Paddy’s Ultimate Cheltenham 2023 Preview Night as it happened with Tips, NAPs and insider info!

If you missed it live, fear not! We've got you covered right here.

By / Cheltenham Festival, Horse Racing News, Horse Racing Tips / 2 years ago

WATCH PADDY’S ULTIMATE CHELTENHAM PREVIEW HERE!

Annnnd that’s a wrap!

Well that’s our appetites well and truly whetted with the big off just about a week away. We had some big calls, some value plays and we even managed to get a consensus in one of the 28 races, the Champion Chase, with everyone backing Edwardstone to best Energumene.

We’ve got 16 NAPs for you to mull over across the four days as well with a lovely range of punts and prices to consider.

Thanks for joining us as we gear up for the Greatest Show on Turf. Remember, we’re firing up the Finders Keepers machine so keep your eyes peeled on your PP balance over the next few days.

If you miss out on that, everyone gets a free bet for the opening race on the first three days of the 2023 festival. Cheers, Paddy!

There’s also all the fun of the fair of Paddy’s Fanzones in Dublin, London and Galway so be sure to beat the rush and get at the front of the queue for tickets when they’re announced which will be *taps nose* very, very soon indeed.

We’ll keep bringing you a big old bucket load of best bets for each and every race at the Festival here on Paddy Power News and we’ll be beavering away on our legendary cheat sheets on the daily too.

You can watch Paddy’s Ultimate Cheltenham 2023 Preview Show back in full if you missed it or scroll down to get the verdict on the races with our handy betting widgets too.

Friday NAPs

David – Allegorie De Vassy

Tony – Galopin Des Champs

Ruby – Galopin Des Champs

Lydia – Gin Coco

Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle

David – Might I hasn’t won since Newton Abbot which is a bit of a worry. But Lorcan Murtagh rides again and that could be key as most jockeys will be taking the mount for the first time.

Lydia – Langer Dan looks like he’s been primed for this.

Mrs Paddy Power Mares Chase

Lydia – Elimay seems to be a very big price for a horse who’s won this race.

Ruby – If you’re looking for value Elimay sticks out to me.

St James’s Place Festival Hunters Chase

David – He’s no price but I do think Vaucelet is the likely winner.

Gold Cup

David – Galopin Des Champs is a justified favourite but I think there’s a huge run in Ahoy Senor. He’s a different horse after Christmas. I think he’s the one horse than can put it to Galopin and I’ll go with Ahoy Senor.

Lydia – I agree, Ahoy Senor has the ability to run a huge race and this will suit him. Galopin Des Champs is a great horse and they’ve done well to retain his ability while curbing his enthusiasm and calming him down. Bravemansgame has the strongest form this season and the closer we get the more I like him.

Tony – Galopin Des Champs does everything right and I was massively impressed with how he galloped to the line over the last 100 yards at Leopardstown. A genuine favourite and it’s boring but I think the favourite wins. The Nicholls camp think Bravemansgame is working well and they’re starting to talk about him in the Kauto Star league, I don’t believe that, but he’s a very good horse and a formidable opponent.

Ruby – I asked him about it and Paul Nicholls did say Bravemansgame is the best horse he’s had since Kauto Star. I didn’t think it until I watched him in the King George and I would tend to agree with him now. I don’t worry about the track for him. But I would ride Galopin Des Champs all day every day. I think he’s tailor-made for it. I hope he’ll win and I think he’ll win. I think Noble Yeats will get in the money.

Gold Cup Power Price

Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle

Lydia – I’m going to stick with Hiddenvalley Lake. This is a deep race.

Tony – I don’t know if I’m missing something but Embassy Gardens massively impressed me last time. I don’t seem to be getting the same vibes from the mouths in Wille’s yard, though! He blew me away in Thurles.

David – I have a feeling Corbetts Cross will skip this. I think this is a brilliant race this year. I think Three Card Brag will go off as fav if there’s rain. If it’s soft I’d be sweet on him.

