As we begin the road to the Cheltenham Festival, horse racing fans are building their anticipation for one of the most prestigious events on the calendar. Last year saw the return of a full-capacity crowd after the coronavirus pandemic, and it was refreshing to see packed out stands and plenty of fans checking Paddy Power horse racing odds in the hopes of picking a winner. 

There’s still a few weeks until the festival gets underway at the famous Prestbury Park, and with a few more events still to come at Leopardstown and Lingfield plenty of changes could happen between now and Champion Day. However, there are several horses already being tipped as firm favourites across Cheltenham’s action-packed four-day schedule. With that in mind, read on as we take a look at a few antepost favourites for races at this year’s Cheltenham Festival. 

Singing Banjo – Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase

After last year’s Cross Country Chase saw the heart-breaking end to Tiger Roll’s career, many would assume eventual winner Delta Work would be the favourite for this year’s race, but the five-time Grade One winner is predicted to be upstaged by Singing Banjo. The Barry John Walsh-trained veteran is in the twilight of his racing career at 13 years old, yet will want to go out with a bang at Cheltenham having run Delta Work close at Punchestown to make up for a disappointing showing at Tattersalls Farm back in October. Their rematch certainly looks to be an exciting watch. 

Paisley Park – Stayers’ Hurdle

Looking at the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle, those planning to make a bet on Cheltenham Festival top jockey will want to keep an eye on Aidan Coleman as an outsider, especially when he’s aboard Paisley Park. The 11-year-old goes into Thursday’s St Patrick’s day on the back of Grade One success at Kempton in the Long Walk Hurdle and a second-place finish at Newbury, finishing strongly but ultimately coming up short to the experienced Nicky Henderson and Champ. That consistency could be enough for Paisley Park to get the job done at Cheltenham though, coming in at 10/1 at the time of writing with competition from Teahupoo and Klassical Dream. 

Jonbon – Arkle Challenge Trophy

It’s no surprise that Henderson’s name has already been mentioned on this list. The six-time Champion trainer is a stalwart of the Cheltenham Festival, and will be confident in Jonbon’s chances of winning the Arkle Challenge Trophy.

“Perfect – you couldn’t have hoped for more,” Henderson said, having sung the seven-year-old’s praises after victory back in November’s Warwick win. “It was a good test. Those are good fences down the back – they have to be jumped. This isn’t a racecourse to take lightly over fences for a novice – there are easier – and he was pretty flawless there.”

He’ll want to improve on the narrow defeat to Construction Hill in last year’s Grade 1 Novice’s Hurdle, after making significant progress in the 10 months that have followed. Racing in the Arkle against Willie Mullin-trained Dysart Dynamo and 8/1 Appreciate It, few would look past 11/8 Jonbon when it comes to a maiden Cheltenham victory this time around.