Gold Cup Day – Friday 14th March

William Hill County Handicap Hurdle 2m

Kopeck De Mee may or may not run, but is a 6/1 shot if he does. Mclaurey (6/1) has also been the subject of good money, as has Lark In The Mornin (10/1) for Joseph O’Brien.

Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle 2m4f

Wodhooh, Kopeck De Mee and Mclaurey are all strong selections at 6/1. At much bigger odds, Impose Toi (16/1) and Vischio (20/1) could well be the answer to the “Getting Out Stakes”.