Cheltenham 2026 Day 1 - All of our Tips and Research!
Supreme Novices’ Hurdle
Old Park Star - Won
Old Park Star represents jockey Nico De Boinville and trainer Nicky Henderson.
This horse is highly regarded by connections and has some very notable form in the book.
Old Park Star placed 3rd on debut at Sandown on 10th November 2024 in a class 4 on Good to Soft ground in a NH Flat race. The form of that race looks strong as the 1st (Hurricane Pat) has gone on to win three races since, most recently winning a Class 1 listed race at Sandown by 5 1/2 lengths easily and Hurricane Pat is now rated 136. Also, the 2nd (Edward Sexton) has gone on to win since at Fontwell. Further, the 4th (Next Twist) which was 11 lengths behind Old Park Star has since won at Southwell easily by 6 lengths and most recently has won again at Ayr off top weight. In addition, the 5th (Youdecide) has gone on to win since by 4 lengths at Huntington and the 6th (Kiwi Rush) has further franked the form of the race as he went on to win next time out comfortably by 3 1/4 lengths in a class 4 at Kelso.
Old Park Star then went on to place a fair 2nd at Kempton on 7th February 2025 over 2m in another NH Flat race and notably stayed on well at the finish to run strongly through the line. From that race, the 3rd (Edward Sexton) went on to win next time out and the 4th (Surrey Gold) which was 1 3/4 lengths behind Old Park Star has gone on to win three races since, most recently winning a Class 3 at Kempton in December 2025, franking the form of the race nicely.
On his next run, Old Park Star then went on to place 3rd at Chepstow on 21st April 2025 in his final NH Flat race on Good ground and from that race, although the winner (Pink Pony Club) has yet to run again, the 2nd (Sinchi Roca) has franked the form by winning recently at Wincanton by 2 1/2 lengths.
Old Park Star then took the switch to hurdles in his stride by going on to win at Kempton on 24th November 2025, winning comfortably by 3 lengths. Interestingly, in that race, Old Park Star recorded the highest top speed in the race (35.99mph) and clocked the fastest final speed in the race (34mph). In addition, in terms of the form of the race, the 2nd (Un Sens A La Vie) has since won next time out at Ludlow by 4 3/4 lengths and is now rated 130. The 3rd (Fortune Timmy) went on to win a Class 4 next time out very easily by 24 lengths and has most recently placed a fair 3rd in a Class 1 (Grade 2) race at Cheltenham, only beaten by 2 lengths.
Old Park Star then progressed again up in class to win by 12 lengths easily at Cheltenham on 12th December 2025 in a Class 2. The form of that race has received a boost as the 2nd (Glance At Midnight) has recently placed a solid 2nd in a Class 1 listed race. The 3rd (Kingston Queen) went on to win a competitive Class 1 (Grade 2) next time out at Warwick and is now rated 125.
Old Park Star then went on to win very impressively by 18 lengths at Haydock on 17th January 2026 in a Class 1 (Grade 2) on Good to Soft ground. This gelding posted strong sectional times in the latter stages of that race, showing plenty of speed and notably clocking a fast time of 25.97s when running from the 4f marker to the 2f marker and recorded a fast time of 12.78s when running from the 2f marker to the 1f marker prior to slowing down in the final furlong with the race already won. Old Park Star also clocked the highest top speed in that race of 35.83mph in comparison to the rest of the runners which must be noted.
Old Park Star is now rated 151 and is still progressing which must be respected.
In terms of the stats, trainer Nicky Henderson does know how to win this race as he has won the Supreme 3 times within the last 10 years (Altior, Shishkin and Constitution Hill).
In terms of age, 11 of the last 12 winners of this race were aged 5 or 6. This is a positive for Old Park Star as he is aged 6.
Also, 11 of the last 12 winners were within the top 3 in the market and Old Park Star is the current market leader at the time of writing.
Furthermore, 10 of the last 12 winners of the Supreme won on their last outing which is paramount and Old Park Star won easily last time out which lines up well with the stats.
Previous distance form is important as 10 of the last 12 winners recorded at least 3 previous runs over 15-17 furlongs and all previous 12 winners recorded at least 2 previous wins over 15-17 furlongs. This is a positive for Old Park Star as he has already ran 6 times over 15-17 furlongs and has already recorded 3 wins over 15-17 furlongs.
In addition, all 12 previous winners of the Supreme recorded at least 2 runs over hurdles and 11 of the last 12 winners recorded at least 2 wins over hurdles. Old Park Star has already raced 3 times over hurdles and won all 3 races impressively.
