Cheltenham 2026 preview: Day 4
13th March 2026
There was more discussion off the track than what happened on it yesterday, as Willie Mullins and JP McManus were critical of the ground conditions.
Their stance is somewhat questionable.
Multiple mentions of them being “promised” watering do not sit well with this particular observer. And while I cannot stand Jon Pulin, he could hardly have watered on Wednesday night with so much rain in the forecast.
They’ve simply had to let nature take its course, and festivals of yesteryear would have benefitted hugely from such an approach. Speaking of which, there’s plenty of rain forecast overnight so conditions may change significantly tomorrow.
Thursday produced victors at 40/1, 33/1 and 22/1 in what was a difficult card to find winners.
Nonetheless, Wodhooh (5/6) and Supremely West (100/30) were another two successes on the tipping front, meaning we’ve had a pair of winners on each of the three days so far. With Fact To File declared a non-runner, that’s 6/20 in total with a handful of placed efforts too.
To £1 level stakes, we’re +£8.51 or +23% ROI.
Gold Cup day is always one of the special cards in the sport, and while we may be lacking standout superstars this year, it won’t take anything away from the action. Let’s dive in…
1:20 Triumph
This looks a substandard renewal, with horses rated just 138-139 at the top of the rankings. Nine years ago, Defi du Seuil arrived here rated 155 and won, for comparison.
SELMA DE VARY ticks a few boxes.
She ran a mighty race on her Irish debut last time, finishing second in the key trial for this at Leopardstown. You’d hope there’s plenty of improvement to come.
A daughter of Zarak – he’s a sire to be taken very, very seriously – she won’t mind any overnight rain and can give Willie Mullins a fifth Triumph on the bounce.
NORTH SHORE may outrun his gigantic odds, for those wanting to play at bigger prices.
2:00 County
Willie Mullins and Dan Skelton have won nine of the last ten renewals of this race. They are strongly represented with horses at the head of the market.
The former’s headline entry – Karbau – will need to overcome some notable trends. Favourites are just 3/24 in this contest; only four of the past 22 winners carried more than 11-1; and 15 of the past 20 winners were rated in the 130s.
That leads me to SINNATRA who will receive 17lbs from her market rival and makes more appeal.
Another one that really catches the eye is SIXANDAHALF. She’ll love this ground, brings festival form to the table and has been kept fresh for this race (no bad thing on trends).
Murcia is respected of the Mullins battalion.
2:40 Mares’ Chase
It’s extremely tempting to find an alternative to her, but DINOBLUE (NAP) seems a very fair price at 2/1 and sets a high standard for the others to reach. Last year’s dominant winner arrives in great form and won’t mind which way the ground goes.
Diva Luna is clear next best and was most tempting, with Spindleberry given an honourable mention too.
3:20 Albert Bartlett
A full field of 22 for this Grade 1.
There hasn’t been a winning favourite in the last decade, so Doctor Steinberg immediately starts with a negative tag. He’s yet to race over 2m7f+ (somewhat of a prerequisite on trends) but ignoring those factors, he represents top connections and is definitely the one to beat.
MONEYGARROW is interesting for the Skeltons. He has plenty of experience (often helpful in this contest), started life over hurdles in Graded races before having his sights lowered where he’s subsequently flourished.
He’ll stay this trip and looks progressive.
THEDEVILUNO is rock-solid and will appreciate any rain. He’s included as cover, alongside Henry de Bromhead’s KING’S BUCKS at a big price. Still a maiden, but has some very interesting form to his name and arrives with a similar profile to the yard’s 2019 winner – none other than Minella Indo.
4:00 Gold Cup
A wide open renewal of the Gold Cup.
There’s just 4lbs separating the top six horses in the betting. Very seldom have we seen that in this race – there are usually one or two contenders who are clear on the numbers.
A case can therefore be made for a few and any sort of result is possible.
Last year’s winner Inothewayurthinkin has started to go the wrong way in the market again (time of writing) and that looks significant. He had been the subject of support in recent weeks, but he’s had a truly dismal season and the return to Cheltenham and potentially spring ground will need to work miracles.
He is respected – the demands of a Gold Cup are unique and he is proven in such conditions – but it would be a mighty leap of faith to think he can return to his brilliant best.
The Jukebox Man is probably the one to beat. A superb jumper, he still has so much upside and is afforded maximum respect. But in such a tight, demanding race, he’s passed over at the likely odds.
Gaelic Warrior will be many people’s idea of the winner. Ultra talented, he promises to be suited to these conditions and can make his presence felt. I just wonder if he’s had one too many hard races this season, including on heavy ground.
The one I’ll side with is JANGO BAIE.
He has less miles on the clock than most, looks totally unexposed at this trip and represents a trainer who knows exactly what is required for the big one. Kept fresh since a close fourth in the King George, he has more improvement to unlock and the uniqueness of this test could bring it out.
He should also have the required speed to hold his position – an attribute that is so important in this contest but one that is so often overlooked.
It promises to be a great race.
4:40 Foxhunters
You’re best off following the advice of Darran Pearce for this one.
Of his selections, I’ll put up BARTON SNOW and CONS ROC.
5:20 Martin Pipe
Just the maximum field of 24 in the lucky last.
The headline pick is KARL DES TOURELLES who has interesting back-form in handicap hurdles and might just have something up his sleeve. This drop in trip and return to hurdles looks the right move, and his trainer (although a controversial figure) knows the time of day.
It’s very unoriginal but everywhere I look, KEL HISTOIRE is popping up. He retains enormous potential and a mark of 137 is very likely to underestimate what he’s capable of. He should be competitive.
Wishing you the very best of luck for the final day