Cheltenham Festival 2024 tips: Five dark horses to follow and best bets at bigger odds

With so many short-priced favourites, there could be value among some of the lesser known horses at Cheltenham at huge odds in the betting. Here is a selection to consider from the first two days

With preparations complete and anticipation building for the 2024 Cheltenham Festival, it’s time to consider some bets.

But as master trainer Willie Mullins trains six favourites over the first two days, three of which are odds-on, there is not much value to be found amongst them.

Last year there were seven winning favourites on Tuesday and Wednesday but there was a 22-1 winner when Maskada won the Grand Annual, the last race on the second day.

With the fields declared for Tuesday and Wednesday, here are five dark horses to consider at each way odds at this year's Cheltenham Festival.

TUESDAY

Kings Hill - Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (1.30) 50-1
With Ballyburn waiting a day for his race, there is a more open look to this than had appeared likely, although Wille Mullins still has the first two in the betting. The race seems destined to head back to Ireland, but to which stable? Kings Hill hails from an unfashionable yard but trainer Paul John Gilligan has a Festival win to his name. Kings Hill caught the eye finishing fourth at Leopardstown over Christmas behind a horse that finished second to Tullyhill next time. He didn’t have to do much to lose his maiden tag next time and looks one who could outrun his big odds.

Lord Du Mesnil - Ultima Handicap Chase (2.50) 33-1
A veteran at 11 years of age but still a useful one. It’s three years since he won but he has remained admirably consistent. He goes well at Cheltenham too. He has run four times at the track, finishing third twice including in the 2020 National Hunt Chase. The most recent of those seconds was in December over what was probably an inadequate 2m4f. He has been dropped 5lb by the handicapper since and could go well again.

Mr Vanga - Maureen Mullins National Hunt Chase (5.30) 18-1
There won’t be a dry eye if Mr Vanga claims this marathon barely a week after the death of his Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning trainer Mark Bradstock. From limited opportunities Bradstock and wife Sara, who now holds the licence, have excelled with staying chasers and Mr Vanga could be their latest star. He got off the mark over fences at Exeter last month, winning by 60 lengths. He should give Gina Andrews a great steer round Chetltenham.

WEDNESDAY

Gemirande - Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Challenge Cup (4.50) 66-1
A horse on the up last season, when he won twice and was not outside the first three in six starts. He came back from nearly a year off to run at Newbury earlier this month. He was in contention up to the second last but was not given a hard time after lack of a run began to take its toll. If he can get back to last year’s level his odds could look generous.

Fleur Au Fusil - Weatherbys Champion Bumper (5.30) 20-1
With these horses in the early stages of their careers and their form untested, there is an element of guesswork around the betting for this race. Willie Mullins is responsible for nine and after son Patrick has first pick, Paul Townend has the next. They are not always right. Rachael Blackmore and Katie Walsh both won the race on Mullins runners and Jody Townend, sister of Paul, will be hoping to join them. She has won both starts on the mare Fleur Au Fusil, including a Grade 2 for Mares at the Dublin Racing Festival. She won despite pulling hard and the declaration of a first time hood should help the mare save all her energy for the finish.