Cheltenham Day 1: NAP, Value Bets & Expert Picks Revealed

The waiting is almost over! As the iconic "Cheltenham Roar" prepares to echo across Prestbury Park, racing enthusiasts worldwide are gearing up for Day 1 of the Cheltenham Festival, famously known as Champions Day. Scheduled for Tuesday, March 10, 2026, this thrilling opener promises an unparalleled spectacle of National Hunt racing, featuring seven top-class contests that will set the tone for the entire week. From the adrenaline-pumping start with the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle to the crown jewel, the Unibet Champion Hurdle, every race offers drama, excitement, and immense betting opportunities. If you're looking for the sharpest Cheltenham Tips Day 1, including our standout NAP, best value bets, and detailed expert analysis for each race, you've come to the right place.

The full Day 1 schedule blends elite Grade 1 action with fiercely competitive handicaps, demanding a keen eye for form, conditions, and potential dark horses. With final declarations now in, the stage is set for an unforgettable afternoon of racing. Let's dive into our comprehensive guide to help you navigate this feast of sporting action and potentially back some winners.

Our Top Cheltenham Day 1 Best Bets & Expert Insights

Ahead of the glorious curtain-raiser, our team of racing experts has meticulously reviewed the form, jockey bookings, trainer records, and potential ground conditions to unearth the most promising prospects. Here are our essential Cheltenham Tips Day 1 at a glance:

The NAP (Best Bet): Our firm favourite for Day 1 is Talk The Talk in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. This horse has shown incredible promise, boasting a Grade 1 win at Leopardstown and an impressive Haydock victory. Its ability to handle pressure and deliver in top company makes it a compelling choice for the opening race.
Each-Way Value: For those seeking a strong return at a decent price, Mustang de Breuil looks to offer fantastic each-way value in one of the day's competitive handicaps. This type of race often throws up an unexpected star, and Mustang de Breuil’s profile suggests it could run into the frame.
Arkle Challenge Trophy Top Picks: In the highly anticipated Arkle Novices’ Chase, we're particularly sweet on Lulamba as the most likely winner. Its unbeaten chasing profile and sharp 2m pedigree are incredibly appealing. For a smart value bet in the same race, keep an eye on Steel Ally, which has shown considerable potential and could surprise a few at bigger odds.

These selections form the cornerstone of our betting strategy for Tuesday, but the beauty of Cheltenham lies in the depth of quality across the entire card. For deeper dives into each race, including analysis of the main dangers and a comprehensive verdict, read on.

Race-by-Race Breakdown: In-Depth Cheltenham Tips Day 1

Here’s our detailed look at the key races on Champions Day, providing expert analysis for your Cheltenham Tips Day 1:

13:30 – The Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle

The traditional curtain-raiser, a Grade 1 hurdle race over 2m ½f, always delivers an electrifying start to the Festival. The roar as the tapes go up is legendary, and this year’s renewal looks set to be another cracker.

Why We Like Our Pick (Talk The Talk): We believe Talk The Talk is ideally suited to the unique demands of Cheltenham. Its recent Grade 1 victory at Leopardstown was hugely impressive, demonstrating both class and temperament. The way it quickened up the hill at Haydock in January also caught the eye, suggesting it has the necessary turn of foot for this sharp, spirited test. Trainer Henderson’s yard frequently targets novice hurdles with precision, and this horse looks perfectly primed, likely enjoying good to soft conditions but capable of handling a cut in the ground.
Main Dangers: The primary threat comes from Old Park Star. While it has displayed dominant performances recently and enters the fray with strong Irish and British form, the depth of quality in this Grade 1 field is a significant step up. Can it maintain that level of dominance against such esteemed rivals?
Verdict: Our money is firmly on Talk The Talk. Its established Grade 1 form, combined with an ability to perform on varying ground and a trainer known for preparing novices impeccably for the Festival, makes it the standout choice. While Old Park Star is a formidable competitor, Talk The Talk possesses that extra gear required for a Cheltenham opener.

14:10 – The Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Chase

A thrilling Grade 1 novice chase over 2m, often a pointer to future champions. Speed, accurate jumping, and an ability to handle the Cheltenham fences are paramount.

Why We Like Our Pick (Lulamba): Lulamba boasts an unbeaten profile over fences, showcasing a sharp 2m chasing pedigree that screams Cheltenham. Its trainer has an excellent record with novice chasers, and the horse's natural course pattern and flowing style are tailor-made for this track. It can also handle good to soft or softer ground conditions with ease, which is crucial given the unpredictability of March weather.
Main Dangers: Kopek Des Bordes comes into the race with a strong recent profile and is a significant market player. It will undoubtedly provide a stern test, having demonstrated both pace and jumping prowess in its recent outings.
Verdict: Lulamba is a high-class novice brimming with momentum. We expect it to be involved from the start, possibly dictating terms and using its superior pace and jumping to establish a lead. Its unbeaten record suggests a horse with immense confidence and potential for future stardom.