County Hurdle

David – I think Sharjah will run here and I think he’ll go well.

Ruby – I’m going to stick with Colonel Mustard. He ran a cracker when third last year and I think he’s improved.

Lydia – Gin Coco. I think he’s got great form. He’s been laid out for this, I think he wins.

Tony – Hunters Yarn if he runs.

Triumph Hurdle

Ruby – I’d probably go with Lossiemouth purely from a price point of view.

David – I think Comfort Zone will finish in the first three and I think he’s a cracking each-way price. I think Lossiemouth will win it.

Tony – There’s a French horse, Jipcot, that’s going to be supplimented on Friday that’s worth a look but I think Lossiemouth will win.

Thursday NAPs

David – Walking On Air is my NAP for the Festival

Tony – Princess Zoe. Who else?

Ruby – Lot Of Joy

Lydia – So Scottish

Kim Muir Challenge Cup

Ruby – Stumptown. Move on.

David – Stumptown’s a brilliant jumper.

Mares Novices Hurdle

And now for Tony’s specialist subject, Princess Zoe

Tony – I’m surprised they’re not going for the Supreme with Princess Zoe. I think she’ll come here though. She has a 5lb penalty and there’s a barrage of Willie’s in here. I can’t believe the price she is here. I believe she has a serious, genuine chance of winning. I’m astounded by her price! *Let’s have a Power Price then, Tony!

David – I think Luccia’s exceptional. Lot Of Joy is the one of Willie’s I like but I hope Princess Zoe wins.

Lydia – Luccia’s a good favourite, I think this is a deep race and both of the Zoes are good. I’ll probably leave it until closer but my long-term interest is Magical Zoe.

Craft Irish Whiskey Co. Plate

David – I really didn’t want to tip So Scottish but when I was looking at this race I came out of it thinking he could be a good thing. I think he’s better than 143. It’s not value but a winner’s a winner.

Lydia – I thought So Scottish would be deadly stepping up in trip. Frero Banbou wants to go further as well so could have a chance.

Paddy Power Stayers Hurdle

Tony – Blazing Khal has a chance but he shouldn’t be priced like he is. Maries Rock is a formidable opponent. There was a problem with Flooring Porter but if they have him back and right then he’ll win. He’s got the best jockey in the world on his back as well! Keep an eye on the two French horses, they might be worth an each-way go. *Tony’s son Danny is on Flooring Porter, if you hadn’t already guessed!

David – This race has changed so much in the last few weeks. I don’t think Flooring Porter will win. Of the three unexposed ones, Maries Rock is the one I really like. She was amazing at Cheltenham last time.

Ruby – If we get the rain I think Teahupoo will win, if we don’t I think Home By The Lee will win.

Lydia – Lots of moving parts here but I’m increasingly starting to like Gold Tweet.

Ryanair Chase

Ruby – I thought Shishkin looked so happy at Ascot and I think he’s a fair-priced favourite.

Lydia – I think Shishkin wins and wins easily. For one at a price I’ll go for French Dynamite I think this might be set up for him to hit the post at a price.

Pertemps Network Final

David – I’m a big Walking On Air fan. I think this has been a specific target for this horse all year. He won off 133 at Exeter and he only got 5lbs. He bolted up. I think he’s potentially one of the best horses in this race and probably one of the best handicapped horses of the week.

Turners Novices Chase

David – I think Appreciate It is a great bet.

Lydia – I’m twirling around with this race, there’s so many factors. It’s probably Banbridge.

Tony – It’s Banbridge for me. Good and solid.

Wednesday Naps

David – Edwardstone

Ruby – Impaire Et Passe

Tony – Champ Kiely

Lydia – Edwardstone

Grand Annual

David – I like Third Time Lucki, he’s running off 149, I think the race will suit him. If the ground is good I think he’s got a massive chance.

