Cheltenham Festival 2026: Betting and Trends for Day 4

We're a week away from the Cheltenham Festival kicking off, and there is still some value to be found in the markets. So, let's take a look at the betting markets and some trends for each race on Day Four of the festival.

Gold Cup Day Betting Tips

Below, you can find the trends and insights for the seven races on Day 4 of the Cheltenham Festival. The odds were correct at the time of writing.

Triumph Hurdle Trends and Analysis

To start off, we'll go through the trends for this race, and then move on to the analysis.

For the Triumph, there are a few stats to keep note of, the first is that Irish-trained options are worth noting, whilst favourites - barring last year - are difficult to overlook. Furthermore, Gordon Elliott's entries must be considered for places at least.

This race looked to be pretty closed off until a few weeks ago, when longstanding favourite Narciso Has was ruled out of the festival. So, now the field looks quite open.

JP McManus retains the favourite, with Proactif being given a 7/2 chance of winning the opener on Friday, and the stats would point favourably in his way as an Irish-trained favourite.

Maestro Conti looks to have a strong chance from the Dan Skelton yard, having won the Grade 2 Triumph Trial Hurdle in January at Cheltenham. At 15/2, he could have a right chance.

Finally, Mange Tout looks to be a big name of interest. The filly, trained by Gordon Elliott, has been around the 10/1 mark all season and is now available at 8/1. Although she came third LTO, she would hold strong claims here with a weight advantage.

County Handicap Hurdle Trends and Analysis

To start off, we'll go through the trends for this race and then move on to the analysis.

In the County, we are looking for a five-year-old horse below a rating of 150, with an additional eye on Willie Mullins and Dan Skelton, both of whom have impressive recent records.

This race could be a bit of a minefield, but it could also be as simple as looking at which jockey gets booked where.

The favourite is currently Murcia, who is owned by the same owners as last year's winner, Kargese. Her route has been largely similar and her mark is also pretty close. If Paul Townend is booked on her, then it may just be that simple!

Khrisma looks to be an impressive mare for Nicky Henderson, but she may not get into this race, which would be a concern. Roc Dino has a great chance for Willie Mullins, but again, jockey bookings will be decisive there, I feel, and he could be re-routed.

For Dan Skelton, Sinnatra represents the best chance for that yard. With a rating of 133, she has been campaigned well, and comes into this race off a win LTO.

Mares Chase Trends and Analysis

To start off, we'll go through the trends for this race and then move on to the analysis.

In the Mares Chase, we are looking for a 7 or 8-year-old, rated above 147, and at a low price. Additionally, options owned by JP McManus need to be respected, and it is no surprise that he has the favourite in this race.

We'll start things off with last year's winner, Dinoblue, who returns to this race hoping to retain her title. After coming second here in 2024, she dominated a field of seven last year and is well backed to do the same again.

Saying that, the fact that she is now a 9-year-old may be a concern for some, considering the trends...

Spindleberry demands a lot of respect sitting second in the market, and it seemed at one point that she could even make a challenge in the Gold Cup, with her owners keen.

However, this race would certainly be a much better fit for her, as the Irish Gold Cup showed at Leopardstown.

My final big interest for this race is Panic Attack, who has won all three of her races this season. With a win at Cheltenham chasing already, too, she will not be a stranger here, and 5/1 looks a little big, maybe.

Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle Trends and Analysis

To start off, we'll go through the trends for this race, and then move on to the analysis.

The Albert Bartlett is a race to watch bigger prices, as there have been a few big winners of note recently. In terms of profiles, we are looking for an Irish-trained option, aged either 6 or 7.

Ah the spud race, this could be a walk in the park or it could throw up a nightmare for punters.

Doctor Steinberg has been the leading favourite for some time, and for many people, he is a bit of a banker. However, it may not be so simple. Willie Mullins had concerns about his ability to stay the trip, but the fact that he is still being edged for this race suggests those worries have been quietened.

Thedeviluno was beaten by Doctor Steinberg earlier in the season, and his form has been fantastic since then. So, he certainly holds a strong chance of reversing the form.

