Coral's Cheltenham Festival 2025 tips for day one's races

With a wide-open field, we're backing the favourite, Katate Dori, at 15/2 for the Ultima Handicap Chase.

Sam Thomas' runner has been strong in previous handicap contests and looks well-suited for Cheltenham's challenging conditions. Given the unpredictable nature of this race, Katate Dori represents solid value at those odds, or even for an each-way.

The Mares' Hurdle looks set to be another Willie Mullins masterclass, so for a straight win punt, we're suggesting Lossiemouth as the odds-on favourite

She’s had a solid run of form in recent months and is the heavy front-runner for a reason.

While Constitution Hill dominates the betting for the Champion Hurdle, we're picking State Man at 11/1 for an each-way. The Willie Mullins-trained horse has shown flashes of brilliance this season and could capitalise if the favourite's form slips again.

In the Juvenile Handicap Hurdle, we like the look of the favourite Stencil at 10/3.

He’s been steadily improving throughout the season and comes into the race on the back of several impressive showings as the favourite. Backing him to win, even though he's the front-runner, looks a smart play.

The closing race of the day sees us back Transmission at 4/1 to win the National Hunt. With strong stamina and excellent late-race acceleration, this horse could provide the perfect finish to day one of Cheltenham Festival 2025.

View the latest Cheltenham Festival odds

All odds and markets correct as of date of publication.