Lydia – I’m going for a slightly mad one here, I quite like Rouge Vif at a price. He’d be on the pace but needs the rain to stay away.

Tony – I think Saint Roi has no chance in the Arkle and he should run in this.

Champion Chase

Lydia – Energumene has a tendency to jump right. Edwardstone is the better jumper and I cant see him not winning this.

Tony – I’ve backed Energumene before but no-one at Willie’s is worried about the performances. I’m not convinced so it’s Edwardstone for me. I think the British trainers might be about to start closing the gap on the Irish. Wash your mouth out, Tony. 

Ruby – I’m with Tony. I think Tom Cannon will ride him like he did in the Arkle so I’m with Edwardstone. I think he’s improved this year. I think the spark has gone with Energumene.

David – Edwardstone is one of my strongest fancies for the Festival this year. I think he’s very good and I think he’ll win. Dan Skelton assures me Nube Negra will run a huge race if the ground is good and he could come third.

Brown Advisory Novices Chase

Lydia – I’m not keen on Thyme Hill, I think Gerri Colombe needs some rain. With his jumping The Real Whacker can put them all under pressure.

Ruby – I’d be concerned about Sir Gerhard’s lack of action. I’d be with Gerri Colombe. We’ve a Power Price on this pick!

Tony – I’m going for The Real Whacker. He’s got course form and plenty of experience.

Ballymore Novices Hurdle

Tony – Willie’s camp are all in on Impaire Et Passe but I like Champ Kiely each way.

Lydia – I like Impaire Et Passe and have backed him to win before. I think he’s got gears and is the perfect height for the Ballymore.

David – I was blown away by Hermes Allen in the Challow but a lot of people in the know can not even comprehend Impaire Et Passe not winning this.

Ruby – Hermes Allen’s form is rock solid. I wouldn’t put anyone off Champ Kiely but I would be with Impaire Et Passe. He was really good in the Moscow Flyer and I have no doubts about his stamina. *Ruby’s got a glint in his eye and a sly grin here, people*

Tuesday NAPs

David – Brandy Love

Tony – Bad (each way)

Ruby – Facile Vega

Lydia – Happygolucky

National Hunt Chase

David – Of all the short-price favourites Gaillard Du Mesnil is the one that looks a bit of value. I don’t think he’ll come off the bridle.

Tony – I think Gaillard Du Mesnil is clear cut

Lydia – I’m increasingly coming round to Mahler Mission. I like the way he jumps with a positive ride. Chemical Energy is interesting but if he rains a lot I’d avoid.

Boodles Juvenile Handicap

Tony – Bad is one to consider it an open race, he’s rated much higher in France than he is here.

David – I think this race will suit Metamorpheus because they’ll be going fast and he’ll be staying on. Afadil’s the other one, I wouldn’t read too much into his last race.

Mares Hurdle

Ruby – This will be super competitive. Honeysuckle and Epatante will surely go in this one, I don’t give them a chance in the Champion Hurdle. I think Honeysuckle has regressed, as much as I want her to win. I think Brandy Love will improve from Leopardstown and Echoes In Rain has a chance, too.

Tony – I’d love to see Honeysuckle win it but I’d agree with Ruby that she’s slightly regressed. I won’t be having a bet because I think it’s a very tight race. I can see four or five of them going for this at the line.

Lydia – I think Epatante has held her form better than Honeysuckle. It’s the most competitive edition of this race that we’ve ever seen.

David – I’m a big Brandy Love fan. I’d be shocked if Paul Townend doesn’t ride her and I think she’s a massive player.

Champion Hurdle

Tony – I was very impressed with State Man at Leopardstown, he’s a formidable opponent for Constitution Hill. These two will be 20 lengths clear but State Man has a squeak. We don’t know what Constitution Hill can do, he’s never been put under real pressure.

Ruby – I think Constitution Hill will win. He holds all the aces. I’d fancy I Like To Move It as the one at a bigger price for an each-way play. I think a few might drop out at declarations on Sunday and I think I Like To Move It will run at least.

