Thursday 1st January 2026
Cheltenham
12.50 Cheltenham: Ellenborough Park Hotel ‘Chasing Excellence’ Novices’ Chase (Class 2)
REGENT’S STROLL should be tough to beat here for the team of Paul Nicholls and Harry Cobden. He was smart over hurdles and brought bundles of potential with him over the larger obstacles this term. He opened his account over fences at the second time of asking when beating Jeriko Du Reponet by over four lengths at Wincanton last month, and should take another big step forward coming into this race. A bold showing is likely. (10/11) (Win) (NAP)
2.00 Cheltenham: Betfair Exchange Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (Class 1)
IL RIDOTO won the Paddy Power Gold Cup here last season and is a regular in these ultra-competitive handicaps around Cheltenham. He’s not been at the same level as that victory since, however, as a result, he’s dropped down to what looks to be a tempting mark, which is two pounds below his last winning mark. He also has a further seven pounds coming off his back via Freddie Keighley, and he’s worth chancing as an each-way play. (11/2) (Each-Way)
3.10 Cheltenham: Best Odds On The Betfair Exchange Handicap Hurdle (Class 2)
ACE OF SPADES is a progressive hurdler for the Skeltons, winning a Class 2 handicap on his seasonal reappearance at Aintree back in October, before finishing fourth of seventeen in a competitive Grade 3 contest at Haydock last time out. There should be more improvement to come from him, and he’d have to be considered as a big player here off the same mark as his Haydock effort. Harry Skelton is on board, and he looks rock solid. (9/4) (Win) (NB)
3.40 Cheltenham: 18-24 Get Your Racepass ‘Junior’ National Hunt Flat Race (Listed) (Class 1)
ROXIMAN posted a very encouraing effort on his racecourse debut at Wincanton in November when finishing half of a length third of twelve behind the reopposing Bailly’s Comet, and he’s got every chance of turning that form around here over a course and distance that is likely to suit him more. He should also naturally take a considerable step forward coming into his second start here, and he could post a bold bid here for Paul Nicholls and Harry Cobden. (11/2) (Each-Way)
