Road to Cheltenham 2025 Preview: ‘He’s one of the best-handicapped horses’

Road to Cheltenham regulars Matt Hulmes and Joel Ross sat down with tipster Aidan O'Hara and trader Andrew Griffiths at Betfred HQ in Warrington to preview next week's Festival.

Featuring analysis of the championship races, best bets, Lucky 15s and more - our Road to Cheltenham 2025 Preview isn't to be missed.

What would be Betfred's worst result at the 2025 Cheltenham Festival? Constitution Hill in the Champion Hurdle "by a country mile", says Andrew.

Nicky Henderson's superstar hurdler was as big as 9/2 earlier in the season, and he's been backed all the way into 8/13 at time of publication.

The opening day feature is billed the highlight of the week after Gordon Elliott and Gigginstown Stud's decision to aim high with Brighterdaysahead following her emphatic Grade 1 victory at Leopardstown over Christmas.

Will Hendo's former champ drift on the day and go off odds-against, or will punters continue to put their faith in him? Interesting comments from all angles on this topic.

For the Champion Chase on the Wednesday, Matt says he finds it "hard to warm to" Jonbon. Interestingly, Andrew confirms Betfred punters have a similar feeling, with the nine-time Grade 1 winner generally being avoided in Cheltenham accas.

Joel shrewdly points out the horse is unbeaten under Nico de Boinville, saying he "can't be taken on". Not for Aidan, though, who suggests an alternative 33/1 shot. He's known for his big-priced winners, so no judgement from me (the CEO of the Jonbon fan club).

Speaking of horses I'm fond of, Stayers' Hurdle favourite Teahupoo received a cold reception and then some. "Lay of the Festival". "Most overrated horse in training". Bold opinions, it's fair to say.

On the other hand, there wasn't a rush to oppose Galopin Des Champs ahead of his Gold Cup hat-trick bid. Joel would back Fact To File against him should he turn up, though all indications are he's Ryanair-bound.

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The most bullish assessment came when the guys were discussing the other races, including the handicaps. One in the new novices' handicap chase was called "one of the best-handicapped horses" around, backed up by another member of the panel. Unmissable.

Betfred ambassador Frankie Foster, who is “sunning himself in Bahrain” in advance of the big week, dialled in from the Middle East to give his Nap and a few handicap hopefuls.

Matt, Joel, Andrew and Aidan also provided a Lucky 15 each, before giving their Naps and next bests. Plenty of big prices in there and solid reasoning.

In addition to all of the expert analysis, it was announced that Betfred are giving away £50 in Free Bets – valid for seven days after issue – to five Betfred customers. Simply write your Nap of the Cheltenham Festival in the comments section on YouTube before 12:00 on 10/03/2025 to be in with a chance of winning.

Betfred will have an offer on all 28 races of the Cheltenham Festival - be it Extra Place Races, 10% Winnings Boost, Free Bet if 2nd or Price Boosts. Best Odds Guaranteed will also apply from 08:00.

And of course, Fred's famous pushes will be outlined on Betfred TV every morning, from 10:30 in shops and 11:00 online.

*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