Jack Richards Novices’ Handicap Chase Tips: Will it be a Stroll for Nicholls?

The Jack Richards Novices' Handicap Chase is the second race on Thursday (14:00 GMT) at the Cheltenham Festival. This contest covers 2m4f and a stacked field of 20 runners have been declared for this one. 

Caldwell Potter was last year's champion at 7/1 for Paul Nicholls' yard, who have now won two of the previous three renewals. Read on for my Jack Richards Novices' Handicap Chase Tips.

Our in-house Horse Racing tipster Owen McMahon has gone through the card for Thursday's Races and made a selection for every race. Read who he's backing and why with our Cheltenham Day 3 Tips. 

Added to that, former jockey Katie Walsh runs through her Cheltenham Thursday Tips for Betfred.

Jack Richards Novices' Handicap Chase Odds

Regent's Stroll @ 5/1

Having won two of the past three editions, Nicholls' entry this year was always going to be well-backed by punters. REGENT'S STROLL is looking to follow in the footsteps of stablemates Stage Star and Caldwell Potter in landing this prize for the Somerset-based yard.

Harry Cobden was on board for both triumphs and he resumes his position on Thursday. He was also in the saddle for an impressive second on Regent's Stroll's maiden appearance at this track over C&D in January.

Caldwell Potter underwent a similar route before his 2025 success so perhaps this is a good omen for Regent's Stroll. The seven-year-old gelding has proven himself adept over fences with a 312 record to date, so he returns to GL50 in good shape and with strong credentials.

Each-way - Wingmen @ 12/1

Gordon Elliott was left disappointed in this race 12 months ago as the favourite, Firefox, did not live up to expectations with a sixth-place finish. The Irish trainer will hope that his best shot in 2026, WINGMEN, can succeed where his stablemate failed.

One thing working in this eight-year-old's favour is that he is versatile when it comes to ground conditions. Given the unpredictable weather in this part of Gloucestershire during Festivals gone by, this can go a long way.

The son of Kayf Tara returns to Cheltenham with a point to prove after a dull 10th-place finish in last year's Albert Bartlett. He has been competitive since going chasing in November, with a 232 record across his past three outings.

With Betfred offering five places on this race, at 12/1 I believe Wingmen offers value each-way.

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Extra Place Race - Paying five places instead of four at 1/5 odds

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