Cheltenham 2026 ante post betting odds and tips – Get them while they’re hot

The Cheltenham Festival might still be some way off but for many punters the betting opportunities start long before March.

Ante-post markets for Cheltenham allow racing fans to take an early view, snapping up prices that are often far more generous than those available once the Festival picture sharpens. As the season unfolds, form lines develop, narratives emerge and opinions shift, making early Cheltenham betting a constantly evolving puzzle.

That early engagement is part of the appeal. While ante-post betting inevitably carries an element of risk, the potential upside is hard to ignore. Whether you’re siding with proven performers or identifying runners who could peak at exactly the right time, ante-post betting keeps the Cheltenham conversation alive for months and offers the chance to stay ahead of the market before the spotlight truly intensifies.

Quick Cheltenham ante post tips

Cheltenham singles:

• Saratoga (Juvenile Handicap Hurdle/ Fred Winter) – 5/1 with BoyleSports
• No Drama This End (Turners Novices Hurdle) – 4/1 with BetVictor
• A Pai De Nom (Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle) – 12/1 with bet365

Cheltenham five-fold acca:

• Lulamba (Arkle)
• Majborough (Champion Chase)
• Lossiemouth (Mares Hurdle)
• Gaelic Warrior (Ryanair Chase)
• Narciso Has (Triumph Hurdle)

Bet on the Cheltenham 5-fold acca at 90/1 with BetVictor

Cheltenham Lucky 15:

• Old Park Star (Supreme Novices Hurdle)
• Bambino Fever (Mares’ Novices Hurdle)
• Honesty Policy (Stayers’ Hurdle)
• Doctor Steinberg (Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle)

Bet on the Cheltenham Lucky 15 that pays 120/1 for the 4-fold with Paddy Power

My singles Cheltenham tips for ante post bets

I like to head into Cheltenham with a few single ante-post bets, especially in the handicaps. The markets can move quickly in the build-up to the Festival, so getting involved early can be a smart way to secure value before the week gets underway.

Saratoga to win the Juvenile Handicap Hurdle/ Fred Winter

I thought SARATOGA was hugely eye-catching in defeat at Naas. He looked to be coming to win the race before getting edged out by Highland Crystal. The latter is a smart filly who remains unbeaten over hurdles and to me it looked like they were happy to finish second.

He was a smart type on the Flat and he could get a decent mark and head to the Fred Winter. If he does he will be a lot shorter than 5/1 on the day so I think there is good value in that price off the back of that eye-catching performance.

• Age: 4
• Weight: Unknown
• Form: 332

Tip SARATOGA to win the Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle – 5/1 with BoyleSports

No Drama This End to win the Turners Novices Hurdle

It is good to see Paul Nicholls with another smart one NO DRAMA THIS END is yet to taste defeat over hurdles making it a perfect 3-3 at Newbury in the Challow when last seen. He looks to have everything you want to see in a racehorse and he could prove hard to beat in the Turners this year. This is another case of the price likely to contract before the day so 9/2 worth taking now. He could be a horse we are talking about not just at this year’s Festival but for years to come.

• Age: 6
• Weight: Unknown
• Form: 19-111

Bet on NO DRAMA THIS END to win the Turners Novices Hurdle – 4/1 with BetVictor

A Pai De Nom to win the Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle

I know the Martin Pipe is a hard race to win but A PAI DE NOM has an attractive profile and given he remains completely unexposed over 2 and a half miles and up he could be well ahead of his mark.

He came there still on the bridle to win at Newbury last time and if they go hard I can see this test suiting as he will just tuck in before looking to reel them in up the hill. He has won at the track before too and at around 12/1 looks worth backing now as I can only see him getting shorter once declared.

• Age: 6
• Weight: Unknown
• Form: 25-121131

A PAI DE NOM to win the Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle – 12/1 with bet365

My Cheltenham Festival ante post acca tips for 2026

Alongside my individual ante-post selections, I’ve also put together a Cheltenham Festival ante-post accumulator for the week. An acca combines multiple selections into one bet, with all runners needing to win for the bet to land but the trade-off is the potential for a significantly bigger payout. It’s a popular approach in the build-up to Cheltenham particularly when punters have strong convictions at bigger early prices.

