Horse Racing Tips
Cheltenham Festival Trials Day Predictions & Betting Tips (2026)
This Saturday will be the final opportunity to see National Hunt’s main protagonists go out to battle at Prestbury Park before the Festival itself in March.
On a day where every contest is a trial for a race at the Cheltenham Festival, the excitement levels are generally at fever pitch.
Here, I cast my eye over all eight races at Prestbury Park on Festival Trials Day so read on for my selections.
12.05pm – 2m4½f Novices’ Handicap Chase (Class 2) (5yo+)
If you’re ready for me readers, you’d better PUSH THE BUTTON and let me know how you get on in the opening race on the card.
Mark Walford’s seven-year-old had his Wetherby form well and truly franked by Meetbythesea just recently and ought to be on the premises once again.
12.40pm – 2m1f JCB Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 2) (4yo)
Trainer Harry Derham said of ONE HORSE TOWN the other day that he wasn’t going to go and carry 12 stone in the Fred Winter against horses that will end up being rated higher than him, that are off 125, and sees no point in doing that.
Therefore Saturday’s entry is all about the youngster’s stepping stone to the Triumph Hurdle, so he may well perform much better than he did in December here.
1.15pm – 2m4½f Premier Handicap Chase (5yo+)
Given his relative proximity to Thistle Ask at Wetherby in October, PRAIRIE WOLF can be given a strong each-way shout in this 2m4½f chase at jump racing headquarters.
Winner of the William Hill Racing Bet Builder Handicap Chase over the same distance at Aintree on Boxing Day, Smith and Parkinson’s charge has well earned his place in this line up.
1.50pm – 3m5½f Cross Country Handicap Chase (Class 2) (5yo+)
FAVORI DE CHAMPDOU may well have sprung a 66/1 shock in the Paddy Power Chase over Christmas, but this type of race will really play into his staying strengths and he is a live contender to pick up the spoils.
At Leopardstown he looked like he could stay even further, so Sean Bowen should know what kind of ride to give him over this unique cross-country track.
2.25pm – 3m1½f Cotswold Chase (Grade 2) (Class 1) (5yo+)
GREY DAWNING (NAP) looked like winning the Betfair Chase a long way from home at Haydock and will probably have too much pace in the closing stages for L’Homme Presse in this particular contest.
His odds may be a tad short in the sports betting, but on paper he should be the banker of the afternoon.
3.00pm – 2m1f The International Hurdle (Grade 2) (4yo+)
There’s nothing much more to say here other than SIR GINO and The New Lion should finish 1-2 on all known form, with the stronger preference being for the Nicky Henderson runner.
3.35pm – 3m Cleeve Hurdle (Grade 2) (5yo+)
Cheltenham stalwart GOWEL ROAD can get in on the action at his favourite racecourse at tasty odds in our horse racing betting market on Saturday.
The veteran ran well last time in the Relkeel Hurdle and could easily capitalise if the market leaders fail to perform.
4.10pm – 2m4½f Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2)
Poet’s Word-gelding TAURUS BAY was impressive enough at Aintree at the start of December to be given yet another vote of confidence in this Grade 2.
Ben Pauling knows the time of day with his horses, and I can see bigger things coming from this five-year-old down the line.
*Odds subject to change – prices accurate at the time of writing*
