The Cheltenham Festival is one of the biggest meets in UK racing and one that lots of people love to bet on. This also means it is an event for which many punters are looking for tips to back or advice on the best horses to keep tabs on. With four days of top-class racing action to get involved with each March at Cheltenham, this is easy to understand.
If you are getting ready for 2024’s Cheltenham Festival and looking for the best horses to watch, the good news is that there are a few standout performers to track. While there are never any guarantees with any betting tips, the horses listed below have a real chance of doing well.
But who are the Cheltenham Festival 2024 ones to watch and what can a brief breakdown of their chances tell us?
The Mares’ Chase – Brides Hill
There is no doubt that Gavin Cromwell is having an awesome season so far and it is easy to see him tasting more success with Brides Hill in the 2024 Mares’ Chase at Cheltenham. This horse looks to be getting stronger with each outing and arrives at the festival on a four-timer. Things seem to have really clicked with her over fences and she looks to be a very good jumper. This bodes well for her Cheltenham chances and leaves her as the one to watch.
Although much could depend on the ground suiting her on the day, the ease with which she dismissed her rivals at Huntingdon shows her class. The Willie Mullins-trained Dinoblue might be favourite with most people for this contest but Brides Hill could sweep around the course to cause an upset. With the Mullins-trained horse beaten on both festival starts previously, she could be more vulnerable to Brides Hill than expected.
The Albert Bartlett – The Jukebox Man
Keeping an eye on the ones to watch at 2024’s Cheltenham Festival means tracking Ben Pauling’s The Jukebox Man. He looks a really smart six-year-old and has a real chance in this test of stamina. 2024’s Albert Bartlett also looks wide open and this means Pauling’s horse has every chance of coming home first.
His record so far makes for pleasing reading, with wins over two of his three starts in hurdles to date. Although a Grade 1 loss in the Challow Hurdle at Newbury in December was less than ideal, it did give him valuable experience to bring to Cheltenham at the top level.
That defeat at Newbury also gave the impression he prefers longer distances and the chance to show his staying power. The 3m slog around Cheltenham should deliver just this and give him a golden opportunity to shine. With his yard also in great form this season generally, The Jukebox Man could be a great tip to follow.
The Gold Cup – Gerri Colombe
Although there are lots of top races to bet on at the Cheltenham Festival each year, most of the attention goes to the Gold Cup. This Grade 1 contest happens on the final day of the festival and provides plenty of thrills each time it is run.
Gerri Colombe is set to take part in 2024’s Gold Cup and looks to be the one to watch as an each-way pick for savvy bettors. Although this horse has the talent to be victorious, she is up against stiff competition in the form of defending champion Galopin Des Champs. You could easily see Gerri Colombe placing, though, so an each-way flutter could be the smart move.
Gordon Elliott’s charge might also be available at great value odds, as he comes into the race a little under the radar after being beaten by Galopin Des Champs over the Christmas period. There is no doubt that the longer distance should suit him here, though, and that the stiffness of the course should also be in his favour. With some life in the ground, you can see Gerri Colombe using his excellent stamina to hang on for the win.
Which sportsbooks are best for Cheltenham 2024 betting?
Just as there are some awesome horse racing tipsters to follow, there are some amazing sportsbooks in the UK to bet on Cheltenham races with. Sky Bet is a top name to consider and has some of the best value odds around to grab.
bet365 is another great choice and is a secure, regulated sportsbook that runs a range of promotions for big events like Cheltenham. Betfair is also a well-known brand for horse race bettors in the UK, with an easy-to-use website and great customer support, and combines lots of Cheltenham markets to wager on.
Top picks to keep an eye on at Cheltenham 2024
Horse racing is a sport that is synonymous with betting and tips. This is especially true when huge events such as the Cheltenham Festival come around each year. If you are looking to get involved with Cheltenham betting and need the best horses to keep tabs on, those listed here are worthy of your attention.
