ITV Racing Tipster Matt Chapman Unveils Seven Selections for Cheltenham Festival Day One
The Cheltenham Festival, celebrating its 102nd edition, is in full swing as the "Greatest Show on Turf" captivates hundreds of thousands of racing enthusiasts. With day one underway, ITV Racing's renowned tipster Matt Chapman has meticulously prepared his seven expert selections, aiming to kick off the festival with a bang through his Paddy Power blog, including a notable 10-1 shot.
Supreme Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) – 13:20
Chapman starts the festival by backing Old Park Star at 2/1 in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle over an extended 2 miles. This choice is bolstered by the horse's flawless record of three consecutive hurdle wins this season at Kempton, Cheltenham, and Haydock. Trainer Nicky Henderson, a perennial victor in this event with past successes like Altior and Constitution Hill, hopes to add Old Park Star to his impressive collection.
Singer Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices' Chase (Grade 1) – 14:00
In the Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices' Chase over 2 miles, Chapman once again places his trust in Henderson, selecting Lulamba at 13/8. Unbeaten in three races over fences at Exeter, Lulamba is tipped to edge out Kopek des Bordes, potentially securing Henderson's ninth win in this prestigious race.
McCoy Contractors Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (Each-Way) – 14:40
For the McCoy Contractors Juvenile Handicap Hurdle over an extended 2 miles, Chapman picks Saratoga at 8/1. Described as a strong stayer with capable jumping, a fast pace led by jockey Mark Walsh could propel Saratoga to victory in this competitive field.
The Trustmarque Ultima Handicap Chase – 15:20
Chapman is backing JohnnyWho at 12/1 in the Trustmarque Ultima Handicap Chase over 3 miles and 1 furlong. Despite undergoing wind surgery since his last run, JohnnyWho's narrow second-place finish in the Kim Muir last year and a fifth-place in the Irish National have instilled confidence in the tipster for a potential stunning win.
Champion Hurdle (Grade 1) – 16:00
In the day's highlight, the Grade 1 Champion Hurdle over an extended 2 miles, Chapman selects Brighterdaysahead at 5-1. Trained by Gordon Elliott and ridden by Jack Kennedy, this horse's 1lb advantage over The New Lion and relative freshness entering the race convince Chapman of a victory, which would mark Elliott's first Champion Hurdle success despite his top trainer accolades in 2017 and 2018.
Sun Racing Plate Handicap Chase (Each-Way) – 16:40
Opting for an outsider, Chapman goes with Will the Wise at 10-1 in the Sun Racing Plate Handicap Chase over 2 miles and 4 furlongs. With a sixth-place finish in the Pertemps Network Final last season and fourth in the Troytown at Navan, Will the Wise is favored over the menacing Madara, trained by Dan Skelton.
National Hunt Challenge Cup Novices' Handicap Chase – 17:20
Concluding day one, Chapman backs Iceberg Theory at 5/1 in the National Hunt Challenge Cup Novices' Handicap Chase over 3 miles and 6 furlongs. Despite limited experience, trainer Paul Nolan and jockey Conor Stone-Walsh are believed to have the potential to pull off a win in this challenging race.
