The 2025 Cheltenham Festival, running from March 11-14, is a stage where favorites dominate the headlines, but it’s also where shrewd punters can strike gold by backing underrated contenders. One man who has built a reputation for unearthing festival gems is Tom Segal, the mastermind behind Pricewise.
In the Racing Post’s Unibet-sponsored preview, Segal identified three horses that could defy the odds—Feet Of A Dancer (Pertemps Final), Golden Ace (Tuesday’s Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle), and Malina Girl (Ultima Handicap Chase). Priced at 16/1, 6/1, and 25/1, respectively, these runners offer real value in a week dominated by short-priced favourites.
With Paul Kealy, David Jennings, Nicky Henderson, and Ed Nicholson debating the selections, the question remains: Will these underdogs shake up the Cotswolds, or will they remain in the shadows?
The Pertemps Plot: Feet Of A Dancer’s Freshness Could Prove Key
The Pertemps Final Handicap Hurdle (14:40, March 13) is one of the most competitive handicaps of the festival, but Segal believes Feet Of A Dancer has all the right attributes to win it. “She’s been trained specifically for this race,” Segal noted. “Freshness is a huge advantage at Cheltenham, and she’s coming in fresh.”
Trained by Paul Nolan, Feet Of A Dancer secured her place in the final with a strong performance in a Leopardstown qualifier over Christmas, where she powered through a three-mile slog, showing tremendous stamina and a turn of foot. “She’s lightly raced, and that’s a big plus,” Segal continued. “A lot of horses come into this race overexposed, but she’s been kept fresh for the big day.”
Against market leader The Wall Park (5/1), Feet Of A Dancer is available at 16/1—a price Segal believes is far too generous. “She carries a low weight and will love the drying ground,” he added. Explore Cheltenham odds—Unibet’s non-runner no bet locks in great value for her.
The Mares’ Masterstroke: Golden Ace’s Tuesday Tactic
Tuesday’s Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle (15:20, March 11) is shaping up to be a fascinating battle, and Golden Ace is a horse that Segal is particularly excited about. “Her Cheltenham form is rock solid,” he said. “She beat Brighter Days Ahead here last year, and that’s serious form.”
That two-length victory on soft ground cemented her status as a mare on the rise, and her recent win at Exeter suggests she is coming into peak form at the right time. With Brighter Days Ahead (7/4) rerouted to the Champion Hurdle and Lossiemouth (8/11) not a confirmed runner, Golden Ace could find herself in a much weaker renewal than expected.
“If the big names don’t show, she’s got a real chance,” Segal added. “She’s improving with every run and looks tailor-made for this test.” Kealy, however, issued a warning: “Willie Mullins has a strong hand with Jade de Grue (7/4), and you can never discount him.” Still, Segal is sticking to his guns. “She’s my first big bet of the week,” he said.
The Ultima Underdog: Malina Girl’s Stamina Could Sting the Field
The Ultima Handicap Chase (14:40, March 11) is notoriously difficult to win, but Segal believes Malina Girl is being overlooked. “She’s been there and done it at Cheltenham,” he pointed out. “She’s got the experience and the right profile for this kind of race.”
Malina Girl has shown strong form over staying trips, and her trainer, Gavin Cromwell, is a master at placing his horses for big handicaps. “She’s been trained with this race in mind,” Segal explained. “She hasn’t been over-raced, and that’s crucial for a Cheltenham handicap.”
At 25/1, she represents serious value, especially if the soft ground on Tuesday plays to her strengths. “She’ll handle soft, she’s battle-hardened, and she stays all day,” Segal noted. “If the favorites falter, she’s the one to take advantage.”
The Ground Factor: Will Conditions Favour Segal’s Sleepers?
The weather forecast could play a major role in how these selections perform:
- Golden Ace and Malina Girl both thrive on soft ground, which is expected on Tuesday.
- Feet Of A Dancer, however, would prefer drier conditions, making the forecasted midweek drying spell a big positive for her chances.
“If the rain lingers, that strengthens Golden Ace and Malina Girl’s cases,” Segal explained. “If it dries up by Thursday, Feet Of A Dancer will love it.”
The Rival Radar: Henderson’s Heavyweights Stand in the Way
While Segal’s festival dark horses offer great betting value, they face serious opposition from Nicky Henderson’s elite stable. His festival big guns include:
- Constitution Hill (Champion Hurdle, 7/4)
- Jonbon (Queen Mother Champion Chase, 11/10)
- Sir Gino (Triumph Hurdle, 5/2)
“These horses are proven Grade 1 winners,” Henderson stated. “It’s always tough to take them on.” One battle to watch is Golden Ace vs. Constitution Hill on Tuesday, as Segal’s sleeper takes on Henderson’s superstar hurdler.
The Panel’s Verdict: Can Segal’s Sleepers Deliver?
The panel was divided on Segal’s selections:
- Kealy: “Golden Ace has class—Jade de Grue is the danger.”
- Nicholson: “16/1, 6/1 are smart picks—Malina Girl’s a wildcard.”
- Jennings: “If Segal’s right, punters will have a big week.”
- Henderson: “My horses are favourites for a reason.”
Nicholson, however, remains confident. “Punters are backing these horses for a reason,” he insisted. “Kopek is solid, Shanagh Bob is progressive, and Home By The Lee is a grinder.”
Final Verdict: Will Segal’s Selections Strike Gold?
With Cheltenham known for producing big-priced winners, these outsiders could be the bets that make the festival.
- Golden Ace (6/1) – A serious contender for the Mares’ Hurdle.
- Feet Of A Dancer (16/1) – A well-plotted handicapper with a genuine chance in the Pertemps Final.
- Malina Girl (25/1) – A stamina-laden mare who could outrun her odds in the Ultima.
“They’re not obvious picks, but they could be the best bets of the week,” Segal concluded. Can Pricewise’s hidden gems shine at Cheltenham, or will they remain in the shadows?