Cheltenham Festival Day 3: Betting Preview & Tips

Day 3 of the Cheltenham Festival 2025 brings a thrilling mix of Grade 1 races, competitive handicaps, and potential festival stars in the making. With the Ryanair Chase and Stayers’ Hurdle taking centre stage, the day is packed with intrigue, history, and potential betting value.

Here’s your full race-by-race guide, with standout contenders and top tips.

1:20 PM – Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2, 2m 1f)

The Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle has produced surprises in recent years, and with an expected large field lining up, this will be a true test of stamina and mental resilience.

🏇 Contenders to Watch:
🔹 Air Of Entitlement – A strong traveller who made light work of her hurdles debut at Down Royal. She has festival-winning connections and looks to have plenty more to offer.
🔹 Jubilee Alpha – Has progressed well throughout the season and could be suited by the Cheltenham hill.
🔹 Bluey – An interesting outsider who ran well in defeat at Windsor and could hit the frame at a price.

💡 Tip: Air Of Entitlement – Unexposed and looks to have class on her side.

2:00 PM – Jack Richards Novices’ Handicap Chase (Grade 2, 2m 4f)

Previously known as the Golden Miller Novices’ Chase, this is a key race for future stars of the chasing division. It often throws up future Grade 1 contenders, so keep an eye on this field beyond Cheltenham.

🏇 Leading Challengers:
🔹 Answer To Kayf – Has festival experience after an eye-catching fourth in last year’s Martin Pipe. Could be well-handicapped and primed for a big run.
🔹 Lord Of Thunder – A strong stayer in the making, who was travelling well at Cheltenham before a fall earlier this season.
🔹 Nurburgring – Plenty of ability but has struggled with his jumping.

💡 Tip: Answer To Kayf – Has the right blend of class and festival experience.

2:40 PM – Pertemps Final Handicap Hurdle (Listed, 3m)

A true test of staying power, the Pertemps Final is often targeted by trainers months in advance, making it a race full of well-handicapped and laid-out horses.

🏇 Key Players:
🔹 Shanagh Bob – A strong stayer who won the Bristol Novices’ Hurdle here last season. He looks to be well-handicapped.
🔹 Karl Des Tourelles – A progressive young hurdler, who ran a stormer in a qualifier and could still have improvement to come.

💡 Tip: Shanagh Bob – His stamina and festival experience make him a strong contender.

3:20 PM – Ryanair Chase (Grade 1, 2m 4½f)

One of the standout races of the Festival, the Ryanair Chase is for horses who thrive at this intermediate distance and may not quite have the stamina for the Gold Cup.

🏇 Top Contenders:
🔹 Jungle Boogie – A lightly raced but highly talented chaser, who ran well in last year’s Gold Cup before dropping in trip.
🔹 Envoi Allen – A previous festival winner, he has the class but will need to be at his best to win.

💡 Tip: Jungle Boogie – A potential class act at this trip who could cause problems for the favourite.

4:00 PM – Stayers’ Hurdle (Grade 1, 3m)

The championship race for long-distance hurdlers, stamina is king in this gruelling three-mile contest.

🏇 Main Challengers:
🔹 Teahupoo – The defending champion, he has proven class and staying ability.
🔹 Lucky Place – An improving young stayer, who has looked like a rising force this season.
🔹 Crambo – Could be a strong finisher, if the pace is strong early.

💡 Tip: Teahupoo – The best horse in this division, and if he runs to form, he wins.

4:40 PM – Plate Handicap Chase (Grade 3, 2m 4f)

A big-field handicap that frequently produces shock winners. The novices in the race often have a strong record.

🏇 Horses to Note:
🔹 Jagwar – A strong jumper, who won over this course and distance earlier in the season.
🔹 Fugitif – Festival experience and could be well-treated in the weights.

💡 Tip: Jagwar – Looks to have strong claims after his impressive course win.

5:20 PM – Kim Muir Challenge Cup (Class 2 Handicap, 3m 2f)

This amateur riders’ race is always tactically intriguing, and stamina is vital over this trip.

🏇 Leading Contenders:
🔹 Weveallbeencaught – Has festival form and stays strongly, a key combination.
🔹 Johnnywho – The likely favourite, partnered by one of the best amateur jockeys in the field.

💡 Tip: Weveallbeencaught – Cheltenham experience is invaluable in a race like this.

Final Thoughts – Cheltenham Festival Day 3 Betting Selections

Day 3 is all about stamina, tactical speed, and finding value in the handicaps. The Ryanair Chase and Stayers’ Hurdle will be the most-watched races, but the handicaps hold plenty of betting opportunities.

🏇 Top Selections for the Day:
✅ Air Of Entitlement – Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle
✅ Jungle Boogie – Ryanair Chase
✅ Teahupoo – Stayers’ Hurdle
✅ Jagwar – TrustATrader Plate

With big fields, unpredictable races, and plenty of excitement, Thursday at Cheltenham Festival 2025 is set to be another cracking day of racing! 🏇🔥