Last Updated on August 21, 2026 by Maurya
The Cheltenham Festival ante-post betting markets for 2027 are already taking shape, and this is the stage of the season when patient punters can sometimes find prices that disappear once the serious winter trials begin.
But ante-post betting is not simply about backing a horse because its current odds look bigger than the price it might be on Festival week. The real challenge is balancing price against three major uncertainties: whether the horse stays fit, whether it progresses as expected and, crucially, whether connections choose the race you have backed it for.
The 2027 Cheltenham Festival takes place from Tuesday 16 March to Friday 19 March 2027, with 28 races spread across four days. The Champion Hurdle headlines Tuesday, the Queen Mother Champion Chase is Wednesday’s championship contest, Thursday features the Stayers’ Hurdle and Ryanair Chase, and the Cheltenham Gold Cup takes centre stage at 4:00pm on Friday.
At this early point in the 2026/27 jumps season, our approach is therefore selective. Rather than chasing every 25/1 or 50/1 shot available, these Cheltenham Festival ante-post tips concentrate on horses with proven Festival form, realistic targets and prices that may still have room to shorten.
Cheltenham Festival Ante-Post Tips 2027 – Quick Picks
| Horse | Expected Race | Current Early Price* | Verdict |
| Jango Baie | Cheltenham Gold Cup | 7/1–8/1 | Best Gold Cup value |
| Lossiemouth | Champion Hurdle | 5/2 | Strongest proven profile |
| Heart Wood | Ryanair Chase | 12/1 | Attractive each-way/value angle |
| The New Lion | Stayers’ Hurdle | 8/1 | Interesting step-up-in-trip candidate |
| Kitzbuhel | Cheltenham Gold Cup | 25/1 | High-upside outsider |
| Feel Gut | Supreme Novices’ Hurdle | 11/1–12/1 | Novice to monitor |
| Metronomique | Champion Chase | 25/1 | Speculative outsider |
*Prices are an approximate snapshot from bookmakers and racing odds services available in August 2026. Ante-post odds can change significantly and availability differs between operators.
Jango Baie – Cheltenham Gold Cup Ante-Post Tip
Race: Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup
Early odds: Around 7/1–8/1
Tip: Jango Baie to win
Confidence: 4/5
Anyone studying the early 2027 Cheltenham Gold Cup odds must begin with Gaelic Warrior.
Willie Mullins’ star produced an outstanding performance in March 2026, winning the Gold Cup by eight lengths from Jango Baie. Gaelic Warrior consequently sits at approximately 9/4 in the early 2027 market, while Jango Baie can be found at roughly 7/1 to 8/1.
Gaelic Warrior deserves favouritism. The question for an ante-post bettor is whether 9/4 represents sufficient compensation for accepting seven months of injury, form and participation risk.
That makes Jango Baie the more interesting early betting proposition.
He has already demonstrated that the Gold Cup distance, Cheltenham itself and championship-level competition are within his capabilities. Most importantly, there is considerably less guesswork surrounding his likely target than there is with several talented novice chasers entering open company.
He still has to reverse an eight-length defeat by Gaelic Warrior, so this is not a claim that Jango Baie is currently the better horse. It is a price-based argument.
If he wins a major staying chase such as the Betfair Chase, King George or another high-level trial during the winter, an early 7/1 or 8/1 could quickly disappear.
Verdict
Jango Baie is our preferred early Gold Cup bet at the prices available. Gaelic Warrior is the horse to beat, but Jango Baie’s combination of proven Gold Cup form and a substantially bigger price offers the stronger ante-post proposition.
Lossiemouth – Champion Hurdle Ante-Post Tip
Race: Unibet Champion Hurdle
Early odds: Around 5/2
Tip: Lossiemouth to win
Confidence: 4.5/5
Ante-post betting usually encourages punters to search for outsiders, but sometimes the strongest bet is sitting at the front of the market.
Lossiemouth is the obvious example.
She finally contested the Champion Hurdle in 2026 and produced a dominant performance, beating her rivals by six and a half lengths as the 7/5 favourite.
It was also her fourth consecutive Cheltenham Festival victory, following success in the 2023 Triumph Hurdle and the Mares’ Hurdle in both 2024 and 2025.
That Cheltenham record matters enormously.
Plenty of horses possess outstanding raw ability but do not perform to their maximum around Prestbury Park. Lossiemouth has repeatedly demonstrated the opposite.
