Cheltenham Festival 2026 - Tuesday

 We are here already. The 361 day pilgrimage has met its end. The summit of the mountain has been reached. The sea crossed. The plane has landed. It's Cheltenham baby!

I will be taking up my pitch in the Best Mate once again for all 4 days (and a trip to Kempton on Saturday is pencilled in too). I'll be down the the pub on Saturday and it will either be a night of celebration or an damp evening in which to sink my sorrows. Boy I love it!

13:20, Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle

Old Park Star 5/2, 2pts win
El Cairos 8/1, 1pt win

Class. This is about a decent renewal of a curtain raiser as you could hope for. It's stacked with potential. You have to start with the Irish goliath that is Willie Mullins. His hopes seem to lay mainly with Mighty Park. Not many Supreme winners have been so lightly raced but the 5 year old son of Walk In The Park dismantled the field on his sole hurdle run at Fairyhouse in January, looking potentially top class. It's hard to know what he achieved that day though as not many others made much attempt to get into the race and the worry must be inexperience here. He will need to be a worldy to take this. Paul Townend rides Leader Dallier who hacked up last time out at Punchestown after finding Ballyfad too good on his Irish debut. He won plenty in France for previous connections and looks like one who will be equipped for this test. The stable has brought runners with more in the form book to this before and it may be that this year passes him by however. Sober Glory has only tasted defeat once in his career (a line can be put through that) but he has dotted up on every start since, looking very smart. The worry is that he's been winning at a much lower level than this and won't be allowed to dominate. Mydaddypaddy was ante-post favourite for this before Christmas but couldn't get the job done at Aintree when pitched into a Grade 1. He's better than that though and this race will be run to suit. He's got stacks of potential and I'm sure the stable will have him ready to show a career best but the worry is that the form isn't as strong as others here. Talk The Talk is the only Grade 1 winner in this race and must hold a big chance. He does take some chances at his hurdles though (fell at Christmas) and has looked an improved horse when faced with a softer surface. He's a smooth traveller but he may end up wanting more of a trip than this and the ground is a bit of an unknown for all he could just outclass these. Talking of class, El Cairos has oozed class since sent hurdling. He was going to dot up first time out for Gordon Elliott before falling at the last and nearly did the same at Thurles last time out before easing away head in chest. He's all speed and the forecast ground has come right for him. He has experience from the Bumper last year to call upon and he has a little bit of star potential about him. We have no idea where the limit lies and he's a bigger price than Mighty Park. This could all be elementary however, as Nicky Henderson knows how to win this race and sends out the clear favourite in Old Park Star here. A revelation since sent hurdling the 6 year old son of Well Chosen looked classy at Kempton in the Autumn before routing his opponents here over Christmas and then smashing up the field again in the Rossington Main. You can quibble with the form but not the manner of victory and course form (albeit the New Course) is always a positive. He's got such an abundance of class and stamina at this trip that he could have everything in trouble approaching the last and he must be in the list to get the week off to a flyer. 

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14:00, Singer Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices' Chase

Lulamba 13/8, 3pts win

This is what this week is all about. A British superstar taking on an Irish one. It's Mullins v Henderson, Townend v de Boinville. Potential v Experience. Kopek Des Bordes v Lulamba. Don't get me wrong, Kargese is a top class mare who will have a chance for all she doesn't have the wow factor of her stablemate and Steel Ally is a slick jumper who has yet to taste defeat over larger obstacles. But I feel that the stage is set for a titanic tussle. Kopek Des Bordes looked a superstar last season and couldn't have looked any more impressive on chasing debut in the Autumn. He's been off 113 days however and that has to be a worry. While he's been off, Lulamba has been sweeping all before him. He ate up the ground from the pond fence at Sandown in December, steaming up the hill. That was good but the way he moved clear from his opponents at Newbury on terrible ground after plenty went wrong was plenty impressive as well. It's a real humdinger this but preference is for Nicky Henderson's 5 year old to take the beating here. 

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14:40, McCoy Contractors Juvenile Handicap Hurdle

Winston Junior 11/2, 3pts win
Glen To Glen 8/1, 2pts win

The Fred Winter is always one of the best betting races of the week and it's got a new slot here, being the 3rd race up. Saratoga has been on everyone's lips for the past few weeks and he must have a chance on handicap debut. He'll enjoy the better ground and could be chucked in on flat ability. He's on a stiff enough mark considering he hasn't actually got his head in front however and perhaps doesn't look as classy as last year's winner in these colours. Manlaga and Mustang De Breuil also represent J P McManus (both for Nicky Henderson) and must hold chances but preference is for impressive Ascot winner, Winston Junior. The son of Churchill built on his hurdles debut at Fontwell to finish second on this course behind Triumph hope Minella Study. He travelled like a classy horse that day and was unlucky not to finish closer. It all came together at Ascot the last day when he bolted up and a mark of 131 looks readily exploitable. Glen To Glen represents Joseph O'Brien who has farmed this race recently and must also hold a good chance. He was 4th at Royal Ascot last year but hasn't had the ground this winter. He won last time out however, and that was a good effort all things considered. 

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15:20, Trustmarque Ultima Handicap Chase

Johnnywho 12/1, 2pts win
Resplendent Grey 20/1, 1pt each-way (5 places)

This is difficult. Jagwar heads the betting to double up at Festivals but has let down favourite backers the last twice and hopes are pinned on a step up in trip. This is a tough race to try the trip however and doesn't look much value. Iroko is the class horse in the race but must defy top weight in one of the seasons toughest races. Myretown must have a chance of taking this race again but his jumping is really starting to let him down and it's unlikely he'll be given a freebie in front again. Hyland and Handstands both hold chances too but have to bounce back to form. Another who must bounce back is Johnnywho for the same owner as the front two in the market. Jonjo O'Neill must be frustrated that he has yet to get a big win into the 9 year old but let's not forget how he came there swinging in the Kim Muir last year only to get chinned on the line. He's the type who relishes a big field test and he has plenty of experience now. He likes the track and it could be that in first time cheekpieces it all comes together here. It would be some story. At bigger odds Olly Murphy's Resplendent Grey was talked about as a potential Gold Cup horse early in the year and was well fancied for the Coral Gold Cup but got left at the start. He's since run well behind Protektorat at Windsor and comes into this a relatively fresh horse. It's not forgotten how he came from the clouds to win at Sandown and could be mowing them all down late. 

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16:00, Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy

The New Lion 3/1, 2.5pts win

Not one of the best Champion Hurdles ever run but it's an intriguing renewal nonetheless. Lossiemouth finally runs in the big one after taking the Mares' Hurdle for the past 2 years. Connections may feel it's a winnable race and she does look to be the horse with the best form book but hasn't looked at ease when facing the best of the best over this trip in the past and I just wonder if connections think she will need to be right up there with them turning in to win, and hence why they've plumped for headgear. She must have a massive chance of landing a festival 4 timer nonetheless. Brighterdaysahead downed her in the Irish Champion Hurdle last month and although value for the win, Gordon Elliott's mare doesn't have the best Cheltenham record and may be better over further at this trip. Golden Ace must be mentioned again and will run her race but it's unlikely things will pan out so well again. Alexei isn't without a chance either for all he'll need to step up again but it's Dan Skelton's The New Lion who gets the vote. He is a horse who always finds masses for pressure and that will stand him in good stead here. He won at the festival last year and would have learned a lot for the Fighting Fifth for all he fell late on. This track will suit more, so too will a strongly run affair on nice ground. He showed he has a turn of foot last time out when he needs it and while others have had brutal campaigns, he's been kept nice a fresh to peak when it matters. Huge chance of claiming a first Champion Hurdle for the Skeltons.

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16:40, Sun Racing Plate Handicap Chase

Down Memory Lane 9/1, 2pts win

Madara has been well touted for this since finishing 2nd at Kempton last month and must have a big chance here for the Skelton's but I can't help remembering how she's been beaten when a short price over this course and distance before. It's an open race but Gordon Elliott must hold a good chance with Down Memory Lane for JP. I remember seeing him finish behind Leau Du Sud at Sandown last season and he really did poke your eye out. He's a horse who's shaped as though there's a big run in him and it could be that he's a proper graded horse in a handicap here.

