CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 2026 - WEDNESDAY

13:20 CHELTENHAM

Ballyfad was very unlucky in a Grade One last time out but he could have questions upped in trip. I’ll Sort That is a Grade One winner and is unbeaten in four over hurdles. He is a fighter who will stay up the hill. No Drama This End has been highly successful so far and was impressive in the Challow last time out. His course and distance form only adds to his claims and he is the one they have to beat.

NO DRAMA THIS END (WIN)

I’LL SORT THAT (E/W)

written by Kieran McHugh

14:00 CHELTENHAM

The Brown Advisory will see Romeo Coolio go off likely favourite here, for all his talent he will carry plenty of risks on this first try over 3 mile. Has failed to win in England on all three attempts, the pedigree suggests this trip could be a big ask and the fact they've reached for a hood suggests they may struggle to settle him. Final Demand seemed to weaken up the hill 12 months ago and his run last time fell very short of what would be required here. Wendigo looks a stout stayer and should hit the frame but the eye is drawn to Kaid d'Authie who has a mix of speed and extreme stamina in his pedigree, has looked very good this season and his defeat to Kitzbuhel wouldn't be good enough here, that was 3 furlongs shorter and he stayed on strongly that day. Thomas Mor looks overpriced as an each way play, not beaten far in an Albert Bartlett in 2023, has form to reverse with Kitzbuhel who was very impressive round Kempton but a stiffer track should see that form reversed, comes here fresh and just might hit the frame with many running out of petrol up the hill.

KAID D'AUTHIE (WIN

THOMAS MOR (E/W)

written by Liam Hall

14:40 CHELTENHAM

If you told me 12 months ago The Yellow Clay would be rocking up in a handicap I wouldn’t have believed you, after splitting The New Lion and Final Demand in the Turners over C&D. Things haven’t gone his way this season but it would be no surprise if he were in the mix. Farren Glory was a well touted novice that hasn’t looked to take to chasing, he returned to hurdling this season and chased home Storm Heart last time for whom he gets a 3lb swing at the weights, cheekpieces added now I would expect a big run at an each-way price.

FARREN GLORY (E/W)

written by Toby Darby

15:20 CHELTENHAM

The Glenfarclas Cross Country is a great watch every year and this years renewal is a real treat for fans. Stumptown loves the obstacles and is rightly a true defending champion but I side with Favori De Champdou as I think the recent course form and more speed should see him triumph.

FAVORI DE CHAMPDOU (WIN)

written by John Arnold

16:00 CHELTENHAM

Irish Panther’s trainer Eddie Harty astutely said that without Majborough this is almost easier than the Arkle for his novice against some bottom half Premier League outsiders and he could be rewarded with a top four placing at least. Majborough’s impressive victory and improved jumping last time makes him a very solid suggestion even if the opposition may unsettle him. Il Etait Temps hasn’t been exceptional at Cheltenham so far and Quilixios has a big task even if he does runs well fresh. Having backed Libberty Hunter last year I’ve had another nibble but Majborough should confirm champion status at last.

MAJBOROUGH (WIN)

written by Alan Morris

16:40 CHELTENHAM

Be Aware is almost certainly well handicapped, but there’s queries about his ability to get up the Cheltenham hill.

As long as the rain stays away Jazzy Matty would have a big chance. He likes it here, and if his recent wind op helps, he’ll go well.

Vanderpoel is an improver, but this may not be his ideal course.

A chance is taken with Martator. He wasn’t beaten all that far in this race last season. Good ground will suit and a combination of first time blinkers and being undeniably well handicapped, could see him run into a place at rewarding odds.

MARTATOR (E/W)

written by Matt Polley

17:20 CHELTENHAM

Love Sign D’aunou made all for victory on debut for Willie Mullins, travelling well and effortlessly coming clear inside the final furlong to win by twenty-four lengths at Naas in January. The stable boast a fine record in this race with six wins from the last eight so he warrants plenty of respect.

In the last seven years Envoi Allen, Facile Vega and A Dream To Share all won the Future Stars INH Flat Race at Leopardstown before following up here and this year Broadway Ted attempts to continue that trend for trainer Gordon Elliott. He battled hard for victory and got the verdict over With Nolimit in a photo at Leopardstown, taking his tally to two wins from two, however both victories came in bottomless ground and I’m not sure he will prove as effective on today’s faster ground.

Gordon Elliott also runs Keep Him Company who won his sole point-to-point in Ireland and arrives here unbeaten in two in bumpers, following up a promising victory at Fairyhouse in November with another win at Leopardstown in late December. Still progressing, I like his chances here.

KEEP HIM COMPANY (E/W)

written by Dean Kilbryde