11 of the last 12 winners were rated 147 or higher and Old Park Star is notably rated 151.
Further, 11 of the last 12 winners recorded at least 1 previous win in Graded company and Old Park Star has already won a Grade 2 prior to running in this race.
Lastly, all previous 12 winners of this race recorded at least 2 runs that season and 2 wins. This supports Old Park Star’s credentials as he’s raced 3 times this season and won all 3 outings.
In terms of the ground, Old Park Star is yet to prove himself on proper Soft / Heavy ground as he first won on Good ground on hurdle debut but then he did show he can handle cut when winning twice on Good to Soft ground which is a positive.
It must be noted that this does look a very competitive Supreme this year with many that have chances on paper and pose a threat but hopefully, Old Park Star can go well and continue to improve.
Race 2
Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Chase
Kopek Des Bordes - Lost
Kopek Des Bordes was tipped as a winner by PSA 2 runs ago when this horse won the Supreme at the 2025 Cheltenham Festival!
Kopek Des Bordes has won 5 races from 6 starts in his career so far (83.33% strike rate) at which two of those victories were Grade 1 races which must be respected.
Kopek Des Bordes notched his first win on debut when winning a national hunt flat race at Fairyhouse over 2 miles impressively by 13 lengths. The form of that race is absolutely solid as the 2nd (Clap Of Thunder) has since won a class 3. The 3rd (Doctor Steinberg) has won 4 races since, most recently a Grade 1 at Leopardstown on 2nd February 2026, readily by 8 lengths. The 4th (We’re Red And Blue) has won 3 races since, most recently a class 3 at Huntingdon. Also, the 8th (La Note Verte) has since won 3 races by wide margins each time (6 1/2 lengths, 5 lengths and 12 lengths).
Kopek Des Bordes then went on to win his first hurdle race at Leopardstown on 26th December 2024 over 2 miles comfortably. The form of that race has been boosted as the 2nd (Kawaboomga) went on to win next time out at Fairyhouse, beating the 2nd (William Munny) and interestingly they both pulled 22+ lengths clear of the 3rd which must be noted. Also, the 4th (Zillow) has gone on to win 3 races since and is now rated 134.
Kopek Des Bordes followed that victory up by winning again impressively by 13 lengths at Leopardstown on 2nd February 2025 over 2 miles in a Grade 1.
Kopek Des Bordes then improved again to go on and win the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at the 2025 Cheltenham Festival over 2 miles 87y (Grade 1), beating a whole field of horses held in high regard. The form of that race looks strong as although the 2nd (William Munny) is yet to run again, the 3rd (Romeo Coolio) has since been sent to race over fences and has gone on to win 4 races since impressively (winning by 14 lengths, 8 lengths, 1/2 length and a neck), including 3 Grade 1’s and is now rated 158. Further, the 4th (Karniquet) has since ran very well, placing 2nd in a competitive Grade 2, only beaten by 1 1/2 lengths. The 5th (Salvator Mundi) which was 18 1/2 lengths behind Kopek Des Bordes has gone on to win next time out at Aintree by 7 lengths in a Grade 1. Also, the 6th (Tutti Quanti) has won 3 races since, winning a Class 4 by 13 lengths at Flos Las, winning a Class 1 at Newbury by 3 lengths and most recently winning a Class 1 easily by 15 lengths at Newbury. Lastly, the 7th (Irancy) which was 32 lengths behind Kopek Des Bordes went on to win both his next 2 races by 1 1/2 lengths (Grade 2) and by 9 lengths (Grade 1) and interestingly is now rated 153.
Kopek Des Bordes then lost his unbeaten record when underperforming and placing a well held 4th in the Grade 1 Champion Hurdle at Punchestown on 29th April 2025 over 2 miles 149y.
However, after a break of 202 days and since sent chasing over fences, Kopek Des Bordes went on to win his first race in the chasing division easily at Navan on 17th November 2025 by 13 lengths, jumping well and coasting clear up the run in. From that race, the 2nd (Lovely Hurling) has upheld the form by most recently placing a close 2nd in a Grade 3 at Navan. The 4th (Its Bilbo) has franked the form by recently winning a Listed race at Limerick on 29th December 2025. Further, the 5th (Anotherway) which was beaten 28 lengths by Kopek Des Bordes has most recently won readily by 5 lengths at Down Royal.
Kopek Des Bordes is 1 win from 1 run in the chase division and is still fully unexposed over fences so hopefully he can continue his 100% strike rate and continue to improve.
It is a positive that Kopek Des Bordes is very versatile ground-wise as he has won on ground varying from heavy, yielding, soft, good to soft and soft to heavy.
This race will likely be ultra competitive but fingers crossed for a good run and some luck.
Lulamba which is the current market leader at the time of writing looks the main threat on paper and is 3/3 over fences so far this season, winning on good to soft as well as on heavy ground.
The match up is very intriguing here as Lulamba has plenty of stamina but can take a while to get going in his races and there may be a slight chance he could be slightly outpaced here over the 2 miles if they go a very strong gallop which should suit Kopek Des Bordes as he has a lot of speed and can jump at pace if getting into a nice rhythm and not racing keenly.
Juvenile Handicap Hurdle
Saratoga - WON!
Odds - 9/1 (10.00)
Advising stake 0.25 ‘Each way 6 places’
Prior to making the switch to hurdles, Saratoga competed in 6 races on the flat and progressed from a mark of 80 to 93, running in handicaps as well as running in a Group 1 at Ascot on 18th October 2025.
Saratoga has since been running over hurdles and has seemed to progress each time, showing form figures of 3rd (beaten by 6 1/4 lengths), 3rd (beaten by 2 3/4 lengths) and 2nd (beaten by 3/4 length).
Most recently, Saratoga placed an encouraging 2nd at Naas on 7th February 2026 on Soft to Heavy (Heavy in places) over 1m 7f 158yds. That was a solid performance and Saratoga should rate higher as he was behind Highland Crystal which is now rated 138. Also the 3rd (Munsif) which was 8 1/2 lengths behind Saratoga is rated 126 and the 4th (Kilmeaden) is rated 133.
Saratoga is still very lightly raced over hurdles so hopefully this grey gelding by Camelot can continue to improve.
In terms of the stats, 9 of the last 12 winners of this race carried a weight of 11st 6lbs or less. This is a positive for Saratoga as he carries 11st 4lbs here.
Also, 8 of the last 12 winners were trained in Ireland and this bodes well for Saratoga as this horse is trained in Ireland by Padraig Roche.
To further support Saratoga’s claims, trainer Padraig Roche actually won this race back in 2022 with Brazil which must be noted.
In addition, 9 of the last 12 winners ran within the last 53 days. This supports Saratoga’s claims as this horse ran only 31 days ago.
Further, 4 of the last 12 winners ran in the Rated Novice Hurdle (Naas) on their last run and 3 out of the 4 went on to win this race. This is a positive for Saratoga as he ran in the Rated Hurdle at Naas last time out.
Moreover, all previous 12 winners of this race recorded at least 2 previous runs over 15-17 furlongs and 11 of the last 12 winners had at least 3 runs over 15-17 furlongs. Saratoga so far in his career, has had 5 runs over 15-17 furlongs which is a positive.
In addition, all previous 12 winners of this race recorded 3 previous runs over hurdles and Saratoga has had 3 runs over hurdles so far.
Lastly, 9 of the last 12 winners of this race were rated between 122 and 134. This stat suits Saratoga well as he runs off a rating of 130.
As shown in the above, the stats support Saratoga’s credentials but the rest of the field must be greatly respected here as the race does look very competitive on paper.
Hopefully Saratoga can continue to improve and fingers crossed for some luck.
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Ultima Handicap Chase
Jagwar advising ‘Money back 4 places’ - Placed
Odds - 7/4 (2.75)
Advising stake 1 point (1%)
Jagwar has an impressive record with 4 wins and 2 places from 7 runs over fences (57.10% strike rate).
Jagwar’s cheltenham record which is important in this race is also impressive as he is yet to place outside of the top 3 at this course (2 wins and 2 places from 4 runs, accumulating a 50% strike rate).
Jagwar first appeared over hurdles off a mark of 119 but since switched to fences, he’s progressed really well, up to a current rating of 152.
This gelding made his English hurdle debut when placing a very close 2nd behind Inthewaterside in a class 3 over 2m 4f at Aintree on 29th October 2023. The form of that race has turned out to be strong as Inthewaterside has gone on to win another two Class 3’s comfortably and is now rated 140 over fences.
Jagwar then went on to break his maiden at Carlisle on 19th February 2024 on heavy ground in a class 4 race over 2m 3f 61y. The 2nd (Clovis Island) went on to win next time out at Hexham.
