Nick Luck

Nick Luck’s William Hill blog: Cheltenham Festival 2026 Day Three Tips

2 hours ago

| BY Nick Luck

William Hill ambassador Nick Luck previews the action from the third day of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival.

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Cheltenham, Thursday

CARRIGMOORNASPRUCE is a decent priced alternative to the heavy favourite in the opening mares’ novice hurdle on Thursday (1.20). She has acquitted herself well against talented geldings, and is a strong stayer at the trip. In addition, she has a fantastic attitude and runs for a stable that have had notable breakthrough success this season. At a monster price, I’ll also be getting involved each way with ST IRENE, who has posted two more than fair efforts on the clock, and may not be done improving.

REGENT’S STROLL can give Paul Nicholls and Harry Cobden another success in the Jack Richards (2.00). He has looked wayward on occasion, but has immense talent which is not done justice by this mark of 145. Even as it stands, this season’s form gives him a chance, but it is very hard not to see him as a work in progress who’ll build on that quite considerably.

TAKE NO CHANCES might just surprise a few in the Mares’ Hurdle (2.40). She was an excellent third in this last year, but appears to have improved again this time, stringing together a sequence of good efforts, including against quality geldings. She stays well, so can be a bit handier if it becomes tactical.

BOB OLINGER is taken to retain his stayers’ hurdle crown (3.20). The ground has come right for him, age shows no signs of withering him, and vibes from the yard are very strong. His Festival record speaks for itself, and he can withstand the improvers.

FACT TO FILE should win the Ryanair Chase (4.00). Although Jonbon and Banbridge make this race a far better one than was first feared, the favourite has been demonstrably brilliant here the last two season, and would need to underperform significantly to be defeated.

KIKIJO is now the each way play in the Pertemps Final (4.40). While there are others whose qualifying efforts have caught more eyes – Supremely West, C’Est Different and Minella Emperor are all on the shortlist – the selection was really impressive here in November, looking the likely winner from a circuit out. It seems that connections had a change of heart to save him for this since his gritty Sandown win, and their patience can be rewarded.

KIM ROQUE is the pick in the Kim Muir (5.20). He’s run some nice races since joining this stable, all the while leaving the impression there was more to come. He’s travelled and jumped smoothly round this course, and should enjoy a proper test of stamina. A top amateur is booked for a leading stable, and all looks set up for a big performance.

Cheltenham Festival 2026 Guides: