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

After two thrilling days, Cheltenham promises more top-class action with day three’s card featuring the Ryanair Chase and Stayers’ Hurdle as marquee contests, alongside competitive handicaps.

Below are our expert tips for Day Three, blending likely winners with each-way value picks – all at Coral’s latest odds.

Sixandahalf (11/4) sets the standard as the favourite for the Mares' Novices' Hurdle after an impressive hurdles debut, but Willie Mullins holds a strong hand with Maughreen (15/2).

We’re siding with Maughreen, given Mullins’ record in this race and her excellent pedigree. For an each-way flutter, keep an eye on Aurora Vega, the Cheltenham legend Quevega’s daughter, who has been improving fast and could outrun her odds.

With Jagwar rerouted to the later Plate, the betting for the Novices' Handicap Chase is now led by Nurburgring (5/1) who gets our vote – Joseph O’Brien’s charge looks very well-handicapped and has solid festival form (fourth in last year’s Triumph).

If his jumping holds up, he can take advantage of this company. For each-way backers, Answer To Kayf (9/1) has the class to make the frame despite a small penalty, bringing graded quality into a handicap.

As always, the Pertemps Final is a wide-open betting heat. Jeriko Du Reponet (13/2) heads the Coral market after an eye-catching qualifying win and merits respect.

However, Will The Wise (8/1) appeals as the better value – he’s a strong stayer who has been laid out for this race and can peak today. Don’t rule out D’Art D’Art (7/1) as a lively each-way contender, with consistent handicap form that could see him outrun his odds in this big field.

Fact To File (5/4) is a red-hot favourite here, dropping back in trip after skipping a Gold Cup clash. Willie Mullins’ rising star was last year’s Brown Advisory winner and brings top-class form – he’s the one to beat.

For those seeking a bit more value, proven performers like Protektorat (6/1) shouldn’t be ignored for a place – last year’s winner is back to defend his crown and will pounce if the favourites falter.

Teahupoo (6/4) was a dominant winner of the 2024 Stayers’ and looks poised to defend his title. Gordon Elliott’s star stayer comes in off three wins in his last four and is hard to oppose at Coral’s odds-on price.

Among the dangers, Home By The Lee (13/2) has solid festival credentials and will relish a strong gallop, while Nicky Henderson’s up-and-comer Lucky Place (15/2) brings progressive form. The favorite Teahupoo remains the class act here, but expect a bold challenge from his closest rivals in this championship race.

The Plate Handicap Chase is typically ferociously competitive, and the presence of novice Jagwar (10/3) – switched here at the 11th hour – adds extra intrigue . Jordans (8/1) has been well backed too, coming off a smooth win and carrying high hopes.

That said, we’re looking for each-way value with Fugitif (18/1). A course specialist who finished runner-up in this race last year, Fugitif thrives over Cheltenham’s undulations and looks primed to outrun his odds. With a solid record in big-field chases, he’s a cracking bet to hit the frame against the less experienced novices.

The finale on Day Three, the Kim Muir Challenge Cup, often springs a surprise, but Midnight Our Fred (6/1) brings rock-solid credentials. A staying-on second in Leopardstown’s Paddy Power Chase over Christmas, he has the stamina and experience to go one better in the Kim Muir.

Johnnywho (10/1), who has the excellent Derek O’Connor booked – could end up being an interesting tip in itself. We’ll take Midnight Our Fred as our selection, confident he can finally get his festival win, while Johnnywho rates a big each-way threat for the green-and-gold team.

View the latest Cheltenham Festival odds

All odds and markets correct as of date of publication.