David – Constitution Hill will win and State Man will be second.

Lydia – The only way Constitution Hill gets beat is with a mishap. I’m with Ruby, I Like To Move It is overpriced.

Arkle Chase

Lydia – I think Jonbon’s jumping will be better than El Fabiolo’s.

Ruby – El Fabiolo’s a little bit keen, Dystart Dynamo won’t be able to get away from him and Jonbon. Maybe Saint Roi can pick up the pieces for an each-way play.

David – I wrote a column back in December saying Jonbon was the worst short-priced antepost favourite I’d ever seen for the Festival! A week out he’s now my pick to win the Arkle. I think he can handle the pressure. It’s not the first time I’ve made myself look like an eedjit.

Supreme Novices’ Hurdle

Ruby – They always go too fast in the first race on the first day, I’ve done it enough times to know that! Will anything be able to keep up with High Definition? I’d be scared to oppose Facile Vega, though.

Lydia – The horse that is overpriced in this one is Rare Edition. He’s the best of the English I have no doubt and he’s a good each-way price.

Tony – I’m very sorry that I said Facile Vega was the best horse I’d ever seen. He’s got a lot to do to make up for Leopardstown. Il Etait Temps is the one for me.

Power Price

Here we go

First things first, we’ve got some exiting news… Finders Keepers is returning for the Festival, we’ll also be dishing out a free bet on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday to every single Paddy punter.

You can also get along and watch the action at Paddy’s Fanzones in Dublin, Galway and London. Keep your eyes peeled for more details on how to get involved soon.

Not long to go now…

Our fearsome field are lining up ahead of the off.

Paddy’s fine tuning his carefully-crafted ad libs, Tony’s talking tactics and Ruby’s looking absolutely resplendent.

The excitement is palpable and there’s just over 5 minutes until we’re live across the universe and beyond. Probably, anyway.

Welcome!

There’s just EIGHT days to go until the Cheltenham Festival 2023 is finally underway, but nothing says it’s nearly here like Paddy’s Ultimate Preview Night!

Paddy’s overflowing with excitement and once again he’s fired the starter pistol on the Festival by bringing together some of the brightest and best minds in the game to talk you through all the action.

The best bit? You can see the action live and direct across the globe through the embedded tweet above or on Paddy’s Racing YouTube channel.

Joining our host with the most is Ruby Walsh, Tony Mullins, Racing TV’s Lydia Hislop and David Jennings from The Racing Post.

We’ll be going through every single bloomin’ race with a fine-tooth comb to bring you a punt, two, three or four from the Foxhunters right through to the Gold Cup and beyond.

There’s not long to go now – the action is underway at 7.30pm sharp tonight (Monday) and, remember, you can watch it all on Paddy’s Racing YouTube Channel.

We’ll be rounding up the best bits, NAPs and no-no’s right here so you can back or avoid our panel’s picks here on Paddy Power News and this page will be hanging around all through the festival so you can check back to see how our experts are getting on!

Grab a brew and clear the schedule, there’s not long to go now!

Get Clued up

You probably already know this but Paddy Power News is your definitive home for Cheltenham Festival tips, insights and opinions. Here’s some of our most popular stories from the last few days. You are very welcome indeed.

Paddy’s gone Non Runner Money Back on all races at the 2023 Cheltenham Festival. That means if you back any horse in any race antepost and they don’t show up where you want them to for whatever reason you’ll get a full refund on your wager.

FANCY A FREE BET?

Who doesn’t? Here’s how you can get involved over on Twitter. Sorry Mastodon fans.

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The Paddy Power Guide To Safer Gambling – Everything You Need To Know

*Paddy’s gone Non Runner Money Back on all races at the 2023 Cheltenham Festival. That means if you back any horse in any race antepost and they don’t show up where you want them to for whatever reason you’ll get a full refund on your wager

What do you think?