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17:20, National Hunt Challenge Cup Novices' Handicap Chase

Wade Out 8/1, 2pts each-way (5 places)
King Of Answers 14/1, 1.5pts each-way (5 places)

One of the more fiendish handicaps to end the day. Newton Tornado will likely go well for last year's winning trainer if going on the ground while King Of Answers has looked a proper stayer in his runs to date this season. The suspicion is that top weight Wade Out could sweep past them all however. Olly Murphy has already got a course win into the 7 year old and he will have learned plenty for the run at Windsor the last day. He doesn't travel well, which is why stronger headgear is now applied and he'll require another Sean Bowen masterclass but connections have aimed him at this race all season and he looks the type who will find bundles of improvement for the step up to marathon trips. 

Sandown - Saturday 7th March

13:50, European Breeders' Fund Betfair 'National Hunt' Novices' Handicap Hurdle Final

Tennessee Tango 14/1, 2pts win (already advised ante-post)
Fortune Timmy 14/1, 2pts win (NON-RUNNER)
Cinquenta 11/1, 2pts win

Unfortunately, Fortune Timmy is a non-runner here which is a shame. Tennessee Tango goes however, and I still believe he has strong chances now sent handicapping. Another to add to the list is Jamie Snowden's Cinquenta. I was worried that he may find the ground a bit lively as he's a big old horse with some knee action but the hurdles course retains soft in the description and he looks like a type who will love this test for last season's winning connections. 

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14:27, Betfair Imperial Cup Handicap Hurdle

Rubber Ball 10/1, 2pts win (already advised ante-post)
We're Red And Blue 25/1, 1pt each-way (6 places)

Rubber Ball is still a strong fancy and is now a good bit shorter than he was at the start of the week. At bigger odds, We're Red And Blue has a chance. He was almost leading jumping the last in this 12 months ago before fading up the hill. He's a fresher horse this time around having not run since early January and he's been in good form. Runs off a low weight and his experience could start to pay dividends now. 

Ante-Post, Sandown - Saturday 7th March

13:50, European Breeders' Fund Betfair 'National Hunt' Novices' Handicap Hurdle Final

Fortune Timmy 12/1, 2pts win
Tennessee Tango 14/1, 2pts win

This is always one of the best punting races outside of the major spring festivals and this year looks no different. Entries came out today and the EBF Final again looks stacked full of potential improvers and lovely types for the future but the test is to try and find who's here for today. Chris Gordon's Fortune Timmy hacked up at Fontwell earlier in the season and he's gone in again there since. Fontwell has a stiff hill finish, like Sandown, and he's now got some nice experience of clambering up one. He's been beaten on his two starts away from the South Coast. The first defeat came at Kempton but he wasn't disgraced behind Supreme favourite Old Park Star that day on a sharp track over 2 miles. The other defeat came last time out at Cheltenham over a similar distance to this. He travelled well but was passed coming to the final fence by the eventual front two. What I liked is how he kept battling up the hill and the leaders didn't gain any more ground on him. Both those horses are nice types and the runner up that day had previously beaten Call Me Hugo who won the Morebattle at Kelso at the weekend. The form is there for all to see. He'll be near the head of the weights but one further down to note is Joe Tizzard's Tennessee Tango. He's always looked a lovely type even from his bumper days but it's fair to say he's taken time to come to himself. He was entered up in a handicap last month but connections swerved it and went for an easy win at Plumpton instead, perhaps keen to have a good crack at this race. He's a big galloping type who should relish this test and this will be his first go at a trip longer than 2 miles. 

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14:27, Betfair Imperial Cup Handicap Hurdle

Rubber Ball 10/1, 2pts win

The early entries again look strong for the Imperial Cup and Khrisma would be a short priced favourite if lining up, for all she has questions to answer. So too does Mondo Man who would also be near the front end of the market. At slightly bigger odds is Neil King's Rubber Ball. He won at Newbury on Saturday but the trainer indicated he'd be keen to turn the strapping 6 year old out again in this and it could be wise to strike while the iron is hot. Rubber Ball hadn't done a thing right this season before winning last time out but he won well and ran through the line as if he would relish a stiffer track like Sandown. He was smashed off the boards last time out and with the stable in such hot form it may be wise to take a price now. 