The current Champion Hurdle market has her at approximately 5/2, ahead of horses including King Rasko Grey, Old Park Star, Mydaddypaddy and Kopek Des Bordes.
The drawback is obvious: 5/2 is not a spectacular ante-post price seven months out.
But compared with horses whose target remains uncertain, Lossiemouth offers something extremely important — a logical reason to return to exactly the same race.
Unless connections change direction or circumstances intervene, defending her Champion Hurdle title is the natural campaign.
Verdict
Lossiemouth is the strongest proven horse among our Cheltenham 2027 ante-post tips. Punters looking exclusively for double-digit prices may prefer to look elsewhere, but bettors prioritising target certainty and proven Festival form should keep her near the top of the shortlist.
Heart Wood – Ryanair Chase Value Bet
Race: Ryanair Chase
Early odds: Around 12/1
Tip: Heart Wood each-way/win
Confidence: 4/5
This may be one of the most interesting discrepancies in the current Cheltenham markets.
Heart Wood won the 2026 Ryanair Chase by 10 lengths, defeating Jonbon after the withdrawal of 2025 champion Fact To File. Trainer Henry de Bromhead praised both the horse’s jumping and the aggressive tactics used on the day.
Despite that performance, Heart Wood is available at approximately 12/1 for the 2027 Ryanair, while Fact To File heads parts of the market at around 9/2.
There are reasons for the difference.
Fact To File is an exceptionally talented horse and won this race decisively in 2025. Heart Wood could also be campaigned differently depending on how his season develops.
Nevertheless, double-digit odds about a horse that has finished second and first in successive Ryanair Chases deserve attention.
That established course-and-race profile can be especially useful in ante-post markets because many of his rivals have alternative objectives. Some could head to the Gold Cup; others could drop back in trip.
Heart Wood’s optimal Festival target already appears much easier to identify.
Verdict
At around 12/1, Heart Wood is one of our favourite early value bets for Cheltenham 2027.
The price provides significantly more upside than backing one of the market leaders while still giving bettors a horse with elite Festival form.
The New Lion – Stayers’ Hurdle Ante-Post Tip
Race: Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle
Early odds: Around 8/1
Tip: The New Lion to win
Confidence: 3.5/5
The Stayers’ Hurdle is exactly the kind of race in which ante-post markets can change dramatically during the winter.
At present, The New Lion is trading at approximately 8/1 and heads some early markets.
The attraction comes from his potential to improve when stepped up to three miles.
Racing TV’s early analysis highlighted how The New Lion finished third in the 2026 Champion Hurdle before taking second in the Aintree Hurdle. His previous victory over approximately two miles and five furlongs, combined with the way he has finished his races, provides evidence that greater stamina demands could suit him better than an emphasis on pure two-mile speed.
There is still a major unknown: he has to prove he truly stays three miles at Grade 1 level.
That uncertainty explains why 8/1 is available.
The 2026 Stayers’ Hurdle itself produced another reminder that the division can be unpredictable. Home By The Lee won at 33/1 at the age of 11, defeating Ballyburn on his fifth attempt at the race.
This does not look like a division where bettors necessarily need to take a short price in August.
Verdict
The New Lion is an attractive 8/1 ante-post candidate rather than a maximum-confidence bet.
His price could contract significantly if his first attempt over an extended staying distance confirms what his previous performances suggest.
Kitzbuhel – Cheltenham Gold Cup Outsider
Race: Cheltenham Gold Cup
Early odds: Around 25/1
Tip: Small-stake each-way/win
Confidence: 3/5
For bettors searching specifically for a bigger-priced Cheltenham Festival ante-post tip, Kitzbuhel is one of the more intriguing options.
He established himself as a leading staying novice in 2025/26 and won the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham.
Racing TV’s analysis after the Festival highlighted his jumping as one of his strongest assets and argued that his Brown Advisory performance demonstrated both his ability to handle Cheltenham and his stamina over an extended three-mile trip.
He is now available at approximately 25/1 for the 2027 Gold Cup, behind established names including Gaelic Warrior, Jango Baie, Final Demand and Fact To File.
That price is understandable because graduating from novice company into a Cheltenham Gold Cup is a major step.
But this is precisely where successful ante-post betting can occasionally pay off.
Should Kitzbuhel establish himself in open company during the first half of the jumps season — particularly in a major three-mile Grade 1 — a current 25/1 quotation could become 10/1 or shorter surprisingly quickly.