Gordon Elliott's best chance here is Spinningayarn, who arrives in this race off the back of a pretty impressive campaign, where he has won his last two races convincingly.

Espresso Milan could be one of the best gambles for punters in recent years. He was available at 50/1 before his run in January, and now he sits as a 12/1 chance. He certainly holds strong E/W claims!

Gold Cup Trends and Analysis

To start off, we'll go through the trends for this race, and then move on to the analysis.

For the big race of the day, maybe even the festival, we are looking for a horse under the age of 9, with 7 and 8-year-olds faring well. Additionally, the first three in the market tend to normally do well in this race, whilst previous festival wins are a big pointer.

The first three in the market all have bold claims to win the big one at Cheltenham, and it probably goes beyond them.

Gaelic Warrior, since being effectively confirmed for this race, has been backed into favouritism, and it is understandable why. He has been fantastic this season, fighting bravely in the King George and the Irish Gold Cup. Whilst he has not claimed either, no one would mind if he could win here.

Jango Baie looks favourable with a view of the stats. After his win in the Arkle last season, he again contested the King George, in what was one of the best races of the season. He has been kept fresh since then and arrives here with a big chance.

Jukebox Man, the winner of the King George, has become somewhat of the people's favourite. A 6/1 chance since his win in the big one at Kempton on Boxing Day, he has been unbeaten since 2024. If he were to win, the roof would come off at Cheltenham.

However, the roof of everywhere in the racing world would be blown off if Galopin Des Champs could get a big result. He was beaten here last year, and at 10 years old, he could be done on the big stage. If he were to win, it would be emotional, definitely.

Haiti Couleurs is also not looked at favourably, coming into this race at 9 years old. However, he has been a fantastic horse for Rebecca Curtis, and he could win the big one.

Finally, Inothewayurthinkin looks to retain the cup, having won the race last season. He has had an awful season, but the spring air has apparently seen him return to his best at home. Whether that is true or not remains to be seen.

All across the field, there are shouts, even Envoi Allen could have a miraculous ending in his final race.

Put it this way, we could be in for an absolute corker.

Hunters Chase Trends and Analysis

To start off, we'll go through the trends for this race, and then move on to the analysis.

In the penultimate race of the fesitval we are looking for a horse younger than 10 years old, trained in Ireland and rated 124 or above.

The Hunters' Chase has the difficult job of following the Gold Cup, but that does not mean that it is a race without competitiveness.

Leading the market is one for the Oasis fans, as Wonderwall bids to win the race once again, after taking the race last year at the festival. At 10 years old, though, he may not be looked at favourably here!

Its On The Line represents a strong chance for JP McManus at 6/1. Trained by Emmet Millins, he has had a nice campaign this year, winning twice of his four races.

The final interest for me would be Panda Boy, who is arriving at Cheltenham with two wins in his last two races. Of course, this is not a must, but he has gone well over 3 miles, and this race could be right up his alley!

Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle Trends and Analysis

To start off, we'll go through the trends for this race, and then move on to the analysis.

For the final race of the festival, we are looking at a horse over 11 stone, aged either 5 or 6. Willie Mullins, Paul Nicholls and Gordon Elliott have all done well previously, whilst options at the top of the market have often not won.

For the final time, let's get into the names of interest.

Roc Dino is the current favourite, and it seems that this could be perfect race planning from the great man. Indeed, he is a fancy in the County Hurdle, but Mullins could unlock another win here by separating two strong handicap chances.

Representing the Skelton yard is A Pai De Nom, who is slightly under the weight we are looking for at 10-12. Nevertheless, he sits near the top of the market after a strong win at Newbury in February.

If The Passing Wife heads here, he would come with a fantastic chance, after his win at Punchestown in January. Winning a competitive race on heavy ground, he would have a strong chance.

Finally, representing Gordon Elliott, Wendrock and He Can't Dance are the most likely chances in this race. However, the market has not backed them well at 16/1 and 20/1.