Horse Racing Tips
Cheltenham Racing Tips Friday – December Meeting Day 1 Predictions (2025)
The Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase on Friday afternoon is always a Christmas Meeting favourite.
It’s a challenge that demands tactical riding and stamina, due to being run over Cheltenham’s famous banks, ditches and turns and is a true test for the jockey and horse alike.
12.05pm – 2m1f British EBF Novices’ Hurdle (Class 2) (4-6yo)
I’ve always been a fan of the sire Walk In The Park and his progeny MULLAGHGLOSS makes a trip over to Prestbury Park this weekend.
Andrew Slattery’s charge has run three nice races since October, including a facile victory in a maiden hurdle at Thurles three weeks ago.
He’ll probably be overlooked in our sports betting, but I reckon he holds a great each-way shout in this contest.
12.40pm – 2m4½f Novices’ Chase (Class 2) (4yo+)
After being a serial non-runner on the account of the ground in recent weeks, SIXMILEBRIDGE (NAP) finally got the green light to compete at Ayr and duly won a three-runner 2m4½f beginners’ chase.
This victory came over two and a half miles and the six-year-old tackles the same trip again today.
1.15pm – 2m1f Handicap Hurdle (3yo+ 0-140)
A winner on the flat at Haydock last season, MELON has quickly turned out to be a nifty little hurdler over the minimum trip, and will be finely tuned for his seasonal bow.
I was lucky enough to see him win on three occasions last season and he well deserves a crack at a race at Prestbury Park.
1.50pm – 3m2½f Turners Handicap Chase (Class 1) (4yo+)
On a chase mark of 162, L’HOMME PRESSE towers above his rivals here in terms of class and is a strong bet for win purposes.
Venetia Williams’ ten-year-old may have been off some 300 days, be she’s rather astute at getting her horses ready and her stable is in top form at present.
I’m expecting Charlie Deutsch to lead them all a merry dance from start to finish.
2.25pm – 2m4½f Veterans’ Handicap Chase (Class 2) (9yo+ 0-150)
Even though the handicapper has nudged ELDORADO ALLEN back up again in the weights, he is full of himself at home and the Tizzard’s are looking forward to running him again in this veteran’s affair.
He won with some conviction here at the November meeting and looks sure to put in another bold show.
3.00pm – 3m5½f Cross Country Handicap Chase (Class 2) (5yo+)
One horse I will not be touching with a bargepole here is Iceo Madrik – his UK form is absolutely atrocious and he is far too short a price in my opinion.
Back to who I do like, and MISTER COFFEY is really interesting back in this discipline. He was second to Stumptown in this race last year, and that form has been endorsed one hundred fold since. At odds of 13/2, he’s of significant each-way interest in our horse racing betting.
3.35pm – 3m Handicap Hurdle (Class 2) (4yo+)
The Mel Rowley-trained KYNTARA ran a lovely race at Aintree last month and will strip fitter for the effort that day.
Rowley has saddled a few winners of late and her nine-year-old can figure prominently here.
*Odds subject to change – prices accurate at the time of writing*