The appeal of an ante-post acca lies in maximising value. Locking in prices before markets fully form allows bettors to capitalise on runners who may shorten dramatically closer to the Festival. While it carries an obvious level of risk, a well-structured acca built around solid Festival contenders can deliver standout returns, making it an exciting option for those looking to take a confident early stance on Cheltenham.

• Lulamba (Arkle)
• Majborough (Champion Chase)
• Lossiemouth (Mares Hurdle)
• Gaelic Warrior (Ryanair Chase)
• Narciso Has (Triumph Hurdle)

Bet on the Cheltenham 5-fold acca at 90/1 with BetVictor

Lulamba to win the Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Chase

I’ll be surprised if the top of the market don’t battle out the Arkle this year and I’m confident LULAMBA is the one to beat. I know the age trend is against him but other than that he is extremely difficult to pick holes in. He has got better with every start and really impressed winning by a wide margin at Sandown. He handles tough conditions to make it 3-3 over fences at Newbury and arrives here fit and open to further improvement so looks one of the Festival ‘bankers’ for me.

Kopek Des Bordes is extremely talented too but he missed his intended engagement at the Dublin Racing Festival and a lack of a run does worry me here. He can be fresh and keen and up against a horse that will be fit and is improving he might be up against it. Of the rest Steel Ally could be an each way player as he is also unbeaten over fences and impressed again winning the Kingmaker when last seen.

• Age: 5
• Weight: 11-7
• Form: 1-121-111

Majborough to win the Queen Mother Champion Chase

I still can’t believe MAJBOROUGH got beat at the Cheltenham Festival last year. A couple of bad errors at the business end cost him success in the Arkle but he has seemingly come a long way since. He hacked up at Punchestown on final outing and despite getting beat on his first two starts this season was an emphatic winner at the Dublin Racing Festival last month. He had Marine Nationale 19 lengths back in second and was miles too good. If his jumping holds up I expect him to demolish these rivals.

Marine Nationale obviously won the race impressively last year and the likely better ground will suit him but he still looks up against it given the potential of the favourite. L’eau Du Sud was behind the selection in the Arkle 12 months ago and didn’t find much off the bridle in the Tingle Creek when last seen so looks up against it even if back to his best.

• Age: 6
• Weight: 11-10
• Form: 1-31-1131-231

Lossiemouth to win the Mares’ Hurdle

It was a shame to see LOSSIEMOUTH beat at the Dublin Racing Festival but she just didn’t have the gears over two miles and I think off the back of that they will come to the Mares’

Hurdle again instead of the Champion Hurdle. She certainly wasn’t disgraced last time as the winner Brighterdaysahead has always been highly regarded and Gordon Elliott seems to have her back to her best. She will go to the Champion Hurdle to mix it with the big boys and this race looks the right option for her again as she bids to defend her crown.

Gordon Elliott will saddle Wodhooh for this and she looks the danger but has ground to make up with the selection off the back of that run at Aintree last year. She has won both starts this season though and impressed at Leopardstown after Christmas so arrives in rude health again.

• Age: 7
• Weight: 11-5
• Form: 1-11211-111-12F11-112

Gaelic Warrior to win the Ryanair Chase

Obviously Fact To File was an emphatic winner of this 12 months ago but after hacking up in the Irish Gold Cup I’m confident they will head to the big one with him next month so that leaves the door open for GAELIC WARRIOR here. He was a good second to that rival last time but seems more ideally suited by 2 and a half miles and it gives Willie Mullins the chance to win both races as well as Rich Ricci another Cheltenham winner. He is 9/4 in the betting but some firms have him as short as 6/4 so when he gets confirmed the odds will be slashed.

Dangers really do look thin on the ground as Jonbon never gives his best at Cheltenham and then Heart Wood doesn’t look to have the class to spring an upset. Banbridge isn’t getting any younger and Impaire Et Passe hasn’t been seen since last year so the layoff is concerning.

