Cheltenham Festival 2026 - Day Two


14:00 - Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase

This race has a much more open look to it than we’re used to and I think OSCARS BROTHER is worth a small each-way play with 4 places available each-way. He has won Grade 2 contests on both his last two starts including beating KOKTAIL DIVIN back in November. The latter has no doubt improved since and I think he has a good chance too, but with prices available at the time of writing I’ll chance Connor King’s charge to give it a good go from the front.

OSCARS BROTHER 14/1 - 0.5 Point Each-Way


14:20 - BetMGM Cup Handicap Hurdle

PUTURHANDSTOGETHER was a strong fancy of mine for the County Hurdle later in the week, so although I probably would prefer him over 2 miles - I can’t let him go unbacked here. He was a very impressive winner of the Fred Winter last season off 130 and has been running creditably on the flat since then. One positive for this step up in trip is that he did seem to stay on again late in the Aintree Grade 1 Juvenile behind Murcia in April. The mark of 146 here obviously demands more but he caught the eye back over hurdles at Fairyhouse in November and seems to have been kept fresh for the festival since.

BECKETT ROCK at the bigger prices appeals as one who could outrun his odds at 25/1. He was a good 6th in this off 140 last year and after being found out of his depth in some competitive races over fences, heads back here off a mark of 139. Henry De Bromhead is excellent at getting his horses to peak for Cheltenham and I think the place part of this bet is decent value.

PUTURHANDSTOGETHER 10/1 - 1 Point Each-Way

BECKETT ROCK 33/1 - 0.5 Point Each-Way


16:40 - Grand Annual Handicap Chase

ADDRAGOOLE caught my eye at the DRF last month when 3rd behind the progressive Jacobs Ladder (who subsequently followed up at odds on in a Grade 3 Novice). Gavin Crommwells runner was travelling better than anything turning for home and I think he probably found himself in front a bit too soon. He still battled on creditably to hold on to 3rd and I think on better ground there could be even more to come from him.

If I fancy Addragoole then I have to have a little something on RELEASE THE BEAST for Paul Nolan - who was 2nd to the main selection back on Boxing Day. He was caught in a pocket turning for home that day and did well to make up ground late. They’ve chosen to keep him fresh for this and he gets a first time hood for the occasion. I like the pair of these and will probably play them in a tote exacta on the day for a bit of fun.

ADDRAGOOLE 20/1 - 1 Point Each-Way

RELEASE THE BEAST 11/1 - 1 Point Each-Way



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