Cheltenham Festival: Paddy Power Traders Reveal Their Tuesday Tips
Cheltenham, England – March 10, 2026 – As the Cheltenham Festival gets underway, Paddy Power’s team of traders have released their highly anticipated tips for the opening day of racing. The selections include Talk The Talk (13:20, Adrian Galvin), Madara (16:40, Frank Hickey), One Big Bang (17:20, Niall O’Reilly), Iceberg Theory (17:20, Ryan McCue), and Lossiemouth (16:00, Ciaran Moroney). Traders highlighted Madara’s strong performance in the December Gold Cup and Lossiemouth’s impressive record at Cheltenham as key factors in their selections. Odds are subject to change, according to Paddy Power.
Paddy Power Traders Reveal Cheltenham Day 1 Insights
Cheltenham Festival’s opening day is set to deliver thrilling action, and Paddy Power’s traders have shared their expert picks for Tuesday’s races. Several key contenders have been identified, offering valuable insights for horse racing enthusiasts. These selections span across multiple races, providing a comprehensive overview of potential winning strategies.
13:20 – Talk The Talk: A Strong Stayer’s Potential
Adrian Galvin, a Paddy Power trader, is backing Talk The Talk in the 2m Grade 1 Novices’ Hurdle. He believes the horse’s strong staying power will be a significant advantage, particularly given the anticipated speedy pace of the race. Talk The Talk demonstrated impressive form at the DRF, and Galvin anticipates a clean round of jumping will secure a victory.
Pro Tip: When considering novice hurdles, prioritize horses with proven stamina and jumping ability, as these are often key determinants of success.
16:00 – Lossiemouth: Champion Hurdle Contender
Ciaran Moroney highlights Lossiemouth as a strong contender in the Champion Hurdle. The mare boasts an impressive four out of four win record at Cheltenham, including three Festival victories. Moroney suggests that Lossiemouth’s preference for the Cheltenham course and the addition of cheekpieces could cement her status as a top two-mile hurdler.
16:40 – Madara: A Target for Dan Skelton
Frank Hickey is placing his confidence in Madara for the 2m4f Handicap Chase. Having transitioned to Dan Skelton’s stable, Madara has shown significant promise, particularly after a close second in the December Gold Cup. Hickey believes Skelton’s expertise as a target trainer will give Madara a competitive edge, especially on the less taxing old course.
17:20 – One Big Bang and Iceberg Theory: Competitive Novices’ Chase
Niall O’Reilly favors One Big Bang in the 3m6f Novices’ Handicap Chase, citing the horse’s improved form and potential over longer distances. He notes that One Big Bang’s performance at Doncaster was a preparation for this race, and his jumping ability sets him apart. Ryan McCue, meanwhile, is backing Iceberg Theory, highlighting its lightly raced status and recent win at Cork, with the form working out well.
Did you know? Dan Skelton has a reputation for preparing horses specifically for Cheltenham, making his runners particularly noteworthy during the Festival.
The Importance of Course Form at Cheltenham
Cheltenham Racecourse is unique, demanding both speed and stamina. Horses with prior success at the track often perform better, as they are familiar with the undulations and challenging conditions. Here’s a key factor Paddy Power’s traders are considering when making their selections.
Handicap Chase Strategies
Handicap chases require careful analysis of the horses’ weights and ratings. Traders look for horses that are well-handicapped, meaning they are carrying a weight that allows them to be competitive. Madara’s current mark of 140, similar to when it nearly won the December Gold Cup, is a prime example of this strategy.
Trainer Expertise: A Decisive Factor
The expertise of the trainer plays a crucial role in preparing horses for major races like the Cheltenham Festival. Dan Skelton’s track record as a target trainer makes Madara a particularly interesting contender. Similarly, the consistent success of Lossiemouth at Cheltenham suggests a strong training approach.
FAQ: Cheltenham Day 1 Tips
- What is the key to success in the 2m Grade 1 Novices’ Hurdle? Prioritize horses with strong stamina and jumping ability.
- Why is Madara considered a good bet in the 2m4f Handicap Chase? Dan Skelton is a target trainer, and Madara is well-handicapped.
- What makes Lossiemouth a strong contender in the Champion Hurdle? Its impressive record at Cheltenham and the addition of cheekpieces.
- Which horse is favored in the 3m6f Novices’ Handicap Chase? One Big Bang, due to its improved form and jumping ability.
Staying Updated with Odds
Paddy Power emphasizes that all prices are up-to-date, but subject to change. It’s crucial for bettors to monitor the odds closely as the races approach. Utilizing Paddy Power’s widgets can provide real-time updates.
What are your predictions for Cheltenham Day 1? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation!