The 2025 Cheltenham Festival, galloping into action from March 11-14, is fast approaching, and Tom Segal – the legendary Pricewise – has dropped his top bets, sending punters into a frenzy.
In the Racing Post’s Unibet-sponsored preview, Segal unveiled his value-hunting flair, pinpointing picks like Feat of a Dancer at a boosted 16/1 and The New Lion at 9/4 to deliver glory across handicaps and novices’ races.
With 28 races over four days, here’s how Segal’s plotting a Cheltenham coup – and why his bold calls could pay off big.
The Nap of the Week: Feet of a Dancer’s Pertemps Promise
Segal’s festival nap is Feet of a Dancer in the Pertemps Final (14:40, March 13), boosted by Unibet from 12/1 to 16/1.
“Everything stacks up for her,” he declared, unleashing a 60-second pitch that’s pure Pricewise: fresh off a standout Leopardstown qualifier over Christmas, trained by Mags Mulliner – a 2021 Pertemps winner – and primed for good ground.
“She’s best fresh, she’s been kept for this,” Segal insisted, his confidence rooted in her late surge at Leopardstown, where she outran seasoned stayers.
Facing Nicky Henderson’s East India Express (14/1) and Ed Nicholson’s Shanagh Bob (33/1) in the same race, it’s a bold call, but Segal lives for big prices.
“You want something decent when you’re napping,” he grinned, a nod to his history of unearthing handicap gems like Delta Work at 28/1.
Nicholson’s buzzing: “She’s trending – 16/1’s a steal.” Get on via Unibet’s specials page before the boost fades – this 3-mile Listed hurdle could be Segal’s Thursday triumph.
Novice Gold: The New Lion Roars in the Turners
Wednesday’s Turners Novices’ Hurdle (13:20, March 12) has Segal purring over The New Lion at 9/4.
“He’s from a different cloth,” he said, backing Dan Skelton’s charge to upset Ireland’s Final Demand (11/8).
“He’s a potential Champion Hurdle horse – very fast,” Segal argued, his faith forged in The New Lion’s early-season Newbury win over 2 miles, a performance that left rivals floundering.
“The pecking order’s unclear, but he’s the one,” he asserted, dismissing Final Demand as a “staying chaser” better suited to longer trips.
It’s a British breakthrough bet – Segal’s unfazed by Ireland’s 18-9 win tally last year. “He’ll kick off Wednesday with a bang,” he predicted, eyeing a Grade 1 scalp over eight hurdles.
Paul Kealy’s on board: “He’s too fast for them – Skelton’s got him spot-on.” Nicholson noted market faith: “9/4’s holding, punters smell a winner.”
The New Lion’s speed could turn Day 2 into Segal’s goldmine.
Handicap Hunch: Wodhooh’s Martin Pipe Magic
Segal’s Friday fancy is Wodhooh (5/1) in the Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle (17:20, March 14). “She could be top class,” he enthused, spotlighting her unbeaten record and a December Cheltenham romp over Joyeux and Take No Chances at 2 miles.
“She was really impressive from the last to the line—first run of the season,” he noted, her late kick raising hairs on his neck.
Connections mulled a Mares’ Hurdle supplement before settling here – Segal sees pure value: “She’s a Pricewise classic – underrated, overpriced.”
Against Copc de Mai (3/1), Unibet’s hot favourite after a Supreme flirtation, Wodhooh’s a gem.
“If she runs, I fancy her strongly,” he doubled down, his hunch backed by her light campaign – three starts, three wins.
David Jennings grinned, “It’s Segal’s wheelhouse – Friday’s hers.” With a £75,000 purse on the line, this handicap could cap his week with magic.
Beyond the Favourites: Segal’s Festival Radar
Segal’s not just chasing long shots – he’s got eyes on the big guns.
He tipped Golden Ace (6/1) as his Tuesday best for the Mares’ Hurdle (15:20, March 11): “Perfect for her – huge chance,” he said, citing her Brighterdaysahead scalp last year.
The Ryanair Chase (15:20, March 13) sees him favour Protektorat (6/1) over the “really bad price” Fact to File (6/4): “He’s solid, likes Cheltenham,” Segal said of the defending champ, shrugging off Fact’s hype.
Even in the Gold Cup (16:00, March 14), he’s not sold on Galopin Des Champs (2/5) alone, eyeing Banbridge (9/2) on good ground: “He’s got speed—could nick it.” Watch Constitution Hill’s brilliance for a taste of festival form:
“Constitution Hill’s a punt – I’m not confident, but I want him,” he admitted, heart on sleeve.
The Pricewise Philosophy: Value Over Hype
What sets Segal apart? His knack for sniffing out value where others chase hype.
“I like keeping races back – give yourself a chance on the day,” he quipped, skipping the Grand Annual to stay fresh.
Feet of a Dancer’s freshness, The New Lion’s speed, Wodhooh’s upside – each pick’s a calculated punt, honed by decades of Pricewise coups.
“You don’t bet the obvious – find the edge,” he explained, a mantra that’s landed him legends like Corach Rambler at 10/1.
Check the latest Cheltenham odds at Unibet – his bets sync with non-runner no bet offers, slashing risk for high reward. “It’s about logic—heart’s just a bonus,” he said, balancing sentiment with strategy.
Nicholson’s market hums: “Segal’s picks move lines – punters trust him.” From 16/1 naps to 9/4 bankers, his philosophy’s a beacon – value trumps all.
Ground and Glory: Segal’s Weather Watch
Weather shapes Segal’s picks – soft early, drying by Friday. “Feet needs good ground and Thursday’s drying helps,” he said, banking on a firming New Course.
The New Lion “flies on quick – soft slows him,” while Wodhooh “loves a fast track—Friday’s ideal.”
Golden Ace and Protektorat thrive here too, Banbridge’s Gold Cup shot hinges on sunshine. “Ground’s half the battle,” he mused, a nod to his 2019 Pentland Hills (20/1) upset on good turf. Kealy agreed: “He reads it right—weather’s his ally.”
Segal’s Cheltenham Coup: Glory Awaits?
Will Segal’s picks deliver? “Feet’s my nap – 16/1’s gold,” he insisted, doubling down on Thursday.
“The New Lion starts Wednesday hot – 9/4’s a lock,” he predicted, while “Wodhooh caps it—5/1’s a steal.”
On March 11-14, 28 races test his radar as Golden Ace, Protektorat, Banbridge round out a festival feast. “It’s value over hype – always,” he grinned, his edge sharp as ever. With Unibet’s boosts, ride the Pricewise wave, glory’s in reach. Which Segal pick’s your winner?
