Cheltenham Festival 2026: Banker or Blowout? Strong Favourites Assessed Two Weeks Out

Just two weeks out from the 2026 Cheltenham Festival and anticipation is building ahead of the biggest event of the year for racing fans. The eyes of the world will be on Prestbury Park for four days of exhilarating jumps action and there are currently no odds-on favourites as we approach the end of February. Here, I look at the shortest priced fancies for Cheltenham 2026 and assess if they are banker material or if they’ll blowout next month.

I’ve skipped over Lossiemouth (Mares Hurdle) and Fact To File/Gaelic Warrior (Ryanair Chase) as targets are unknown at this stage – but they’d be on the ‘banker’ list. Without further ado, it’s time to get down to business and we kick things off with a Nicky Henderson runner in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle.

Supreme Novices' Hurdle - OLD PARK STAR

Nicky Henderson has won the Supreme on five occasions and I fancy OLD PARK STAR to give the Seven Barrows handler a sixth win in the race. It’s a competitive race on paper and history tells us that the Grade 2 Rossington Main Novices' Hurdle is a poor trial for the Festival opener.

Talk The Talk is a Grade 1 winner while El Cairos has been described by Jack Kennedy as “probably the fastest I’ve ridden” and both warrant huge respect. However, Old Park Star is incredibly straightforward and he appears to have the perfect blend of speed and stamina – he can get favourite backers off to the perfect start.

Verdict: BANKER

Arkle Challenge Trophy - LULAMBA

The right favourite on all known form but I’m willing to take LULAMBA on – he looks like a horse that will really thrive once stepped up in trip. Already a two-time Grade 1 winner, Lulamba followed the likes of Sprinter Sacre and Altior by taking on open company horses in the Game Spirit Chase.

He passed that test at Newbury but he was far from fluent at times and Henderson will be hoping that his jumping holds up in the early stages at Prestbury Park. Kopek Des Bordes is a big danger and when you throw the likes of Kargese and Romeo Coolio into the mix, it’s a deep enough race and I’m willing to oppose the market leader.

Verdict: BLOWOUT

Cross Country Chase - STUMPTOWN

We’ve not seen STUMPTOWN since his victory in the Velka Pardubicka back in October and that is partly why I want to look elsewhere in the betting. He’s a short enough price and he is likely to be running off a higher mark once again and there looks to be a huge danger in Favori De Champdou in this year’s race.

Gordon Elliott knows how to get one ready for this race and the Gigginstown House Stud horse looked a natural when winning on Trials Day. In addition, this has been the target for Desertmore House since the start of the season and Vanillier is another who could be in the mix. Stumptown is too short for me.

Verdict: BLOWOUT

Champion Chase - MAJBOROUGH

I was at the Dublin Racing Festival and I must admit that I was firmly against the Willie Mullins-trained MAJBOROUGH but he won me over with a massive performance. It looked like the cheekpieces worked wonders and his jumping was assured, with his supporters counting their winnings a long way from home.

A return to Cheltenham will suit Marine Nationale but the ground is likely to have soft in the going description and Barry Connell’s runner won’t want it to get too testing. Majborough has always had the talent, it was just about putting it all together. If he can jump around, he’s the one to beat for me and he’s on the banker list.

Verdict: BANKER

Mares' Novices' Hurdle - BAMBINO FEVER

I’ve gone full circle on BAMBINO FEVER as I was keen enough to take her on at the start of the season but I’m really warming to her chances as we get closer to March. It looks a weak enough renewal, with little coming from left field and the two at the top of the betting are clear of the rest – and it will be great to see the rematch.

Oldschool Outlaw got the better of Bambino Fever on hurdles debut but the Closutton yard issues were well documented at that stage of the season. She bolted up the last day and I’m expecting Mullins’ mare to reverse that form and she is the right favourite heading into the Festival. She just wins.

Verdict: BANKER

Stayers' Hurdle - TEAHUPOO

Already a seven-time Grade 1 winner, TEAHUPOO can add another Stayers Hurdle to his CV and soft conditions will enhance his chances of emerging victorious. Having said that, he’s solid enough on a nicer surface – proving that he isn’t entirely ground dependent and he is the right favourite for next month’s race.

Bob Olinger, also owned by Robcour, is an obvious danger and he ran a nice race on his return to the track at Christmas. However, he wouldn’t want it to be too soft underfoot. The betting suggests there are a few stacking up in behind Teahupoo but most would prefer better ground and I’m not entirely sure we will get that come the Festival.

Verdict: BANKER

Mares' Chase - DINOBLUE

She’s probably the right favourite on form but DINOBLUE hasn’t exactly filled me with confidence this season and I’m happy enough to take her on. The daughter of Doctor Dino jumped poorly on seasonal debut at Naas before nearly coming down at the final fence at Fairyhouse on New Year’s Day.

With the likes of Spindleberry, Jade de Grugy, Only By Night and Panic Attack likely to line up in opposition, there’s enough depth in the race to make a case against her. I’d be even stronger on stablemate Spindleberry had she skipped the Irish Gold Cup but even so, Dinoblue’s jumping has left a lot to be desired this year and that’s the name of the game.

Verdict: BLOWOUT