Cheltenham Festival 2026 - Wednesday

 A few reverses yesterday (none more so than Winston Junior in the Fred Winter....) but old Johnnywho made sure it was a winning Tuesday. We head into Wednesday full of optimism!

13:20, Turners Novices' Hurdle

Ballyfad 10/1, 1.5pts each-way (4 places)

This is one of the best renewals of the Turners that I can remember. It is unheard of to get 22 runners. No Drama This End has looked impressive on all 3 starts since sent hurdling by Paul Nicholls and this strapping chasing sort has been kept fresh since taking the Challow at Newbury in December where he did it well despite having to make the running. This big field scenario will suit him better and he looked to enjoy the course when winning here earlier in the season. He should take plenty of beating but it's reflected in his price now. Act Of Innocence looked good when winning at Huntingdon and is respected for all he lacks a bit of star potential whilst Boss Man Jack is an unknown quantity for the Skelton's now pitched into the deep end after winning lower level races very easily. I'll Sort That and Skylight Hussle must be mentioned for Irish connections but Willie Mullins has a strong hand in this and will be feared by the British. Sober won at Royal Ascot last year and got the job done over hurdles on his sole run since. This race could set up well for him and he must have a big chance for all he lacks a bit of experience over obstacles. King Rasko Grey is the choice of Paul Townend and he looks talented but it is the horse who just finished in front of him the last day who could be the answer, Ballyfad. Gordon Elliott's 5 year old won 2 bumpers and a maiden hurdle at the back end of last year in increasingly impressive style. He then went and finished 2nd in a Grade 1 at Leopardstown last month (just fending off King Rasko Grey) being chinned by Talk The Talk on the line. He had to do all the donkey work himself that day and he looked like one who'll relish a stiffer test. He's a 3 mile point winner and his trainer knows what it takes to win this race having done so with Samcro for the same owners. 

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14:00, Brown Advisory Novices' Chase

Romeo Coolio 5/2, 3pts win

Just as the first race is super competitive, so is the Browns this year. This is the biggest field (16) since Denman won in 2007. Wendigo will have his supporters and looks the best of British. A stiff test round this track will suit but I have a feeling the Irish have the upper hand in this. Willie Mullins is again mob handed and his team is headed up by one time short priced favourite, Final Demand. He's a Grade 1 winner over hurdles who looks every inch a chaser but he ran very poorly the last day when put in his place by Kaid D'authie and he's now difficult to trust. Kaid D'authie himself must have a big chance in this for all the ground is a slight concern. He looks a strong stayer though. Kistbuhel shouldn't be dismissed, he could lead these a merry dance round here but it's debateable if he will see it out whilst Oscars Brother is respected at a big price for a small outfit trainer. It could be that Romeo Coolio outclasses his opposition however. A once time Arkle fancy, connections now try 3 miles for the first time in the hottest pot they could find. He defeated the Arkle winner last time out (battled on well) in the Irish version but has looked a stayer on all of his runs and it's worth remembering how he romped home over 2 and a half miles over Christmas. He powered through the line that day and the forecast ground will aid him in this first go at the trip. He's the class horse in the race and that usually tells during this week. 

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14:40, BetMGM Cup Handicap Hurdle

Kopek De Mee 7/1, 2pts win
Kateira 8/1, 2pts win

The Cup is one of the hardest punting races of the week and this year looks no different. Storm Heart is the class horse here and he is unbeaten this season and could defy his lofty mark. Jinko Blue and Iberico Lord are horses with lots of back class both representing Nicky Henderson who knows how to win this race whilst Puturhandstogether has Festival winning form and is respected now stepping up in trip. Dan Skelton has already won a handicap this week and it has been well documented that Kateira has been backed for this in recent weeks. She's a previous winner at Aintree's Grand National meeting and looked classy a couple of years ago. It's not been plain sailing since but she's back on a fair mark now and the suspicion is we're in for a big run. Although Willie Mullins has the favourite in Storm Heart, it's another one from Closutton who could take this. Kopek De Mee is a young horse who was fancied for last year's meeting but ran poorly. He bounced back to form to run a huge race in 2nd at Aintree in the Spring and has only been sighted once since (a poor chasing debut). He will be super fresh for this now and is open to any amount of improvement. 

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15:20, Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase

Final Orders 11/2, 2pts each-way (4 places)

The Cross Country splits opinion but it's more of a punting race now it's a handicap. Gordon Elliott's Favori De Champdou deserves to be favourite after bolting up here the last day but the ground will be better here and he's gone up in the weights. Stumptown is respected looking for back to back wins but must lump a lot of weight away whilst Desertmore House has been tipped up by many. Final Orders has won over the track before and wasn't disgraced in behind the favourite the last day as he was bang there turning in before tiring in the ground. The better surface here will aid him and he's now a lot better off with Favori de Champdou at the weights. 

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16:00, BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase

L'eau Du Sud 5/1, 2pts each-way (3 places)

This isn't the strongest renewal of the Champion Chase and it's fair that Majborough is a short price. He was turned over at this meeting last year and it can't be guaranteed that he will jump as well as the last day again. He's worth taking on at the prices. Il Etait Temps swept all before him since last April before putting in a laboured effort in the Clarence House last time out. He's respected if bouncing back but has a poor Cheltenham record. Instead, it may be worth chancing L'eau Du Sud one last time. Dan Skelton's grey hacked up here in November before putting in a poor run in the Tingle Creek. Connections think he has to be fresh, and he will be that here having not run since December. It's a week race this year and if the favourite underperforms in any way then L'eau Du Sud could be there to pick up the pieces. 

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16:40, Debenhams Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Challenge Cup Handicap Chase

Be Aware 9/2, 2pts win
Addragoogle 18/1, 1.25pts each-way (5 places)

Another open handicap with plenty holding chances. Vanderpoel must be respected in search of the hattrick whilst Jazzy Matty won this last year and has been aimed at a repeat ever since. Inthepocket must have a chance on his classy backform and Ballysax Hank could ghost into this if granted a decent pace. His stablemate Addragoogle is interesting at a price. Only a 7 year old, Gavin Crowmwell's horse was given some interesting course experience here in October after doing well on his first few chasing starts. He just ran OK that day but a small field affair wouldn't have suited and it was a classy race. He's since won a big field handicap on Boxing Day and ran well in another at Leopardstown last time out where he looked as though he had a bigger effort in him. He's respected for shrewd connections. This could all be elementary however as Be Aware could really enjoy this set up. He's been butting heads against some good horses since sent chasing and been trying to lead all the way in most of them. He finished 2nd in a Greatwood last season and now taking a lead, he could really go well here and take a lot of beating. 

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17:20, Weatherbys Champion Bumper

Keep Him Company 13/2, 1.5pts win
The Irish Avatar 10.1, 1pt win

An open Bumper this year but Keep Him Company has plenty of form to his name and should go well here whilst The Irish Avatar has only raced once under rules but won with any amount in hand. 

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.