• Age: 8
• Weight: 11-10
• Form: 633-2-11121-11U12-2311-132

Narciso Has to win the Triumph Hurdle

The way NARCISO HAS went up through the gears to win at the Dublin Racing Festival was mightily impressive. I don’t think Mark Walsh went for everything and he still went and won by nearly 5 lengths at the line. He readily reversed form with Mange Tout and looks a cut above that rival now. He is open to further improvement given this is just his fifth start over hurdles and he is difficult to get away from.

Selma De Vary shaped with serious promise chasing home the selection last time and if coming forward again should be the one that gives him most to think about again. Proactif is the dark horse in the race as he is evidently well regarded but we haven’t seen him since he beat Macho Man at Fairyhouse and it is unclear as to whether JP McManus will send both of them here.

• Age: 4
• Weight: 11-2
• Form: 1-211

Bet on the Cheltenham 5-fold acca at 90/1 with BetVictor

My Lucky 15 ante post predictions for Cheltenham 2026

Along with an ante-post acca (see above), I always like to put together an ante-post Lucky 15 for the week. A Lucky 15 is made up of 15 separate bets across four selections. It includes four singles, six doubles, four trebles and a four-fold accumulator. It’s a hugely popular option in horse racing particularly during the Cheltenham Festival as it offers a good balance of risk and reward.

One of its biggest appeals is that you can still get a return even if only one selection is successful.  On top of that, many bookmakers enhance Lucky 15 bets with added incentives, such as double odds for a single winner or extra payouts when all four selections oblige, making it a compelling choice for punters aiming to boost their Festival profits.

• Old Park Star (Supreme Novices Hurdle)
• Bambino Fever (Mares’ Novices Hurdle)
• Honesty Policy (Stayers’ Hurdle)
• Doctor Steinberg (Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle)

Old Park Star to win the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle

Trainer Nicky Henderson has had some smart winners of the Supreme down the years and OLD PARK STAR gives him a great chance again this time around. This 6yo is a perfect 3-3 over hurdles and he was an emphatic winner at Haydock when last seen.

Crucially he has course form having won here on penultimate start and the scary thing is he could improve again too. He has a relentless way of going and has been strong at the finish too which is always something I look out for. He will likely go off favourite and in my opinion is the one to beat.

Talk The Talk looked a bit fortunate to edge out Ballyfad at the Dublin Racing Festival but it was still a hugely encouraging effort and if he improves again he looks the best of the Irish challenge. El Cairos clearly has a big engine but he always has an error in him and that would be a problem in a Supreme where there is no hiding place. He is still exciting though so could run a big race if his jumping holds up.

• Age: 6
• Weight: 11-7
• Form: 323-111

Bambino Fever to win the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle

It is no surprise to see the market already looking like a straight shootout! Champion Bumper hero BAMBINO FEVER suffered a shock defeat on hurdles debut at Naas but quickly put things right winning emphatically at Fairyhouse last time.

Oldschool Outlaw was the horse that beat her at Naas and she has since looked smart following up at Fairyhouse. She shouldn’t be underestimated and is the danger but I feel like Bambino Fever can gain her revenge here as she will be sharper and has experience under her belt now.

Mange Tout was beaten 6 lengths by Narciso Has at Leopardstown so could come here now. If she did she’d be a player but probably needs more to spring a surprise. Echoing Silence is another one yet to taste defeat over hurdles and looked good at Punchestown so if she improves again she could definitely be a lively each way player in a race that is open beyond the top pair.

• Age: 6
• Weight: 11-2
• Form: 1111-21

Honesty Policy to win the Stayers’ Hurdle

I know Teahupoo has looked impressive winning both starts this season but I got stung backing him at a short price last year and he is another year older here and might be vulnerable to some younger legs. I like stablemate HONESTY POLICY who shaped with a great deal of promise when third to Impose Toi at Ascot. He remains completely unexposed over 3 miles and I expect him to take a big step forward now.

Bob Olinger won this 12 months ago and has to be respected but he is an 11yo now and was put in his place by Teahupoo in the Christmas Hurdle going down 7 lengths so has work to do. Ma Shantou has won 3 of his last 4 and was particularly impressive slamming Impose Toi so must enter calculations as well.

