Cheltenham 2026 horse racing betting tips - Tuesday, March 10th, 2026

The 2026 Cheltenham Festival kicks off on Tuesday – and Races Now's Harry Fowler is on hand to mark your card every day with his insight and betting tips.

Read on for Harry's thoughts on day one of the Festival action!

Harry Fowler's Cheltenham Best Bets - Tuesday, March 10th, 2026

The Cheltenham Festival has finally arrived. After months of build-up, countless previews and the usual “will they, won’t they?” debates, the talking stops and the racing begins. We’re set for four of the very best days of the National Hunt season and, on paper, it looks a vintage festival with competitive fields throughout the week.

1:20 – Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1)

We kick off with what looks one of the strongest renewals of the Supreme in recent years.

I must admit I’m a little surprised to see Talk The Talk declared here. The Turners on day two looked a far weaker option and I would have fancied him strongly there. Mighty Park is the current talking horse after a 38-length maiden success, but that form tells us very little as the race quickly turned into a non-contest.

The one I like is Old Park Star. He’s done everything right so far and already has course form, having won here in December with plenty in hand. I wasn’t convinced Haydock would suit him next time, given how much sharper the track is compared to Cheltenham, but he still dismantled a decent rival in Hurricane Pat.

He’s around 9/4 at the time of writing, but I wouldn’t be rushing to take that price. The field is deep and I suspect the hype around Mighty Park could see money come for him on the day.

Harry’s Selection – Old Park Star – 1pt win @ 5/2 (AK Bets)

2:00 – Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices' Chase (Grade 1)

One of the headline clashes of the opening day sees Kopek Des Bordes take on Lulamba.

I’m firmly in the Kopek Des Bordes camp. For me, he’s a natural two-miler and the type who can really attack this test. Lulamba is clearly a classy horse but there’s a strong feeling he’ll be even better over further.

Kopek Des Bordes looks a proper top-class operator. In fact, had connections stayed over hurdles, I suspect he’d have been a major Champion Hurdle contender.

Lulamba may well stay on strongly up the hill, but I think Kopek Des Bordes will have already done the damage.

Harry’s Selection – Kopek Des Bordes – 1pt win @ 13/8 (Betway)

2:40 – McCoy Contractors Juvenile Handicap Hurdle

Glen To Glen catches the eye. He was a useful performer on the Flat and showed his best form on quicker ground, including a strong fourth in a handicap at Royal Ascot.

All three of his hurdle runs have come on soft or heavy ground, so there’s a strong chance we haven’t seen the best of him yet. He also won last time out to secure his place in the race and comes from the yard of Joseph O’Brien, who has an excellent record in this contest.

Harry’s Selection – Glen To Glen – 0.5pt EW @ 7/1 (general)

3:20 – TrustATrader Ultima Handicap Chase

I’ll keep this simple: Jagwar looks the one.

The step up in trip should suit perfectly and there could be plenty more to come at this distance. He’s already proven around Cheltenham and was an easy winner of last year’s Plate.

With that course form in the book and conditions likely to suit, he makes plenty of appeal in a race where many arrive with questions to answer.

Harry’s Selection – Jagwar – 1pt win @ 7/2 (general)

4:00 – Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy (Grade 1)

While this might not be the strongest Champion Hurdle on paper, it still shapes up as a fascinating betting race.

I’ve already put forward my view on the Cheltenham Chat over on YouTube, where I tipped Brighterdaysahead at 7/1 following her impressive victory over Lossiemouth at the Dublin Racing Festival.

There are the usual Cheltenham concerns being raised. Her first Festival run came in a slowly run race that turned into a sprint, where Jack Kennedy arguably became too focused on Paul Townend and allowed Lorcan Williams on Golden Ace to steal a march.

Last year’s effort is easier to forgive. She was emptied at Leopardstown when bolting up by 30 lengths and arrived at Cheltenham having already had a hard race. She was effectively beaten before the race even developed.

Her subsequent defeat at Punchestown behind Jade De Grugy and Gala Marceau also didn’t look her running.

At her best, she has the raw ability to win a race like this.

Harry’s Selection – Brighterdaysahead – 1pt win @ 5/1 (general)

4:40 – Sun Racing Plate Handicap Chase

Another handicap that doesn’t look the deepest, and it could be one where the JP McManus colours come to the fore.

McLaurey has the profile of a classic Festival plot. His most recent run at Down Royal had the look of a prep rather than a full-blooded effort, suggesting this race has long been the target.

Looking through the field, there aren’t many that look potentially well treated, but McLaurey could easily have around 10lb in hand if everything falls right.

Harry’s Selection – McLaurey – 1pt win @ 5/1 (general)

5:20 – National Hunt Challenge Cup Novices' Handicap Chase

In the finale, Walking On Air makes plenty of appeal.

He looked set to win the 2025 Great Yorkshire Chase before falling at the last and interestingly returned to finish third in the same race this season when given a noticeably quiet ride.

That run had the feel of a prep, with this race likely the long-term target and I think he should go close in the lucky last.

Harry’s Selection – Walking On Air – 0.5pt EW - 18/1 (general)

Harry's Cheltenham Festival tips for Tuesday, March 10th, 2026

1.20pm - Old Park Star – 1pt win @ 5/2 (AK Bets)

2pm - Kopek Des Bordes – 1pt win @ 13/8 (Betway)

2:40pm – Glen To Glen – 0.5pt EW @ 7/1 (general)

3:20pm - Jagwar – 1pt win @ 7/2 (general)

4.00pm - Brighterdaysahead – 1pt win @ 5/1 (general)

4.40pm - McLaurey – 1pt win @ 5/1 (general)

5.20pm - Walking On Air – 0.5pt EW - 18/1 (general)

Total staked - 7pts

Prices correct as of 10:30am GMT on Tuesday, March 10th 2026.