Conversely, he could fail to make the necessary improvement or connections could choose another route.
Verdict
Kitzbuhel is not a banker. He is an ante-post value play.
A smaller stake is appropriate given the uncertainty, but 25/1 is interesting enough to keep on the betting shortlist.
Feel Gut – Supreme Novices’ Hurdle
Race: Supreme Novices’ Hurdle
Early odds: Around 11/1–12/1
Tip: Watchlist / small win bet
Confidence: 3/5
Novice hurdle ante-post markets are among the most difficult at Cheltenham because the pecking order can change almost weekly once autumn racing begins.
Feel Gut currently sits near the head of the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle market at roughly 11/1–12/1.
The horse was highlighted at a bigger 16/1 earlier in the year by Racing TV, which noted his speed, jumping and scope for improvement after a convincing Warwick victory.
Some of that value has therefore already disappeared.
That is an important principle in ante-post betting: do not automatically follow an old tip after the price has shortened significantly.
A horse that was attractive at 16/1 is not necessarily equally attractive at 10/1.
Feel Gut nevertheless remains one of the novice hurdlers to monitor closely when the National Hunt season gathers momentum.
Verdict
Interesting rather than irresistible at the current price.
If you already secured 16/1, the position looks considerably stronger. At around 11/1–12/1, we would prefer a modest stake or wait for more evidence.
Metronomique – Champion Chase Dark Horse
Race: Queen Mother Champion Chase
Early odds: Around 25/1
Tip: Small speculative bet
Confidence: 2.5/5
Anyone searching for a genuine outsider could consider Metronomique.
Racing TV highlighted him at 40/1 earlier in 2026 after impressive performances over fences in France, including a dominant Grade 1 victory. Its analysis also noted comments suggesting that two miles could be his long-term optimum despite winning over longer distances.
The market has since reacted.
Metronomique is now approximately 25/1, while defending Champion Chase winner Il Etait Temps heads the betting at about 5/2.
Il Etait Temps thoroughly deserves his position after winning the 2026 Champion Chase by 10 lengths for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend.
Metronomique consequently requires substantial improvement to become a genuine championship contender.
But that is reflected in his price.
Verdict
This is strictly a small-stake, high-risk ante-post selection.
Wait-and-see bettors may prefer to monitor his first major British or Irish test before committing.
What About Old Park Star for the Arkle?
Old Park Star is arguably one of the most obvious candidates for the 2027 Arkle Novices’ Chase.
He won the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle in 2026 and was quickly identified as a potentially exciting two-mile chaser. Early recommendations were made at approximately 9/2, but the market has now contracted to around 3/1 to 10/3.
That price movement illustrates another vital lesson.
Finding the right horse is only half of successful ante-post betting.
You also need the right price.
At 9/2, there was an argument that Old Park Star could shorten considerably if he transferred his hurdle ability to fences.
At approximately 3/1 before he has established himself as an elite novice chaser, much of that potential upside has already been incorporated into the market.
He may well win the Arkle, but we would rather monitor his chasing debut than chase an increasingly short ante-post price.
How Does Cheltenham Ante-Post Betting Work?
Ante-post betting means placing your wager well before a race’s final declarations.
The attraction is simple: bookmakers may offer significantly bigger prices months before Cheltenham than they will offer once a horse has confirmed its form and target.
The disadvantage is equally important.
Under normal ante-post terms, bets are generally accepted “all in, run or not.” If your selected horse fails to participate, the stake can be lost unless the bet was specifically placed under Non-Runner No Bet (NRNB) conditions. Major bookmaker rules explicitly make this distinction.
For example, imagine you back a promising novice at 20/1 for the Arkle in September.
If it wins three major novice chases, it could arrive at Cheltenham priced at 4/1. Your 20/1 ticket would then represent excellent value.
But if connections instead run the horse in the Brown Advisory — or it misses Cheltenham through injury — a standard ante-post stake can be lost.
That is why target certainty should be part of your assessment of value.
Seven Professional Cheltenham Ante-Post Betting Tips
- Price matters more than the name
Never back a horse simply because you believe it is the most likely winner.
Ask whether the odds are bigger than your own assessment of its realistic chance.
- Give proven Cheltenham form extra weight
Prestbury Park presents unusual challenges.
The undulations, downhill sections, stiff uphill finish and championship pace mean previous Festival performances can be particularly informative.
That is one reason horses such as Lossiemouth, Jango Baie and Heart Wood appeal.