Jagwar then went on to win two Class 3 races at Wetherby and Bangor with the latter race working out really well form wise as the 2nd (Lowry’s Bar) went on to win both of his next two starts (winning a Class 3 and 2 event) and is now rated 146 over fences. Also, the 4th (Mount Tempest) went on to win a Class 3 next time out and has since won a Class 2 at Worcester. Further, the 5th (Tanganyika) which was 8 1/2 lengths behind Jagwar has since won a Class 4 and a Class 3 race.
Jagwar then went on to win his first race at Cheltenham on 25th January 2025 comfortably by 2 1/2 lengths in a Class 2, notably recording fast sectional times in the last 3 furlongs of the race. The form of that race has been franked as the 3rd (Masaccio) has since won a Class 2 at Ayr and is now rated 150 over fences. Also, the 4th (Resplendent Grey) has gone on to win two Class 1s since and is now rated 153.
Jagwar then followed up his initial win at Cheltenham by going on to win again at the course, winning the TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase (class 1) on 13th March 2025, winning comfortably by 2 3/4 lengths.
This race at Cheltenham is a class 1 but Jagwar must be respected as he boasts a 33.3% strike rate in this Class (1 win and 2 places) so far in his career.
Also, the ground looks to be described as Good to Soft here at the time of writing but this shouldn’t concern Jagwar as he has won 2 times from 4 runs on this going (50% strike rate).
Furthermore, Jagwar is expected to be wearing a tongue strap once again in this race and interestingly has won 5 races from 11 runs when wearing a tongue strap (45.5% strike rate).
Mark Walsh rides Jagwar here which is a positive as he is coming into Cheltenham off the back of several wins within the last 2 weeks.
In terms of the stats, 10 of the last 12 winners of this race were aged between 7 and 9. Jagwar is aged 7 which is a plus.
Also, 8 of the last 12 winners were in the top 3 in the market which supports Jagwar as he is in the lead at the top of the market at the time of writing.
This race revolves around UK based trainers which is a key stat as all previous 12 winners of this race were trained in the UK. This is a plus for Jagwar as he’s trained by O Greenall and J Guerriero in the UK.
One other key stat is that 10 of the last 12 winners of this race had their previous run within the last 59 days. Jagwar ran only 45 days ago.
Previous course form is vital here as 11 of the last 12 winners recorded 1 previous run at Cheltenham and 7 of the last 12 winners recorded 1 previous win at Cheltenham. These stats support Jagwar’s credentials as he’s ran 4 times at Cheltenham and has won here twice.
The one negative stat is that Jagwar is yet to race over 3m 1f and previous distance form is important here as 10 of the last 12 winners recorded 5 previous runs over 23-25 furlongs and all 12 previous winners recorded 1 previous win over 23-25 furlongs. However, the way that Jagwar travels and finishes his races would suggest this increase in trip shouldn’t be a concern but is an unknown for now.
However, Jagwar has won once over hurdles and four times over fences which is important here as all previous 12 winners recorded 1 previous win over hurdles and 11 of the last 12 winners all recorded 1 previous win over fences.
To summarise, the form is definitely there for Jagwar to run a big race here and he can hopefully continue to progress off this mark of 152.
This still looks a deep competitive race with many in form horses in contention and will be suited by the drying ground here at the beginning of the week.
Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy
Lossiemouth advising ‘Money back 2 places’ - WON
Odds - 1/1 (2.00)
Advising stake 1 point (1%)
Lossiemouth is top class at her best and has impressively recorded 13 wins from 17 runs over hurdles so far in her career, resulting in a 76.5% strike rate, including 9 Grade 1’s.
At last year’s Cheltenham Festival (2025), Lossiemouth beat a nice field of subsequent winners in the Mares Hurdle which have franked the form of that race multiple times since. The 2nd (Jade De Grugy) which was 7 1/2 lengths behind Lossiemouth has gone on to win a Grade 1 by 6 1/2 lengths and most recently a Grade 2 by 18 lengths at Thurles on 18th January 2026. Also, the 5th (July Flower) which was 12 3/4 lengths behind Lossiemouth has won 2 races since, most recently winning a Grade 2 at Cheltenham. Further, the 7th (Kala Conti) has since won a Grade 2 at Cork by 16 lengths and has most recently placed 2nd in a Grade 1.
Lossiemouth then went on to beat Wodhooh at Aintree on her next run on 3rd April 2025 and the form of that has been franked as Wodhooh has since won a Grade 2 and a Grade 3 comfortably and is now rated 154.
