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Emma Nagle, Johnny Ward, Paddy Flood, Sam Norris, Don McClean, Steve Jones, Dan Overall, Matt Tombs and Michael Cannon ran through every Grade 1 at Cheltenham 2026, plus major handicaps. Here is how the debate unfolded across the championship contests.
Cheltenham Gold Cup
The Gold Cup divided opinion more than any other race of the week.
Matt Tombs and Don McClean both sided with Django Bay, arguing that second-season chasers with two-mile class often improve dramatically for the step up in trip. They pointed to his Arkle win last year and felt the King George did not suit his run style. Tombs stressed that Gold Cups are often won by progressive chasers rather than exposed stayers.
Dan Overall agreed, stating that Django Bay has done very little wrong over fences and should relish a strongly run three-and-a-quarter miles.
Steve Jones and Emma Nagle were firmly in the Gaelic Warrior camp. Both believe he is a stayer despite his free-going nature. Jones argued that Arkle winners have a strong historical record when stepping up in trip, while Nagle suggested his Irish Gold Cup effort was better than it looked and that settling will be the key.
Michael Cannon took a strong stance against Hewick and Galopin Des Champs, stating he would not want either running for him at the prices. DC put forward Spillane’s Tower at double-figure odds, believing his Cotswold Chase win suggested untapped stamina.
The consensus was clear. This is one of the most open Gold Cups in recent memory, with progressive chasers favoured over exposed veterans.
Champion Hurdle
The Champion Hurdle discussion centred on value and vulnerability.
Steve Jones and Emma Nagle made a strong case for Golden Ace, pointing out she is already a Champion Hurdle winner and arrives in stronger form than last year. Jones argued she had the measure of The New Lion at Newcastle and questioned whether Constitution Hill would even line up.
Don McClean and Emma Nagle both opposed The New Lion, suggesting his Turners form may not be as strong as first thought and that he is short enough in the betting.
There was also support at a price for Poneros, with McClean describing him as under the radar and capable of outrunning his odds if ridden positively.
Michael Cannon took a more pragmatic bookmaker view, suggesting the race could simply fall apart and that something unfancied may pass the post first.
Queen Mother Champion Chase
The Champion Chase boiled down to a clash between Marine Nationale and Majborough.
Matt Tombs sided with Majborough, arguing that second-season chasers have an excellent record in this race and that his Dublin Chase performance sets the standard. He believes the perceived jumping risk is already factored into the price.
Steve Jones and Don McClean defended Marine Nationale, pointing to his Cheltenham record and suggesting he can bridge the Leopardstown gap on better ground.
Emma Nagle added an outsider angle with Irish Panther, suggesting he could outrun his odds if the race cuts up and one of the principals underperforms.
The panel agreed it is effectively a two-horse race, with tactical pace and jumping precision likely to decide it.
Stayers’ Hurdle
A new star versus proven class was the theme here.
Matt Tombs and Steve Jones were strongly behind Honesty Policy, citing his progressive profile and limited miles on the clock. Tombs noted that staying hurdles often lack depth and that he could be a cut above.
Don McClean put forward Maron 2, highlighting his Cheltenham form and steady progression through handicaps.
Emma Nagle sided with defending champion Bob Olinger, arguing that proven Grade 1 ability at Cheltenham should not be underestimated.
Michael Cannon opposed Teahupoo, stating that he does not set a high enough standard at short odds in what he views as a weak division.
Ryanair Chase
Much depended on where Willie Mullins directs his horses.
DC and Don McClean both liked Impaire Et Passe at double-figure odds, believing he would shorten dramatically if confirmed for the race.
Matt Tombs suggested Gaelic Warrior could be rerouted here and would be very hard to beat if allowed to dictate.
Steve Jones offered Firefox as a lively outsider if the market leaders defect.
The race remains contingent on stable plans, but the panel were keen to secure early value where possible.
Mares Hurdle
If she runs here, most expect Lossiemouth to start odds-on.
Emma Nagle described her as potentially the banker of the meeting at this trip, citing her Cheltenham record and class edge.
Matt Tombs argued that race tempo will be crucial. He believes Lossiemouth is at her best off a steady gallop, while a true stamina test would bring Woodoo into play.
Don McClean sided with Woodoo, suggesting the move to the New Course and the stiffer finish could suit her better.
Michael Cannon indicated he would lay Lossiemouth at very short odds if the market overreacts.
Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle
As always, chaos is expected.
Matt Tombs and Don McClean both made a strong case for The Devil You Know, pointing to his River Don win and proven stamina in a truly run Grade 2.
Emma Nagle liked Sortudo at a bigger price, believing he will improve for the step up in trip.
Dan Overall suggested Jalon Doudairies as an overlooked staying type with bumper class.
All agreed that double-figure winners are common in this race and that flexibility on the day is essential.