Looking for a bit of extra value from your bet? Well here’s a quick canter through the best each-way Cheltenham Festival tips for all of day one’s seven races.
CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL DAY 1
Race 1 – Il Etait Temps IL ETAIT TEMPS – To Win 9/2 (15:30)
A truly competitive opener for the 2023 Festival with a number of the field holding strong claims. The highly-touted FACILE VEGA blotted his copybook last time so can be left at current odds while his conqueror that day and stablemate IL ETAIT TEMPS looks rock-solid each-way value, based on that impressive Leopardstown success. TAHUMRAS is best of the home brigade and he should give a good account of himself and backers of Paul Nicholls’ runners.
Race 2 – EL FABIOLO – To Win 5/4
EL FABIOLO and JONBON renew their rivalry following last year’s battle over Aintree’s hurdles and it is the former, runner-up that day, that catches the eye here. His triumph in the Irish Arkle is the stand-out form in this race and he is strongly fancied to see off Nicky Henderson’s charge. We’ll put him in an each-way double with Brandy Love (Race 5).
Race 3 – NASSALAM – To Win 17/2
The shortlist ended up focusing on CORACH RAMBLER and NASSALAM, with preference for the latter. The ease in ground conditions will definitely suit the George Moore inmate, as will the step up in trip from recent outings. Corach Rambler is the likely favourite and is no back number, he can give supporters a real spin for their money. Of the rest, MONBEG GENIUS and HAPPYGOLUCKY merit respect.
Race 4 – I LIKE TO MOVE IT – To Win 25/1 (17:30)
CONSTITUTION HILL’s reputation is so formidable that challengers are ducking him, even before he’s ever been crowned champion. However, he won’t have it all his own way with the likes of STATE MAN opposing and this truly is judgement day. While his current odds are hardly enticing for that reason, he is nevertheless the most likely winner. I LIKE TO MOVE IT is the one to consider for exactas, swingers and places.
Race 5 – BRANDY LOVE – To Win 15/2 (18:10)
BRANDY LOVE is an appealing proposition to spoil the HONEYSUCKLE farewell party. It would be hard to begrudge Henry de Bromhead’s mare the perfect goodbye but cold, hard facts suggest that the selection is the betting angle in this race, especially at a price that rewards if she is placed. While MARIE’S ROCK is the most feared of the opposition, softer ground is a serious bonus for the pick and she can step up on her return outing.
Race 6 – BYKER – To Win 6/1 (18:50)
It is no secret that the recent Naas race which featured a number of these has supplied three of the last four winners of this prize. Of those, BYKER and METAMORPHEUS make most appeal. Expect both to improve this time around and it’s Charles Byrne’s Byker that just gets the nod. His shrewd handler has surely got this fellow on a handicap mark that can be exploited.
Race 7 – MINELLA CROONER – To Win 7/1 (19:30)
GAILLARD DU MESNIL’s chance is obvious, especially as he represents the Willie-Patrick Mullins combination, who clearly target this race every year. However, odds around even money don’t excite too much and instead, we will turn to the Gordon Elliott team and MINELLA CROONER. Stamina is his strong point and he is a very decent each-way bet.
