Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle Tips: Cheltenham is coming down with a Fever

Day 3 of the Cheltenham Festival takes place on Thursday and the seven-race card kicks off with the Mares' Novices' Hurdle (13:20 GMT). Henry de Bromhead's yard have won two of the past five renewals, including the 2025 edition with Air Of Entitlement.

Below I put forward my Mares' Novices' Hurdle 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.

Mares' Novices' Hurdle Odds

Bambino Fever @ 11/10

BAMBINO FEVER is back at Prestbury Park a year on from winning the Champion Bumper on her Festival debut. She made light work of bumpers last season, so there was plenty of excitement to see how she would adjust to hurdles.

She finished second on her hurdling debut at Naas in December before landing success at Fairyhouse in January. There was noted improvement in her jumping and this puts her in a strong position for Thursday.

Having already proven herself on this track, Bambino Fever will take some stopping. Trained by the legendary Willie Mullins, who saddled five consecutive winners in this race from its inception in 2016, it is no surprise to see her priced at 11/10.

Betfred are also offering a Price Boost of 7/4 on Bambino Fever to win by 3+ lengths.

Each-way - Echoing Silence @ 14/1

No trainer has won this race in consecutive years since 2020, but De Bromhead will be hoping that 2026 is the year he can accomplish this feat. Air Of Entitlement was able to hang on by a half-length for victory last March, something which the Knockeen stable likely paid close attention to.

ECHOING SILENCE is considered their best shot this time around. This six-year-old won a maiden hurdle comfortably (six lengths) at Cork in November before holding off Switch From Diesel in a Listed event at Punchestown on her most recent outing in December.

It's interesting to note that Switch From Diesel gave Thursday's favourite Bambino Fever some issues in two bumpers last term. This is something that Echoing Silence can use to her advantage. The daughter of Doyen is dropping back down in distance on Thursday, which is what stablemate Air Of Entitlement did before winning this race 12 months ago.

Darragh O'Keefe is booked for this ride, having steered Echoing Silence to glory on her last appearance.

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