Barry Hill Cheltenham Tips - Day 1
2 minutes Barry Hill has his best bets of the day on the Day 1 of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival.
1.20 CHELTENHAM
Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race)
OLD PARK STAR - 9/4
OLD PARK STAR could be well suited to the demands of Cheltenham if settling into a good rhythm early on. The track often favours horses that travel smoothly and conserve energy before making their move, and if he jumps accurately and holds a handy position behind the pace he could be well placed as the race unfolds. With a clear run and enough left in reserve for the climb to the line, he has the chance to stay on strongly and get involved at the finish.
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2.40 CHELTENHAM
McCoy Contractors Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (Registered As The Fred Winter) (GBB)
WINSTON JUNIOR - 5/1
WINSTON JUNIOR looks a strong contender in the Fred Winter after shaping with plenty of promise over course and distance in December. He built on that effort with an impressive success at Ascot last time and has the profile of a horse still improving. A fluent jumper who handles the track well, the booking of Jack Kennedy catches the eye and if he settles, he has the ability to defy a mark of 131.
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4.00 CHELTENHAM
Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy (Grade 1) (GBB Race)
GOLDEN ACE - 11/1
GOLDEN ACE looks a solid each way option in the Champion Hurdle. Last year’s winner may have benefitted from incidents in the race but she has continued to run well at the top level, including a Fighting Fifth success and a strong effort behind Sir Gino in the Christmas Hurdle. A tough and reliable mare who handles the track well, the drying ground should suit and she looks likely to run her race again.
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4.40 CHELTENHAM
Sun Racing Plate Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)
DOWNMEXICOWAY - 13/2
DOWNMEXICOWAY looks a solid option in the Plate Handicap Chase. Rated 145, he sits right in the ideal range for recent winners and shaped better than the bare result when third behind Kargese and Romeo Coolio at the Dublin Racing Festival. A previous winner at Gowran earlier in the season, he looks to have been aimed at this race and could be ready to deliver a big run.
