Cheltenham 2026 - Day 2

Wednesday

Short preview today, got a ticket offered to me yesterday so limited prep!

Race 1 - TURNERS

No Drama This End is the one to beat and overcome Paul Nicholls’ terrible record in this race. Surely that’s an anomaly rather than a genuine issue. Three from three over hurdles, all comfortable wins without being fully let go. What’s left in the tank and what has he beaten?

Ballyfad for Gordon Elliott looks full of potential. Won easily on hurdling debut against a decent one of Willie’s, then was pipped on the post by Talk The Talk in the DRF. Looks the type to relish a step up in trip. 

I’ll Sort That has won all four of his hurdle starts this season, including over Sortudo last time. Does he still have upside or has he shown us all he can do. Not from a big stable, might be underrated by the market.

King Rasko Grey won on hurdling debut at Limerick (in receipt of 8lbs from Shuttle Diplomacy) then finished a close third behind Ballyfad at the DRF, just touched out in the final strides. Might be plenty left to come from him, step up in trip a plus.

Skylight Hustle looks a tempting price. Has won his last two hurdle starts by 21 and five lengths respectively, the latter in a DRF Grade 1 when Talk The Talk stumbled after the last. Drying ground and extended trip in his favour.

Sober - Royal Ascot winner who has switched successfully so far to the sticks. Battled to win a G2 at Punchestown last time but it was a false pace with only three runners. Classy but yet to see his jumping properly tested. 

Sortudo - one of Willie’s sextet, just a couple of runs over obstacles, wears a hood, in the mix.

Zeus Power is a horse on the rise and worth a look at big odds. By Melbourne Cup winner Protectionist, his first two hurdle runs were a bit novicey (untidy jumping, bit green) but last time at Navan they held him back and let him run home late. The result was a tidier performance, running home late to score, and looking like the step up in trip will suit him well.

VERDICT

King Rasko Grey. Zeus Power, Ballyfad, Skylight Hustle

BROWN ADVISORY

Final Demand was the banker for many two months ago but went out of favour after running third at the DRF behind Kaid D’Authie and Western Fold. A much bigger price now if you keep the faith. 

Kaid D’Authie is right in the mix after that DRF win and team McManus is already in the winners this week. 

Koktail Divin was a big tip for the Jack Richards Chase (handicap) tomorrow but comes here instead. Dominated in a Beginners Chase at the DRF when sent to the front for the first time. It wasn’t a Graded race but the rating was as strong as any other race. Definite chance.

Romeo Coolio ran third in the Supreme last year but has stepped up a gear as a chaser, winning four from four, beating the likes of Kargese (Arkle winner) and Irish Panther (good chance in the Champion Chase today). The one to beat but this is over 3m, I’m not certain he has shown a desire for that much of a step up in trip (last two runs over 2m1f).

The Big Westerner ran third in the Albert Bartlett last year and won’t have any concerns on the trip. Won a G2 mares race at Limerick over Xmas, gets the 7lb allowance here. In the mix. 

Thomas Mor - big odds, will love the dry track. Not the worst. 

Wendigo - the flagship horse for Racing Club syndicates, of which I have an interest (not in this one). Ran fifth in the Albert Bartlett last year after suffering interference, and has looked even better this season over fences. Right in this, seasoned at the trip.

Western Fold has solid form at the top level in Ireland around Affordale Fury, Envoi Allen, Final Demand and Kaid D’Authie. Second string from the Elliott stable but a genuine each-way chance.

VERDICT

Good field, plenty of depth.

Western Fold, Wendigo, Koktail Divin, Thomas Mor

Other races

BETMGM Cup (formerly the Coral Cup)

Puturhandstogether, Kopeck Du Mee, Jingko Blue, Beckett Rock

CROSS COUNTRY

Favori de Champdou, Vanillier, Final Orders

CHAMPION CHASE

Risking the favourite here. Looked awesome at Leopardstown wearing cheekpieces but Cheltenham is a much tougher test and he blundered here last year.

Irish Panther, Quilixios, Majborough

GRAND ANNUAL

Jazzy Matty, Rubaud, Addragoole, Jour D’Evasion

CHAMPION BUMPER

Guessing…

The Mourne Rambler, Quiryn, Love Sign D’Aunou, Bass Hunter