Horse Racing Tips: Vert set to Kap off fine first season over fences

• Return to Stratford could suit handicap duo

• Hobbs chaser should enjoy Taunton conditions

• Betfair are offering Non-Runner No Bet at Cheltenham!

• Click here for more racing tips

• Check out our 2026 Cheltenham Festival Mega Guide

Cheltenham Day 1 Superboost

The Betfair Sportsbook have a fantastic Superboost to commence the 2026 Cheltenham Festival in the shape of Supreme Novices' Hurdle favourite Old Park Star.

The six-year-old has never been out of the first three in all of his six career starts and he's won all three of his races for new trainer Nicky Henderson this season. He was 1/31.33 to finish in the top four in Tuesday's curtain raiser, but you can now back him at the super-boosted price of 1/12.00.

To take advantage of this generous Superboost, click on the odds below to go to the pre-loaded bet slip.

Stratford, 15.20 - Back Milldam @ 14/115.00

Supporting Milldam arguably requires a sizeable leap of faith following a modest showing last time behind Tutti Quanti in a valuable Newbury handicap last time.

The payoff for that lacklustre effort might be a better price with the compilers disregarding the eight-year-old's claims, citing a pulled up effort and top-weight as good reasons for dismissing his chance.

They may well be right as there is only one piece of form from this season on which a case can be built for Milldam excelling in this Class 3 affair.

A winner of a course and distance handicap on deep ground a couple of years ago, the grey son of Martaline excelled in the valuable handicap won by Hot Fuss at Windsor back in January, finishing just six lengths behind the winner on the heels of the podium dwellers.

There is a chance, like one or two that have emerged from that race, that a swift return to action at Newbury found him out and contributed to a modest performance that day and a month's break since may see him return to the track a fresher horse.

This race represents a drop in class for Snowden's gelding and with Gavin Sheehan back in the saddle and conditions to his liking, Milldam might run better than recent form figures suggest.

Stratford, 15.20 - Back Mr McLoughlan @ 13/27.50

Rather than back Milldam each-way, I'd suggest a split-stakes approach with another course and distance winner Mr McLoughan who enjoyed a warm up for this event with a fine fourth to Constitution Hill on the all-weather at Southwell.

A strong traveller when at this best, the six-year-old ought to get the strong pace he craves with 13 rivals in opposition and the likes of Commanche Magic, Looping d'Arc, Casa Loupi and Adonedeal all keen to press on from the front.

The prospect of a strong pace should also suit the well-handicapped Let It Rain who will top many lists after the layers made her a hot favourite for the aforementioned Newbury handicap last month.

Hopefully, she will dominate the market and, although she has a live chance of leaving a modest run behind for a stable that target these rich contests, I'm content to let her win at what will arguably be tight enough odds.  

Taunton, 15.40 - Back Kap Vert @ 2/13.00

Kap Vert did this column a favour when scoring on his chasing debut at this venue and he has continued to acquit himself well in beter races subsequently.

The lightly-raced six-year-old returns to the scene of his best effort over the larger obstacles and, with the ground to his liking and the form of his latest run at Ascot working out so well (winner, runner-up and sixth have all won since), he ought to be in the mix again following a seven-week break to freshen up.  

Racing... Only Bettor. Listen to our Cheltenham Festival preview now.

Bookmark Betting.Betfair Horse Racing for the best bets and expert insight