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With the weights now released for the handicap races of Cheltenham Festival 2026, it is time to delve into the markets to spot the value! We check out best handicap bets for The Cheltenham Festival through out partner firms bet365, William Hill, Betfred, Bet Victor and Boylesports.
NRNB: Non-Runner No Bet
We are pleased to announce that all of our partner firms are now offering NRNB (Non-Runner No Bet) for all Cheltenham Festival 2026 races. This means that any bets placed on horses running in The Cheltenham Festival will be refunded if the horse fails to take their place in the race for whatever reason.
Selections
Madara: The Plate Handicap Chase, Day 1 Tuesday 10th March
This Dan Skelton trained lightly raced seven year old looks very well handicapped for The Plate on Day One of Cheltenham Festival 2026. In fact, he is running off the same mark in which he finished runner-up in The December Gold Cup at Cheltenham in 2024.
He ran a very creditable second at Kempton recently, demonstrating his staying credentials which will put him in good stead for this Cheltenham Festival handicap appearance. Best odds of 5/1 NRNB with Bet365.
Koktail Divin: The Jack Richards Novices Handicap Chase, Day 3 Thursday 12th March
Another well handicapped entry is Koktail Divin for The Jack Richards Novices Handicap Chase, although the Brown Advisory Novices Chase is also on the radar for this Henry De Bromhead trained six-year-old. It is of no surprise that the Brown Advisory is an option as the owner of the horse (Barry Maloney) has hit the crossbar in the race a number of times most notably with Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Minella Indo.
He ran brilliantly in a Leopardstown beginners chase in his last start, beating his rivals by some 21 lengths. The handicapper has been lenient, and connections may be tempted to run the horse in this handicap option. Best odds of 6/1 with William Hill.
Relieved Of Duties: The Grand Annual, Day 2, Wednesday March 11th
Last year’s winner Jazzy Matty is back for more although repeat winners of this race are a rarity. Consequently, Relieved Of Duties is a progressive sort who was placed over course and distance at the Cheltenham Showcase Meeting and is another on a lenient mark.
In fact, horses which finished behind him in the Cheltenham race are now on higher marks, therefore his current rating of 136 makes him a tempting each way bet at 25/1 NRNB with Bet365, Betfred, Bet Victor and Boylesports.
Storm Heart, The Bet MGM Cup (previously known as The Coral Cup), Day 2, Wednesday 11th March
This Willie Mullins trained six year old ran away with a Grade 3 listed event at Gowran Park and comes here on a hat trick. True, the race has favoured more experienced horses in recent years, however, this selection comes very well handicapped and should not be inconvenienced by faster going, despite winning mainly on heavy to yielding ground. Best odds of 10/1 with Betfred, Bet Victor and Boylesports.
Hello Neighbour, The County Handicap Hurdle, Day 4 Friday 13th March
The first of our two selections for the County Handicap Hurdle on Day 3 is a progressive novice hurdler who at one point was the ante-post favourite for The Triumph Hurdle last year.
He has struggled in group company this season but gets into the mix after finishing a decent third to Poniros in the Triumph Hurdle last season and a five lengths third to Lulamba in the Punchestown April meeting.
The County Hurdle should suit under his current mark and makes an attractive each way proposition at 20/1 with Bet365 and Bet Victor.
I Started A Joke, The County Hurdle Handicap Hurdle, Day 4 Friday 13th March
Our second selection, I Started A Joke trained by Charles Byrne, comes into this after an impressive runner-up spot in a valuable handicap hurdle at Leopardstown early last month.
He ticks a lot of boxes having been lightly raced and having some experience around Cheltenham having run in last year’s Champion Bumper. He is sure to improve further and looks to be another decent each way punt with William Hill at 14/1.
MORE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 2026
- Lucky 15 Acca For Cheltenham Festival 2026
- Best Long Shot Bets For Cheltenham Festival 2026
- Cheltenham Festival 2026 Event Page!
- How To Watch Cheltenham Festival 2026 in Benidorm!
- Dark Horses For Cheltenham Festival 2026
- Best Bankers For Cheltenham Festival 2026
- The Champion Hurdle Tuesday March 10th
- The Champion Chase Wednesday 11th March
- The Cheltenham Gold Cup Friday March 13th
- Cheltenham Festival Free Bets 2026!
Please note all odds are correct at the time of publishing (10am 5th March 2026) and are subject to change
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