CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 2026 - THURSDAY

13:20 CHELTENHAM

The two that are likely to head the market, namely Bambino Fever and Oldschool Outlaw have collateral form.

Both are obviously talented mares, open to improvement, however there’s a chance both would prefer more rain.

It may pay to look further down the market that could run well at a price, and that mare is Kingston Queen.

She obviously has a little to find according to the ratings, but her run in the Grade two bumper at Aintree was a very good effort (Oldschool Outlaw behind) and the first time cheek pieces could eek out some improvement.

KINGSTON QUEEN (E/W)

written by Matt Polley

14:00 CHELTENHAM

Sixmilebridge is 3-3 over fences which includes a win here in December. Fergal O’Brien’s charge most recently won the G1 Scilly Isles at Sandown, beating Kala Conti. That form is perhaps questionable, but he did the job well there and there’s a suspicion that there is more improvement to come from him. He’s only up 1lb in the weights for his G1 win and so he could still prove to be well treated returning to the handicap ranks. Rain would help, but he’s effective on this ground and if handling the bigger field of runners it isn’t hard to see him in the mix.

Kdeux Saint Fray makes some appeal from the bottom end of the weights. Anthony Honeyball’s charge is 1lb out of the handicap, but he did win here in November and finished fourth in a competitive handicap in January.

Quebecois, who ran well in the Ultima was four lengths in front and that race has thrown up winners since. He latterly turned in another good performance at Kempton last month, beaten two lengths by Lookaway when tried at three miles. Back down in trip for this latest run he could run well at a decent price.

SIXMILEBRIGE (E/W)

KDEAUX SAINT FRAY (E/W)

written by Brian Healy

14:40 CHELTENHAM

With the decision for Lossiemouth to opt for the Champion Hurdle proving to be the right one this years renewal of the Mares Hurdle looks pretty weak and attracts just seven runners for 2026.

Wodhooh is the clear and obvious favourite and she deserves her slot at the head of the market, she still has a couple of answers left to answer but with the lack of strength in depth in the race she's the one to beat.

The only potential dangers are fellow Irish raiders Jade De Grugy and Feet Of A Dancer who can fight it out for the runners up spot and might be an option for punters looking to land the forecast.

Wodhooh the best chance for Gordon Elliott to claim a festival winner and she can come out on top.

WODHOOH (WIN)

written by Rory Paddock

15:20 CHELTENHAM

Bob Olinger got the better of 2024 winner Teahupoo in last years’ renewal, taking his Cheltenham record to four wins from four. The two lock horns again and both can be expected to run well. Gordon Elliott also runs Honesty Policy who is yet to finish outside the top three and is expected to build on his placed effort in the Grade 1 Long Walk Hurdle when last seen so also warrants respect.

Kabral Du Mathan has been in excellent form since switching to Dan Skelton and being sent over intermediate trips, last seen posting an authoritative victory in the Relkeel Hurdle here at Cheltenham. If seeing out this longer trip he could go close.

All that said, my selection for the race is Ma Shantou who perhaps has a little bit to find on ratings but is unbeaten in three over track and trip this season, beating Impose Toi by seven lengths in impressive fashion in the Grade 2 Cleeve Hurdle when last seen. I think the race will be run to suit and can’t see her outside the places.

MA SHANTOU (E/W)

written by Dean Kilbryde

16:00 CHELTENHAM

The Ryanair Chase pitches some big names against each other notably Fact to File and Banbridge. As Fact to File has turned down a supplement to contest the Gold Cup I would anticipate him to show his class here. The each way play is Banbridge.

FACT TO FILE (WIN)

written by John Arnold

16:40 CHELTENHAM

Supremely West has been a very ‘shrewd’ selection for many and has been well found as a result. He qualified back in October in 3rd, ahead of him that day was Electric Mason and Ma Shantou. The later heads to the stayers, with Electric Mason winning again since. He’s been put away since then and this will no doubt have been the target. He is worse off at the weights with the Skelton fav but he backed up the form whilst it’s just words that has made Supremely West so short. I would be wary of C’est Different but this is by far the best race he has competed in and could well find it too much.

ELECTRIC MASON (E/W)

written by Toby Darby

17:20 CHELTENHAM

Jeriko Du Reponet is the likely favourite here being the choice of Derek O Connor for J P Mcmanus, runner up at the festival last season in the Pertemps and looks sure to go close here on handicap chase debut. Daily Present took this race 12 months ago beating Jonnywho who won the Ultima here on Tuesday, form has been disappointing this season but it could've been tailor made ready for a shot back here, looks a huge each way bet. Glengouly looks another who could be placed at a huge price here, has stayed this trip in the past and has won over the course, trip has looked too sharp of late so is sure to welcome the step up in trip and is one to take very seriously for a shrewd operation.

DAILY PRESENT (E/W)

GLENGOULY (E/W)

written by Liam Hall