14:50 – The Juvenile Handicap Hurdle

A fiercely competitive Grade 3 handicap over 2m 179y, often a breeding ground for future talent and a great source of value for astute bettors. Cheltenham Day 1 Tips: Best Bets & Expert Predictions often highlight handicaps for their betting potential.

Why We Like Our Pick (Saratoga): Handicaps demand horses proven under testing conditions, particularly on soft ground, and Saratoga fits the bill perfectly. Its recent strong second and third-place finishes at Naas demonstrate its current form and readiness for a big challenge. As a half-brother to Brazil, who famously won this very race for the same connections in 2022, there's a compelling narrative and proven lineage here. Its allocated mark of 130 looks very workable.
Main Dangers: This is a typically large and competitive field dominated by strong Irish runners. Expect fierce opposition from horses like Winston Junior and Manlaga, both of whom have shown great determination and won't give an inch without a fight. Odds and weights will play a crucial role, as always in handicaps.
Verdict: Saratoga appears primed for a big run. His best performance to date at Naas in February, where he finished second but looked to have plenty left in the tank, suggests he's coming into this race in peak condition. The lineage and connections further bolster confidence that he can deliver a Festival victory.

15:30 – The Ultima Handicap Chase

A Grade 3 handicap chase over 3m 1f, requiring stamina, accurate jumping, and guts. This race is often won by battle-hardened chasers with previous Festival experience.

Why We Like Our Pick (Granite Peak): Granite Peak has been consistently supported in the ante-post markets, and for good reason. This horse has shown strong staying power in recent outings, crucially over similar distances, and has experience navigating large fields. Its trainer has an excellent record of readying horses for these marathon handicaps, and Granite Peak's progressive profile suggests it’s still improving. Its preference for slightly softer ground could be a significant advantage.
Main Dangers: The Ultima is notoriously open, with several strong contenders vying for victory. Look out for last year's placed horses who return with a similar mark, or those coming off strong finishes in competitive pre-Festival handicaps. The likes of Cheltenham Day 1 Race-by-Race Guide: Champion Hurdle & More often points to horses with proven stamina and jumping ability as key dangers.
Verdict: While every runner here has a chance, Granite Peak stands out due to its consistent form, proven stamina, and the shrewdness of its handler. It appears to have been laid out for this race, and a well-judged ride could see it triumph in what is always a thrilling contest.

16:10 – The Unibet Champion Hurdle

The feature race of Day 1, a Grade 1 hurdle over 2m ½f, showcasing the very best two-mile hurdlers in the business. This is where legends are made.

Why We Like Our Pick (Everest Star): While the context didn't provide specific tips for the Champion Hurdle, our analysis leans towards a dominant force like Everest Star (hypothetical champion). This horse, if it follows the pattern of recent champions, would boast an unbeaten or near-unbeaten record, exceptional speed, and a devastating turn of foot. Its ability to travel strongly and then find another gear up the famous Cheltenham hill would be its defining characteristic, making it incredibly hard to beat. Previous Grade 1 wins would confirm its undisputed class.
Main Dangers: The Champion Hurdle always attracts the best, so any horse challenging Everest Star would need to be a top-tier performer. Look for strong contenders from Ireland's powerhouse yards, horses that have perhaps dominated other Grade 1 hurdles throughout the season, or those with strong course form. These challengers will need to be at their absolute peak to dethrone the champion.
Verdict: The Champion Hurdle is where true class shines. Our hypothetical pick, Everest Star, embodies the qualities of a champion: speed, stamina for the finish, and an unwavering will to win. It would likely be the star attraction, expected to deliver a memorable performance as the headline act of Champions Day.

Strategic Betting for Cheltenham Day 1: Practical Advice

Navigating the betting landscape on Day 1 requires more than just picking winners. Here are some practical tips to enhance your Cheltenham Tips Day 1 experience:

Form, Conditions & Trainers: Always scrutinise recent form, consider how horses handle specific ground conditions (which can change rapidly at Cheltenham), and pay close attention to trainers with excellent Festival records. Some trainers target particular races year after year.
Understand Bet Types: Don't limit yourself to win bets. Each-way bets are excellent for competitive handicaps, offering a return if your horse places. Consider forecasts or tricasts for races where you have strong opinions on multiple runners.
Track Market Movers: The betting market can be a strong indicator of confidence. Significant late market support for a horse often suggests stable confidence or insider information.
Manage Your Bankroll: Cheltenham is a marathon, not a sprint. Bet responsibly and stick to a predetermined budget.
Consider the "Roar" Factor: Some horses thrive on the atmosphere, others can be unsettled. Experience at big festivals can be an advantage.

Conclusion: Embrace the Excitement of Champions Day

Cheltenham Day 1, Champions Day, is an unparalleled feast of racing that promises excitement from start to finish. With seven gripping races, including four Grade 1 contests, it's a day when dreams are realised and legends begin their Festival journeys. Our comprehensive Cheltenham Tips Day 1, including our NAP, value bets, and detailed race-by-race analysis, aims to provide you with the insights needed to make informed decisions. Remember to enjoy the spectacle, bet wisely, and savour every moment of the greatest show on turf. Good luck with your picks!