Cheltenham 2025: Two weeks to go – and some market movers

Just two weeks to go, dear reader. Tuesday, March 11 is firmly in our sights - so time for a quick bulletin ahead of the National Hunt Festival at Cheltenham.

The weights for the handicaps have been revealed, and I chatted to the racing desk about how things are looking in general.   

The Changing Man, Ultima, Tuesday (6/1 from 8/1)

Eight-year-old Walk In The Park gelding The Changing Man is housed with Joe Tizzard in Dorset, and if anyone knows a thing or three about snaffling big steeplechase prizes it's the Tizzard family. Father Colin was a master, and jockey-turned trainer Joe is most definitely a chip off the old block.

Their big Ultima (3m 1f) hope for the opening Tuesday has been allocated a mark of 140, and with Gordon Elliott's Conflated heading the handicap on 157 (12st) that equates to a very agreeable racing weight of 10st 11lb.

The Changing Man took the G2 Reynoldstown at Ascot last time off 138, after sterling placed efforts in the G3 Great Yorkshire Cup, and another very solid, valuable G3 Ascot heat.

The market has spoken in his favour and this consistent type is in to 6/1 favourite with Betfred, from 8s. Don't forget - we're non-runner no bet.

Kopeck De Mee, Martin Pipe, Friday (4/1 from 5/1)

Ah - the horse variously described as among other things a traders' nightmare! This five-year-old French-bred Masterstroke gelding has joined Willie Mullins after JP McManus purchased him apparently some time ago.

He's in the Coral Cup, the County Hurdle and the Martin Pipe, and it's for the latter contest on the Friday that we've seen continuing support. He's been given a mark of 136, and as number 22 presently in a maximum field of 24 he looks nailed on for the run.

You can see the dilemma - 24 carat connections, already a Listed winner in France, multiple options, no UK form to consider - help! Fascinating to see the direction of travel for this story as the days unfold.

I asked my source on the bridge who was our worst liability for the whole week right now, and unerringly he replied 'Constitution Hill.' The eight-year-old powerhouse took in a racecourse gallop with a couple of stablemates at Kempton on Tuesday and was by all accounts imperious.

We laid a fair bit of 9/2 for the Champion Hurdle at one point in the campaign when there was so much conjecture about his health/fitness, and the whole Sir Gino narrative surrounding which target would be his (now sadly unable to take in the Arkle through injury).

This generational talent, in to 4/7 now, has one hurdling crown, and it will be no surprise whatsoever should he collect another for jockey Nico de Boinville, owner Michael Buckley and trainer Nicky Henderson on the 11th.

In case anyone has forgotten, he's ten-from-ten over timber, and rated 175. One of the greats of our sport, no question - up there with Night Nurse and the very best we've ever seen.

*You can check out all of Betfred's Cheltenham Betting Odds over on our main hub page on betfred.com

Find more Cheltenham Tips here at Betfred Insights.