Lossiemouth next went on to win at Punchestown on 22nd November 2025 in a Grade 1 easily by 19 lengths. The form of that has been franked as the 2nd (Glen Kiln) has since won a class 1 (Grade 3) at Naas on 25th January 2026.
Lossiemouth has since gone on to win at Leopardstown again in a Grade 1 on 29th December 2025 over 2 miles beating Brighterdaysahead comfortably by 1 length on Good to Yielding ground.
Lossiemouth was beaten by Brighterdaysahead last time out at Leopardstown by 3 1/4 lengths but that was on heavy ground and Brighterdaysahead always looked in control of that race where Lossiemouth didn’t show her true colours.
Willie Mullins has opted to give Lossiemouth Cheekpieces here but has reportedly been working well in these at the yard prior to this race today.
Paul Townend rides and has won on Lossiemouth 11 times from 14 rides (78.6% strike rate).
Paul Townend is also bang in form at present, operating at a 100% strike rate within the last 14 days over hurdles (5 wins from 5 rides).
Both Paul Townend and trainer Willie Mullins won this race two years ago with State Man.
In terms of the stats, Lossiemouth is in joint top position with Brighterdaysahead based on the trends for this race which must be respected.
9 of the last 12 winners of this race were within the top 3 in the market. This is a positive as Lossiemouth is the current market leader.
The stats also favour Irish trained horses to win this race as 7 of the last 12 winners were trained in Ireland. Lossiemouth is trained by Willie Mullins.
Lossiemouth clearly holds a lot of experience here and hopefully she can use her class to go onto win another Grade 1.
Of the rest of the runners, The New Lion does look the main danger here and also looks very unexposed but it could be seen as a negative as Lossiemouth gets the 7lbs allowance here against The New Lion and Dan Skelton is yet to win a Champion Hurdle.
Sun Racing Plate Handicap Chase
Madara advising ‘TOP 4 FINISH’ - WON
Odds - 11/10 (2.10)
Advising stake 1 point (1%)
Madara has been brought along quite steadily and actually last won at Leopardstown on 3rd February 2024 in a Class 1. The form of that race has actually turned out to be really good as the 2nd (Path D’oroux) went on to win a Class 2 at Cheltenham. The 3rd (Solness) has gone on to win 5 races since (including three Class 1’s) and is now rated 147.
Madara then ran two good races at Cheltenham on 16th November 2024 (placed a running on 4th) and on 14th December 2024 (placed a close 2nd, only beaten by 1 length). Both those runs were on Good / Good to Soft ground.
Madara has since placed 5th down in trip at Wetherby after a long lay off in a Class 2 over fences but was never in contention and looked rusty.
However, Madara has since placed an encouraging 2nd at Kempton in a Class 3 last time out on 2nd February 2026.
This race at Cheltenham looks to have been the spring target for Madara so hopefully this 7 year old by Doctor Dino can improve again from his last run.
Harry Skelton rides Madara and is notably operating at a solid 33.33% strike rate when riding at Cheltenham so far in 2026 (3 wins and 2 places from 9 rides).
In addition, Dan Skelton trains and is boasting a fair 27.27% strike rate with his runners over fences within the last 14 days (6 winners from 22 runners).
In terms of the stats, 9 of the last 12 winners were aged between 6 and 9. Madara is aged 7.
7 of the last 12 winners were trained in the UK which is a plus for Madara as he’s trained in the UK by Dan Skelton.
10 of the last 12 winners of this race carried between 10st 8lbs and 11st 4lbs which is a positive as Madara carries exactly 11st.
Also, 11 of the last 12 winners of this race ran within the last 77 days which is a trend that matches Madara as he ran 36 days ago.
Further, 9 of the last 12 winners recorded 1 previous run at Cheltenham and 7 of the last 12 winners recorded at least 1 previous win at Cheltenham. These stats support Madara’s chances as he’s already won once at Cheltenham and has ran at the course 6 times so far in his career.
All 12 previous winners of this race recorded at least 3 previous runs over 19-21f and 11 of the last 12 winners recorded 1 previous win over 19-21f. These stats are a positive for Madara as he’s already ran 5 times over 19-21f and won over 19 1/2f in France in 2023.
Further, chase form is crucial here as 11 of the last 12 winners recorded 4 previous runs over fences and 9 of those winners previously won 2 races over fences before going on to win this race. These stats are a positive for Madara as he has ran 15 times over fences and has recorded 4 wins.