Newbury - Saturday 28th February

I will be in Berkshire on Saturday and have a selection for all 7 races to end February (which I must say I'm glad to see the back of!). 

13:35, Simple Boost Tokens Now At BetVictor Conditional Jockeys' Novices' Handicap Hurdle

Treasure Planet 5/1, 2pts win

Paul Nicholls' youngster (a recruit from the flat) ran well to finish 4th behind a couple with Cheltenham aspirations at Wetherby in the Autumn before dismissing his rivals with disdain on his next start. It all went wrong at Aintree in December but he was keen that day and the soft ground probably wouldn't have suited. He's back on a sounder surface here and the experience from last time won't be lost on the son of Footstepsinthesand. 

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14:10, BetVictor Favourite Things, Bet Boosts Handicap Hurdle

Melon 8/1, 2pts win

Doctor Blue looked a young horse to follow last year but it's all gone a bit wrong of late and he doesn't rate a punting prospect yet. Brentford Hope has had another good season and should go close for all the ground may be lively enough for him. One at odds against the front market is Melon who will be ridden for the first time by Jonjo O'Neill since they finished 3rd at Cheltenham in the Autumn. The 5 year old can be forgiven a poor run at Windsor last time out as not all horses take to the track and he's still very lightly raced. He too may be better on a softer surface but it was decent ground when he ran well at Cheltenham and is off the same mark here in what will be a slightly less competitive affair. 

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14:40, BetVictor Now Non Runner No Bet Novices' Limited Handicap Chase

Noble Park 5/1, 2pts win

Rodney has been progressive this season and is respected in search of the 4 timer but he's now 22 pounds higher than the first of those wins and this looks like a fair race. Mon Champion is respected now that he's got his act together and could improve for the step up in trip for all the ex-French performer would have preferred a softer surface. Preference instead is for Nicky Henderson's Noble Park. The 7 year old bolted up at Lingfield in November but it hasn't been plain sailing since. He disappointed at Kempton on Boxing Day but never really travelled that day and put in a better performance when 3rd at Doncaster last time out on his first go at 3 miles. He was put in his place by a decent horse that day and trying to win the race cost him 2nd place. He's of interest now back down in trip and returned to a softer surface. He still looks like he'll be competitive off this mark and returned to optimum conditions he should run well. 

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15:15, 1 Up, Job Done At BetVictor Veterans' Handicap Chase

Our Power 7/1, 2pts win

Another veteran's race that looks wide open with plenty holding chances. Brave Kingdom is of serious interest here and could build on his 2nd place at Taunton last time out while Eldorado Allen continues to run well in these races and is back at a track he runs well at. Preference though is for Sam Thomas's Our Power. Last Spring he finished 3rd in both the Ladbrokes Trophy at Kempton and the Scottish National at Ayr of a higher mark. It's not been great this season so far but he's always looked like a horse who improves for better ground and a bit of Spring air. He's very well treated on old form now and looks worth chancing here. 

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15:45, BetVictor Greatwood Gold Cup Handicap Chase

Vincenzo 11/4, 2pts win

A par renewal of the Greatwood Gold Cup with a competitive look to it. Paul Nicholls always likes to have a runner in this and Twinjets looks to go well in search of another course win but has to lug 12 stone around here. Issam won well at Kempton and is improving but the ground may be quick enough for him and he tends to get a bit outpaced in his races. Heltenham won this 2 years ago and is again looking well weighted but needs a return to form here. It could be that Vincenzo gains revenge for being downed by Booster Bob 12 months ago. He's higher in the weights 12 months on but it's a slightly more winnable renewal now and he's in the form of his life. 

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16:23, Simple Racing Specials Daily At BetVictor Handicap Hurdle

Just A Rose 12/1, 2pts win

Huffin And A Puffin ran a remarkable race off such a long break to win at Doncaster last time out and could progress on to better things but the bounce factor is a worry. Lucky Bere is in great form but the ground here could be lively enough for him and although Tour Ovalie has a great course record, this may not set up quite as well for her. Instead at the prices it could be that Just A Rose represents value for Paul Nicholls. The mare looked top class when bolting up on debut last season before finding the Dawn Run all too much. She ran OK on seasonal debut but put in no sort of run in the Lanzarote last time out. The fact connections pitched her in that suggests she's still well thought off and this is much easier. It's likely that she'll appreciate the sounder surface and if she's back to her best she is very capable of taking this. 

