Cheltenham 2019: Tips, runners, riders, favourites and best bets for Queen Mother Champion Chase & more

Jack Watson
Updated

All the attention at the Cheltenham Festival will rightly be on Altior in the Queen Mother Champion Chase as it looks to extend its unbeaten form.

The Nicky Henderson-trained favourite is searching for a consecutive win in Wednesday's feature race and there seems to be nobody capable of stopping him from extending his unbeaten run to 18. Min is it’s closest challenger and stands a better chance than it did after Willie Mullins had such a successful day one. There is a question over why he has been entered against Altior again, does somebody know something we don’t?

Elsewhere 2018 Grand National winner Tiger Roll is favourite to claim the Glenfarclas Chase on its return to Cheltenham. The RSA Chase may be the race of the day with a small but quality field with horses that will surely feature in next year’s Gold Cup. Henderson's Santini faces competition from Topofthegame and Delta Work, who could give Gordon Elliott his first win in this year's festival.

Tuesday was a great day for the bookies with just one favourite winning, suggesting the best value this week may not be with the horse that has the shortest odds.

LIVE BLOG: Latest updates from Ladies' Day

13:30 Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle

Champ is a serious contender, it’s named after AP McCoy for goodness sake. As well as its heritage, this horse’s form offers something interesting. Beating Getaway Trump is no easy feat and was one of two wins since a long break between December and May. There’s enough raw ability in this horse and it should enjoy the quick pace of this race.

Birchdale has good form at Cheltenham but might be suited to a shorter race. Jarveys Plate will make a good each-way bet and Bright Forescast is the one to look for if longer odds are your thing.

14:10 RSA Insurance Novices’ Chase

This race will be won by one of Delta Work, Topofthegame or Santini. Delta Work is a Gold Cup horse in the making and did well to beat Mortal at Leopardsdown last time out after recovering from an awkward jump.

Santini missed a preparation run due to the vaccination rules that followed the outbreak of equine flu in February. Nicky Henderson’s assistant, Tony Lawes, said there’s work that needs to be done if this is to be at it’s very best. The poor preparation makes it an unlikely winner.

Delta Work could hand Gordon Elliott his first winner at The Festival this year (Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
Delta Work could hand Gordon Elliott his first winner at The Festival this year (Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)

14:50 Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle

This is a race that will likely cut up and separate into smaller groups and is not short of class given nine of the last 10 winners have gone on to contest a Grade 1 or 2 race next.

Canardier is capable of better than it has been showing and stands a good chance, but Scarpeta is the unpolished one to look out for in this.

15:30 Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase

Altior. Next

Altior has won the last three Queen Mother Champion Chases (Getty)
Altior has won the last three Queen Mother Champion Chases (Getty)

16:10 Glenfarclas Chase

Tiger Roll is well-placed to add to its win in this race last year, and what a 12 months it has been since. After winning by two lengths at The Festival, the Gordon Elliott-trained runner carried its Chetlenham form to Aintree and won the Grand National. It won at Cheltenham in December then pulled off a shocking result to win at Navan at 25/1.

Tiger Roll’s closet challenger will be Josies Orders, a horse made for cross country races and has the experience behind it to do well. There might be some value in putting this to win without Tiger Roll.

Tiger Roll 2018 Grand National after Cheltenham success (Getty)
Tiger Roll 2018 Grand National after Cheltenham success (Getty)

16:50 Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle

Joseph Patrick O’Brien’s record with juveniles makes Band Of Outlaws an interesting one to follow in this race. It’s twice run over hurdles and proved itself to be a speedy runner capable of keeping up with any field, although that may be its downfall given Cheltenham is not famously a place for quick runners.

Lethal Steps is another one to consider. It has reverted back to jumps after flirting with flats so has the pace as long as it stays in the race.

17:30 Weatherbys Champion Bumper

This race comes with a strong Irish contingent and may well follow in the footsteps of Tuesday’s final race, where just four of 18 horses made it to the post.

Meticulous was unlucky to finish second to Envoi Allen last time out but may have found the extra gear needed to ensure this time it comes out on top.

All odds quoted are Betfair. The Betfair Exchange had the best odds on every winner at the Cheltenham Festival last year. Small Details. Big Results at Cheltenham with Betfair. BSP v ISP. Exchange win market only. BSP is a win only calculation. 5% commission deducted. Further charges may apply. T&Cs Apply.​

Please gamble responsibly.

If you are looking for help, advice or support in relation to your gambling, please go to: BeGambleAware.org or contact the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133.