Lastly, 10 of the last 12 winners of this race were rated between 139 and 145. Madara is rated 140.
Ultimately, this looks an ultra competitive race with the 23 runners and many boast chances but fingers crossed Madara can go well.
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Sun Racing Plate Handicap Chase
Zurich advising ‘Each way 5 places’ - Placed
Odds - 9/1 (10.00)
Advising stake 0.25 ‘Each way 5 places’
Zurich didn’t enjoy his first season as a chaser but has improved this season, most notably when winning at the October meeting off a mark of 125 beating Crest of Fortune who’s rated 135 and there was a few winners in behind from the 4th and 5th. Visually impressive the way he travelled into the race turning for home on perfect conditions (Good to Soft) which he’d be getting on Tuesday. He then went to Doncaster and put up a good run over 2m 3f when beaten only 3 lengths by Go West who’s rated 138 and Jordan’s Cross who’s rated 140 and on a few people’s radar this week. The 1st and 2nd have won since giving the form some substance and Zurich made a blunder at the last that day which could have seen him get closer if taking the last with more fluency.
He’s been freshened up for this race at Cheltenham today which must be noted and this has likely been the plan for some time now coming back to Cheltenham where he previously won this season.
Furthermore, the last 7 renewals of the Plate have been won by horses who have previously won at Cheltenham that season and Zurich is the only horse who meets that trend as he is 1 win from 1 run over course and distance at Cheltenham which is a real positive entering this race.
In addition, 10 out of the last 12 winners have carried 10st 8lbs to 11st 4lbs and Zurich sneaks into that bracket being able to carry 10st 8lbs on the day.
To further support this, 11 out of the last 12 winners have also had a win in that season and the top 2 in the market fail to meet that trend so it is worth taking note of that whereas, Zurich meets that trend.
Zurich could be a horse who’s still got potential in this field against a few exposed types and carrying a low weight could see him go well at a price for a yard who do well when targeting horses at handicaps throughout the season. Stable number 1 jockey Darragh O’Keefe isn’t on which could raise concern but when you have a horse who handles Cheltenham and boasts course winning form and know will handle the hill you shouldn’t be dismissing them!
Hopefully Zurich can go well here and fingers crossed for a good run!
National Hunt Challenge Cup Novices’ Handicap Chase
Backmersackme advising ‘Each way 5 places’ - Lost
Odds - 5/1 (6.00)
Advising stake 0.5 ‘Each way 5 places’
Reasoning 📝
Backmersackme won on debut in a NH Flat race at Cork on 1st April 2024 comfortably by 3 3/4 lengths. The form of that race has been franked since as the 2nd (Custom Taylor) has gone on to win 4 times since and is now rated 137.
Backmersackme has since been running over hurdles and fences and has most recently won over fences in a Class 1 (Grade 3) in a 23 runner field at Leopardstown on 1st February 2026 on soft ground by 1 length, staying on well at the finish.
In terms of the stats, Emmet Mullins trains Backmersackme and interestingly won this race two years ago with Corbetts Cross.
9 of the last 12 winners of this race were aged between 6 and 8 and interestingly, 7 of those winners were aged exactly 7yrs old. This is a positive stat for Backmersackme as this gelding is aged 7.
Further, 9 of the last 12 winners of this race recorded their last run within the last 52 days which is a positive for Backmersackme as he last ran on 1st February 2026.
In addition, in terms of previous course form, 10 of the last 12 winners recorded at least 1 previous run at Cheltenham. Backmersackme ran at Cheltenham 3 starts ago on 25th October 2025 when placing a very solid 2nd of 18 runners which must be respected.
Previous distance form is equally important as 9 of the last 12 winners of this race recorded 3 previous runs over 3 miles or further. This supports Backmersackme’s credentials as so far in his career, he has already recorded 8 runs over 3 miles or further under rules.
Furthermore, previous chase form is important as 11 of the last 12 winners of this race recorded at least 3 previous 3 chase runs and 10 of the last 12 winners recorded at least 1 previous chase win. These stats are a positive for Backmersackme as this gelding has already recorded 7 chase starts and 1 win over fences.
Lastly, 10 of the last 12 winners of this race recorded at least 3 runs that season which is a positive for Backmersackme as he has already ran 4 times this season so far.
Backmersackme looks to have a good chance here and the stats in the above support this so hopefully he can run well and fingers crossed for a good run.