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16:58, OLBG Mares' Open NH Flat Race

Princess Day 11/4, 2pts win

Malina Road deserves to be favourite after winning at Listed level at Market Rasen but Princess Day won very nicely on rules debut at Chepstow in December despite being mightily green up the home straight. She's entitled to build on that and if she does, she could take plenty of beating in this. 

Wetherby - Thursday 26th February

16:45, Racing TV For The Cheltenham Festival Mares' Handicap Hurdle

Laysoft 4/1, 2pts win

There must be a good chance that Laysoft has been let off lightly with a mark of 101 considering the company she's been keeping so far this season. Yes, she's been well beaten the last couple of times but by classy opposition and she's now handicapping off a feather weight here. 

Wincanton - Wednesday 25th February

15:20, Albert Bartlett Triple Crown Series Handicap Hurdle

Hans Lippershey 20/1, 1pt each-way (4 places)

Ben Case's hasn't managed a win yet but he's fairly weighted off a mark of 109 considering he's run in some pretty decent races to date so far. He's stepping up in trip on handicap debut here and could improve plenty for it. 

Kempton re-cap (Saturday 21st Feb)

13:10, Ladbrokes 'New Horse Racing Bet Builder' Handicap Hurdle

I managed to get on Olly Murphy's Hold The Serve at 3/1 on Friday, thinking that he'll shorten up. He did shorten up into 15/8 but so too did Grenadier Jed who opened up at 7/1 and was punted down to 7/4 fav at one point before drifting out to a 9/4 SP. Hold The Serve ran on well up the home straight to get the better of Royal Infantry with Grenadier Jed a fast finishing 3rd. The winner is a 3 mile chaser of the future but could go in again yet over hurdles before this season is out, maybe over 3 miles at Aintree. As for Grenadier Jed, a mid race flat spot cost him his chance and he may be suited to a more open track. Royal Infantry has proven he can mix it from his mark and ran well considering the poor stable form. The win made sure that I couldn't lose on the day, which was a huge boost to confidence after the disaster at Ascot last Saturday. 

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13:46, Ladbrokes Adonis Juvenile Hurdle

If it wasn't for the dismal stable form, I'd of made Precious Man a decent bet here but in the end I decided to leave the ran alone. I had it in the back of my mind that La Luna Artista could go close though but missed the early price and had to duly sit and watch Jane Williams's filly romp home (stable going well). Precious Man suffered a fatal fall at 2 out and although hard pushed, you couldn't say the race was over for all the winner looked likely to come out on top. It was a very sad postscript to the race and connections must be devastated to lose such a promising young horse. The winner won well enough in the end to have her trainer pondering bigger things for all it sounded as though Cheltenham will come too soon. Imagine Aintree will be on the agenda. One Horse Town ran well considering he couldn't get to the front due to the free going French raider but I imagine Harry Derham will see the Triumph as a bit of a free hit anyway. One who is unlikely to head to Prestbury Park is Nicky Henderson's Fantasy World. A big money buy who just hasn't looked to have the gears at 2 miles over obstacles. If they want to continue in this code, he may have to go up in trip. 

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14:25, Ladbrokes Pendil Novices' Chase

This race was late off due to the injury to Precious Man but they did well to make up time in the end. I thought Jax Junior would take the world of beating here as it looked a poor Pendil but I missed the even money and didn't want to get involved at odds-on so instead decided to have him in a double with one in the Ladbrokes Trophy later on (more on that later). Go West looked the main threat, if given a solo on the front end, and he was traveling well before banking into the last open ditch and that was his race over. From thereon in, it was plain sailing for Lucy Wadham's progressive young chaser and he won well in the end. He looks better at this trip but connections are entitled to have a go at the Arkle nonetheless and he's capable of being in the first 5. The Paddy Power could be a big early target next season. 