- Research alternative targets
This is especially important with novices.
A talented horse could hold entries in the Arkle, Brown Advisory and other races. Championship horses may have both the Gold Cup and Ryanair available.
Backing the correct horse for the wrong race is still a losing ante-post bet.
- Watch trainer comments
Statements made by Willie Mullins, Nicky Henderson, Dan Skelton, Gordon Elliott and other leading trainers can move Festival markets immediately.
An indication that a horse will remain hurdling, go chasing or step up in distance can be every bit as important as a race result.
- Don’t build huge ante-post accumulators
Four horses priced at 10/1 may create spectacular potential returns, but every additional selection adds another opportunity for injury, poor form or a target change to destroy the bet before Festival week.
Singles generally provide more control.
- Record the price you backed
A professional approach should evaluate whether your analysis beat the eventual market.
If you consistently back horses at 16/1 that start Cheltenham at 6/1, your race-reading process may be identifying value even if short-term results fluctuate.
- Know when to wait for NRNB
The biggest early price is not automatically the best bet.
Closer to Cheltenham, bookmakers commonly introduce Non-Runner No Bet markets. Odds may be shorter, but removing the risk of losing your stake because the horse fails to participate can sometimes justify accepting the reduced price.
Best Cheltenham Festival Ante-Post Bet Right Now
If forced to select only one horse from the current markets, Jango Baie at around 7/1–8/1 for the 2027 Cheltenham Gold Cup makes the strongest combination of price, proven Festival ability and target logic.
Lossiemouth is arguably more likely to win her respective championship race, but her 5/2 price already reflects much of that strength.
For those hunting a bigger price, Heart Wood at around 12/1 for the Ryanair Chase stands out, while Kitzbuhel at approximately 25/1 for the Gold Cup offers greater potential upside with correspondingly greater risk.
FAQs
When is the Cheltenham Festival 2027?
The Festival runs from Tuesday 16 March through Friday 19 March 2027 at Cheltenham Racecourse. Seven races are scheduled each day, producing 28 races across the four-day meeting.
What is the best Cheltenham ante-post bet?
Our current preference is Jango Baie for the Cheltenham Gold Cup at around 7/1–8/1. Lossiemouth for the Champion Hurdle and Heart Wood for the Ryanair are also among the strongest early selections.
Who is favourite for the 2027 Cheltenham Gold Cup?
As of August 2026, Gaelic Warrior is the clear early favourite at approximately 9/4, ahead of 2026 runner-up Jango Baie. Prices will fluctuate as the season develops.
Who is favourite for the 2027 Champion Hurdle?
Defending champion Lossiemouth is approximately 5/2 favourite in current early markets.
What happens if my ante-post horse does not run?
With a traditional ante-post bet, your stake can be lost if the horse does not participate. If the wager was explicitly placed under Non-Runner No Bet terms, a non-runner is normally refunded according to the bookmaker’s applicable conditions. Always check the exact market rules before betting.
Is ante-post betting worth it?
It can be when you identify a horse before the wider market reacts. The trade-off is that you assume additional risk surrounding fitness, form and race selection. Ante-post betting therefore tends to suit smaller, carefully selected stakes rather than aggressive betting.
Final Cheltenham Festival Ante-Post Tips
The temptation with Cheltenham ante-post betting is to find the biggest possible price and dream about holding a 40/1 ticket on a horse trading at 4/1 on Festival morning.
In practice, profitable long-range betting requires considerably more discipline.
The best opportunities tend to combine proven ability, likely race targets and a price that still underestimates the horse’s potential.
At this stage of the 2027 markets, our shortlist is headed by Jango Baie for the Gold Cup, Lossiemouth for the Champion Hurdle and Heart Wood for the Ryanair Chase. The New Lion offers an interesting staying angle, while Kitzbuhel provides the more speculative Gold Cup option at a much bigger price.
Most importantly, there is no need to bet simply because a market exists.
Cheltenham is still months away. Autumn and winter races will answer major questions about fitness, jumping, stamina and intended Festival targets. Sometimes the most professional ante-post decision is taking an attractive early price. On other occasions, the correct move is to keep the horse in your tracker and wait.
Responsible gambling: Betting should be entertainment rather than a way of making guaranteed income. In Great Britain, online betting and betting-shop gambling are restricted to people aged 18 or over. The Gambling Commission also requires remote operators to provide facilities that enable customers to set financial limits.
