The Cheltenham Festival is the crown jewel of National Hunt racing, a four-day spectacle that draws horse racing fans from around the globe. Held every March at Prestbury Park, it’s a thrilling mix of top-tier competition, roaring crowds, and—let’s be honest—a golden opportunity for punters to cash in. If you’re serious about getting ahead of the game, ante-post betting is where the magic happens. With the 2025 festival on the horizon (March 11-14), now’s the time to start planning. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Cheltenham Festival ante-post tips, from why it’s worth your while to the horses and races to watch.
Let’s dive in and set you up for a cracking week at Cheltenham!
Ante-post betting is placing a wager on a race well in advance—sometimes weeks, months, or even a year before the starting gun. Unlike betting on the day, where odds shorten as the field takes shape, ante-post markets offer longer prices early on. It’s a bit like buying a stock before it skyrockets; you’re banking on your insight (and a dash of luck) to lock in value.
For the Cheltenham Festival, ante-post betting is especially enticing. With 28 races across four days—including iconic showdowns like the Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle, and Queen Mother Champion Chase—the event is a punter’s playground. Betting early lets you snag odds that could shrink dramatically closer to race day, especially if a horse’s form strengthens or a big-name jockey commits.
But here’s the catch: ante-post bets come with risk. If your horse pulls out before the final declarations (usually 48 hours before the race), you’re out of pocket unless you’ve opted for non-runner no bet (NRNB) terms, which some bookmakers offer closer to the festival. It’s a calculated gamble—one that can pay off handsomely if you’ve done your homework.
As of March 1, 2025, we’re just 10 days away from the festival’s roar. Ante-post markets are still alive, though some have shifted to NRNB, reducing risk but also trimming the juiciest odds. Starting now—or even earlier next year—gives you a head start. Trainers are dropping hints, horses are running trials, and the rumor mill is churning. By studying form, injuries, and past festival performances, you can spot value before the masses pile in.
Take last year’s Gold Cup as an example. Galopin Des Champs was a solid ante-post pick months out, with odds hovering around 5/1. By race day, he was odds-on at 10/11 after a string of dominant runs. Early backers reaped the rewards. That’s the beauty of ante-post: it’s about foresight, not hindsight.
Before you throw your money down, let’s break down what to look for. Betting on Cheltenham isn’t just about picking a horse you like the name of—it’s about reading the tea leaves.
Form and Recent Runs
A horse’s recent performances are your bread and butter. Has it been winning over similar distances or ground conditions (soft, good, or heavy)? Cheltenham’s undulating track and stamina-sapping hill demand resilience, so look for horses thriving in tough conditions. Check trials like the Dublin Racing Festival or Kempton’s King George VI Chase for clues.
Trainer and Jockey Pedigree
Some trainers live for Cheltenham. Willie Mullins, Nicky Henderson, and Paul Nicholls are festival royalty, with a knack for peaking their horses in March. Jockeys matter too—think Rachael Blackmore or Paul Townend. A proven festival record can tip the scales.
Ground Conditions
Cheltenham’s weather can be a wild card. Ante-post bets lock you in early, so you’re guessing on ground conditions. Historically, March brings soft or good-to-soft going, but keep an eye on long-range forecasts as the festival nears.
Injury Risks
Horses are fragile athletes. A niggle in training can scupper your bet, so follow updates from stables and racing news. X posts from insiders often spill the beans before official announcements.
Festival History
Some horses are Cheltenham specialists. Look at past winners or those who’ve placed well on the track. The hill sorts the wheat from the chaff—horses that fade here rarely redeem themselves.
Now, let’s get to the good stuff: the races and horses worth your attention. These picks are based on current form, trainer intent, and early market vibes as of March 1, 2025. Odds will shift, so double-check with your bookmaker!
Day 1: Supreme Novices’ Hurdle
Tip: Pair this with an each-way bet—Mullins often runs multiple contenders, and the Supreme rewards place finishes.
Day 2: Queen Mother Champion Chase
Tip: If you’re betting early, skip NRNB—El Fabiolo’s a near-certainty to run barring disaster.
Day 3: Stayers’ Hurdle
Tip: Watch for Crambo (Fergal O’Brien) as a dark horse if the ground dries out.
Day 4: Cheltenham Gold Cup
Tip: Hedge with Fact To File at 6/1— Mullins could dominate the podium.
Bonus Pick: Triumph Hurdle (Day 4)
Picking winners is half the battle—betting smart is the other half. Here’s how to play the ante-post game like a pro:
Shop Around for Odds
Bookmakers like Bet365, Paddy Power, and William Hill often differ on ante-post prices. Use odds comparison sites to snag the best deal before the market tightens.
Go Each-Way
With big fields in races like the Supreme or handicaps (e.g., Ultima Handicap Chase), each-way bets offer insurance. A top-four finish often pays out, even if your horse doesn’t win.
Mix Favorites with Longshots
Backing bankers like Galopin Des Champs is safe, but sprinkle in a few 20/1 or 33/1 shots (e.g., a handicap contender) for a potential windfall.
Watch for NRNB Offers
As we edge closer to March 11, more bookies roll out non-runner no bet terms. If you’ve missed the early odds, this is your safety net.
Build an Accumulator
Fancy a big payday? Combine your ante-post picks into a four-fold or five-fold accumulator. A £10 stake on four 3/1 shots could net you over £500 if they all land.
Betting early is exhilarating, but it’s not foolproof. Steer clear of these traps:
Knowledge is power, and thankfully, there’s no shortage of resources:
I’d also recommend watching replays of last year’s festival races. Seeing how horses handle the track firsthand beats any stat sheet.
Last year, I got burned backing Shishkin in the Gold Cup at 8/1 ante-post. He dazzled in the King George, but a refusal to start at Newbury derailed his prep, and he skipped Cheltenham. Lesson learned: brilliance doesn’t guarantee reliability. This year, I’m doubling down on research and hedging my bets—Galopin Des Champs is my anchor, but I’ve got Fact To File in my back pocket too.
What about you? Got a horse you’re eyeing? Let’s chat about it—I’d love to hear your picks!
The Cheltenham Festival is more than a race meet—it’s a rollercoaster of drama, triumph, and (hopefully) profit. Ante-post betting lets you ride that wave early, locking in value while the crowd’s still guessing. Whether you’re backing a proven champ like Galopin Des Champs or rolling the dice on a rising star like Majborough, the key is preparation. Study the form, track the odds, and trust your gut.
As the famous Cheltenham roar approaches on March 11, 2025, one thing’s certain: the winners will be those who planned ahead. So, grab a cuppa, fire up your bookmaker app, and start plotting your ante-post masterplan. Who knows? This could be your year to toast a festival fortune.
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