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15:00, Ladbrokes Dovecote Novices' Hurdle

This was the race I got most involved in on the day. I made Klub De Reve a decent bet here and managed to get enough on at 9/2. He duly bolted up over course and distance in a decent novice on Boxing Day and it spoke volumes that connections were keen to target this. Nicky Henderson and JP's Mustang Du Breuil was being well backed and I managed to get on at 3/1 to make the French import a winner in the book, albeit not as big. It ate into likely profits but when the market speaks so well for a Henderson youngster it's best to keep them onside. In the end Harry Derham's 6 year old ran out a clear winner and it will be interesting to see if he takes up his entry in the Supreme or waits for Aintree, either way he'll be a lovely chaser in time. Chris Gordon's Kocktail Bleu bounced back to form here and could land a big handicap if he keeps his progression up. Mustang Du Breuil ran on well from an unpromising position up the straight, he lost the race when he dropped back through the pack at the half way point. He's clearly talented and will win more races. I was now well up for the day heading into the big race. 

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15:35, Ladbrokes Trophy Handicap Chase

I had spied that Lookaway was freely available at 20/1 mid-week for this and very nearly had some money on, but in the back of my mind he'd be at least 14/1 on the day given I didn't really believe he had enough in hand from the handicapper to claim a race like this. When I saw he was no better that 8/1 by the morning of the race I had no choice to take him on and did so all day while he shorted. I considered Anthony Honeyball's Kdeaux Saint Fray the most likely winner and had him in a double with Jax Junior that paid about 12/1. Both of Emmett Mullins' runners were backed at double digit odds as well and a saver was invested on Katat Dori in case he managed to back up last year's win. In the end I had plenty laid out on the race but had to sit and suffer while Neil King's likeable 9 year old Lookaway fended off all challengers up the straight to run out a game winner. I'm not sure where he will go from here, maybe Aintree, but it doesn't matter after winning such a big prize. Doyen Chief ran on well to finish 2nd and connections must be delighted with him. I imagine it will all be about coming back here in 12 months time to go one better. Kdeaux Saint Fray ran well to finish 3rd but was ultimately outstayed. He's worth continuing with at the trip before going back down in distance as this was a hot race to have a first go at 3 miles in. Hoe Joly Smoke moved well throughout but found little like many of the stable's runners are at the moment and he should be considered for wherever he's going later on. Neither of the Irish horses ran well and that was disappointing. I was still in front for the day but this had put a bit of a dent in profits. 

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16:05, 'Join Ladbrokes Bet 5 Get 30' Handicap Chase

I made this a 2 horse race between Bad and Califet En Vol. In the end the Henderson horse looked to have way more up his sleeve from a handicapping point of view so made sure I had enough on at 9/4 to win back the losses from the last race. A saver was laid on Bad and off we went. In the end it was pretty nice watching throughout and although Viroflay made a fight of it up the straight, de Boinville always looked to have matters in hand. I couldn't say where the winner will go now but he's progressive and should be kept on side whereas Bad is now looking poorly handicapped. 

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16:40, Ladbrokes 'Best Odds Guaranteed On Racing' Open NH Flat Race

I was back where I was before the big race and although the last race looked pretty open (as it should for a classy bumper with decent prize money) I made Jane Williams' Merlin Allen a fair bet at 7/2. He ran well and looked the likely winner turning in but couldn't match the finishing effort of Fine Shot who won well in the end for the King and Queen. He's a horse going places off the back of this whilst the runner up, Rattlin Home, was pick of the paddock and will make a lovely chaser in time. He finished fast to fill out the runner up spot and considering the stable form this effort should be marked up. He'll likely win wherever he goes next whilst I wouldn't discount Merlin Allen next time out either. 

In the end it was a profitable day and despite a few losers at Chepstow (Don't Tell Rosie was a gutter), I made back most of what was lost at Ascot last week. I go into the end of February just a nose in profit for the year so far after what has been a bruising month on the whole. It's important to keep the confidence in this game however and I'm happier ending the month in a bit of form than doing it the other way round with Cheltenham just around the corner. I will be at Newbury on Friday and Saturday this weekend for what is usually a decent couple days worth of action.