• Age: 6
• Weight: 11-10
• Form: 21112-3

Doctor Steinberg to win the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle

No surprise to see DOCTOR STEINBERG head the betting for the Albert Bartlett this year. He has won all 3 starts over hurdles and despite racing keenly throughout was much the best at the Dublin Racing Festival when last seen. His Navan form was franked too with Thedeviluno winning the Grade 2 River Don at Doncaster. He seems to have a huge engine and if improving again the rest will be up against it.

Thedeviluno is improving fast as well and is likely to go for this so could give him most to think about. Espresso Milan impressed making it 2-2 over hurdles at Thurles when last seen and appeals at double-figure odds in terms of hitting the frame. Kazansky who chased Doctor Steinberg home at the DRF is also likely to go for this and should run well again.

• Age: 6
• Weight: 11-7
• Form: 3-215-111

Bet on the Cheltenham Lucky 15 that pays 120/1 for the 4-fold with Paddy Power

Other bets you can make before Cheltenham starts

Alongside the ante-post accumulator and Lucky 15 outlined above, there are plenty of other Cheltenham ante-post betting options available. These allow you to tailor your staking approach depending on how many selections you like and how confident you feel. Below I’ve highlighted a few popular bet types and explained how they work, giving you the flexibility to build your own bets around your strongest fancies.

Cheltenham doubles

A double in horse racing links two selections from different races into a single bet. For the wager to be successful, both horses must win or place if betting each way. Any returns from the first selection are automatically carried over as the stake for the second, which increases the potential payout compared to backing two singles separately.

The downside is that if either horse is beaten, the bet is lost. However, doubles remain a popular option for Cheltenham punters as they offer a step up in returns without carrying the same level of risk as larger multiples such as trebles or Lucky 15s.

Cheltenham trebles

A treble follows the same principle but involves three selections across different races. All three must win (or place, if each way) for the bet to land, with the winnings rolling over from one leg to the next. This structure allows relatively small stakes to return sizeable payouts.

Naturally, the risk increases with the extra selection, as one loser ends the bet. That said, trebles are a common choice during the Cheltenham Festival for punters looking to chase bigger returns without committing to large accumulators.

Cheltenham Yankee bet

A Yankee is a multiple bet made up of 11 wagers on four different horses in separate races. It consists of six doubles, four trebles and a four-fold accumulator, but unlike a Lucky 15, it does no include any singles. This means at least two selections must win for a return.

Because successful bets are rolled over, Yankees can produce strong returns from relatively modest stakes, making them a popular choice for Cheltenham ante-post betting when punters are confident in several selections.

My top ante post Cheltenham tip

The hugely exciting LULAMBA has all the right credentials to make a major impact in the Arkle this year, starting with his blend of raw pace and accurate jumping. That is a crucial combination for a race that is almost always run at an unforgiving tempo.

He has consistently travelled strongly through his races, showing the ability to hold a prominent position without over-racing, which is often key around Cheltenham’s sharp turns and downhill sections. His jumping has looked slick and economical, allowing him to gain ground at his obstacles rather than lost it and that efficiency can be decisive in two-mile championship chases where margins are tight.

Just as importantly, Lulamba looks the type to improve again on the Festival stage. His profile suggests he thrives when the pace is strong and the pressure is on and Cheltenham’s Old Court should play to his strengths by rewarding speed, balance and bravery. If he lines up in peak condition there’s every chance he’ll be able to put rivals under pressure early and maintain it all the way to the line. In a race where proven jumping and tactical speed so often separate the best from the rest, Lulamba has the tools to come out on top.

Bet on Lulamba to win the Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Chase – 6/4 with BetVictor

More Cheltenham opportunities:

• Cheltenham 2025 free bets and betting offers

About the author

Joe Norris

I’m Joe Norris, co-founder and Director of GetYourTipsOut (GYTO), which I launched in 2009 to provide daily sports betting tips, with the main focus on horse racing. Over the years, I’ve earned a reputation for offering reliable and profitable tips, which led to being named “Best Sports Betting Tipster” in 2023. Alongside my work at GYTO, I also contribute predictions to platforms like Oddschecker, allowing me to share my insights with a wide community of sports enthusiasts and bettors.

Find Joe on X: @JoeNorrisGYTO

Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 18+. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chase their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
• Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
• GambleAware – www.gambleaware.org

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.