Cheltenham Day 1 Race-by-Race Offer & Free Bet Strategy

Money Back as CASH if your horse loses in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle

Architect Tips Selection: STRONG LEADER (50/1)

Sky Bet are offering a Money Back offer in the first race so there’s value in chancing an outsider. Trainer Olly Murphy has had two runners in the Supreme in the past who, coincidentally, both made the frame. 

With this in mind, I would recommend backing STRONG LEADER, who’s three-from-three over hurdles and has showcased a nice turn of foot in his two recent wins. 

He steps up significantly in grade from his previous victories but ran well on his sole visit to Cheltenham in a bumper when second and has a lot more to come. 

He jumps and travels really well and, with a strong pace sure to be on offer, he could reward each-way players at double-figure digits. The soft ground is an unknown but he is overpriced and cannot be taken lightly. 

William Hill Mobile Offer: Bet £10 Get £40 in Free Bets

Architect Tips Selection: SAINT ROI (17/2)

With nine runners set to stand their ground, I cannot help but feel SAINT ROI, who I advised ante-post at 16/1 for this race a while back, has an excellent each-way chance, and a good use of those free bets from this William Hill mobile offer. He was fourth in last season’s Champion Hurdle and he won the County Hurdle at the Festival back in 2020 as well. 

He can be forgiven for his uncharacteristic unseat of his rider when last spotted in the Irish version and besides the front pair in the market, he is the only other Grade 1 winner in this sphere. That will count for plenty, plus he is the sole horse in the field to have been to the Festival and worn the T-shirt. He must have a solid place chance at generous odds. 

Sky Bet Eight Places for the Ultima Handicap Chase

Compare odds and extra places on the Ultima here.

Architect Tips Selection: THE BIG BREAKAWAY (16/1)

An ultra-competitive renewal of the Ultima with a host in with chances but with Sky Bet paying eight places, this is a great chance to back something each-way at large odds in the hope of getting a return. The horse who fits all the criteria needed is Welsh Grand National second, THE BIG BREAKAWAY, who will relish the anticipated soft ground.

He brings a touch of class to the race, which is the sort of horse required in these types of races and his jumping has recognisably improved this season. Any further rain would be in his favour and the last time he competed at the Festival, he was third behind Monkfish in the Grade 1 Brown Advisory Novices' Chase, which is high-class form. 

William Hill EPIC Odds Boost: Constitution Hill to win EVS was 1/3

William Hill customers can back Constitution Hill at EVS (Max Stake and T&Cs Apply). This is a great offer for a horse who has been regarded by most as the banker of the week. Undefeated after five starts, including four consecutive wins at the highest level, he has looked a potential superstar so far in his career. 

His biggest dangers are Willie Mullins duo State Man and Vauban but Nicky Henderson’s charge is a general 1/3 favourite with most bookmakers, so the boost offer is worth snapping up. He dominated last season’s Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and he has proven form on softer conditions and it is hard to knock a horse who has so far looked unbeatable. 

Paddy Power Free Bet Every Day

Architect Tips Selection: LOVE ENVOI (9/1)

With Paddy Power's Free Bet on Tuesday, it's worth considering soft-ground lover LOVE ENVOI in the Mares' Hurdle who could be a solid each-way shout at the odds. 

She has only been defeated once in her career and has returned in great form this season. She has won both her starts on soft ground, and won at last year’s Cheltenham Festival. She travels strongly, and has lots going for her this week. With a lot of bookmakers offering 8/1 (best price 9/1) about her credentials, it is hard not seeing her in the first three. 

Unibet Paying Six Places for the Boodles

Compare odds and extra places on the Boodles here.

Architect Tips Selection: PERSEUS WAY (12/1)

Most bookmakers are offering five/six places for this competitive contest and the solid option, each-way, could be PERSEUS WAY. 

Gary Moore’s charge has taken very well to hurdles and the soft ground will be fine. He probably would have won the Grade 2 Adonis Hurdle but for a mistake at the last hurdle and his third behind Comfort Zone at Chepstow reads well. 

I like how hard he tries and a mark of 132 looks really lenient in the context of this race. He has the vital course form, courtesy of his hurdles debut second, and he has more to offer. From an each-way perspective, he should be thereabouts at the very least. 

New to bet365? Sign up and use your qualifying bet on the National Hunt Chase

Architect Tips Selection: GAILLARD DU MESNIL (EVENS)

The Willie Mullins-trained GAILLARD DU MESNIL might have only won once so far over fences but that did come in a Grade 1 and he has placed at the last two Cheltenham Festivals. He lost little in defeat behind Mighty Potter last time and his victory over Stattler over hurdles is a seriously strong piece of form. 

I cannot see any of the remainder achieving anything like that plus his third in the Irish Grand National last April was good considering he was only a novice heading into that race. He can handle any ground, brings the best form into the race and is the highest rated runner in the field. His trainer Willie Mullins and jockey Patrick Mullins have a good record in this as well. He rates a confident choice in the final race on Day 1.