Tony Keenan's Three Best Bets For Cheltenham 2025
An expert panel assembled for the recent Racehour Cheltenham preview night, including leading Irish tipster Tony Keenan.
A columnist with Sporting Life, Keenan is an Irish racing specialist, and he has put forward three horses he believes can run well at the Festival this year.
Some of these are currently priced at big odds with betting sites, meaning punters have a chance to make a big profit from his selections.
Here, Keenan discusses his selections and why he believes the trio can run big races in 2025.
Monday, March 11 - 15:20 - Mares' Hurdle
Kala Conti
Winning the Mares' Hurdle has become a little easier with the news that Brighterdaysahead will take on Constitution Hill in the Champion Hurdle.
There are still question marks around which race Lossiemouth will run in, but the path has been opened for a big-priced mare with betting apps to spring a surprise.
One such runner is Gordon Elliott's Kala Conti, who Keenan believes has a good chance of making the frame at a generous price of 14/1.
"I think this race is going to be won by a mare rated somewhere near 145, and I think Kala Conti is that," he said of the four-time hurdle winner.
"July Flower is popular, but I think she and Kala Conti should be around the same price. At Leopardstown over Christmas, they were very similar.
"I think at double-figure odds she is the wrong price."
Friday, March 14 - 15:20 - Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle
Flicker Of Hope
On the final day of the meeting, punters will still be battling horse racing betting sites, and Keenan believes that Flicker Of Hope can reward followers in the Albert Bartlett.
Trained by Mark Fahey, the six-year-old has performed well in Listed company this season but still has a bit to find with the market leaders.
Despite this, Keenan has a feeling that the 16/1 chance has the potential to improve.
"This horse has been handicapped and trained for around two miles, but he is not a two-miler.
"He has won four from six since going beyond two and a half miles.
"It was a really tough performance to win at Navan before Christmas."
Friday, March 14 - 17:20 - Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle
Blaze The Way
The biggest-priced tip from Keenan, Blaze The Way, is a 33/1 shot for the final race of the week.
Cheltenham Festival-winning trainer Mags Mullins' charge also holds an entry for the Coral Cup, but the Irish tipster can see the seven-year-old outrunning his odds in the Martin Pipe.
His form doesn't stand out compared to some of his rivals, but he seems to have a decent handicap mark for his first appearance at the Festival.
"This horse started out in Graded races but couldn't jump," he said of the Mullins runner. "Since they have gone up in trip he has sharpened up.
"Because he has had a few handicap runs, he hasn't been hammered by the UK handicapper, and I do like a stayer in the Martin Pipe."
Keenan was not the only tipster on the panel at the Racehour preview night, and they had several best bets for the handicap races at the meeting.
Jockey, Darragh O'Keeffe was another to give his thoughts on the festival. The Irishman is set to partner some talented horses in 2025, and he provided his four best bets for the Festival.
