Utilising free bets at the Cheltenham Festival can often be challenging with so many runners holding leading claims. However, you can find out more about some of the key contenders to follow at the Cheltenham Festival below.
No Drama This End (Turners Novice' Hurdle
Midfield in the Bumper here last year, but he's won three from three over Hurdles; two Grade 2s and a Grade 1. He's a course & distance winner, will love the ground conditions, and is a really exciting prospect for Paul Nicholls.
Majborough (Champion Chase)
Many believe that Willie Mullins has a penalty kick in the Champion Chase, as Majborough bids to avenge his defeat in last year’s Arkle. The six-year-old was mightily impressive in first-time headgear at the Dublin Racing Festival, beating last year’s Champion Chase winner, Marine Nationale, by 19 lengths in the Grade One Dublin Chase.
Fact To File (Ryanair Chase)
Last year’s Ryanair Chase winner, Fact To File, looks like a strong contender to retain his title in 2026. The Willie Mullins superstar produced his best run to date at the Dublin Racing Festival in February, landing the Grade One Irish Gold Cup. He excels at Cheltenham, having registered Festival wins in each of the last two years, which includes a nine-length victory in the Ryanair 12 months ago.
Bambino Fever (Mares' Novices' Hurdle)
Willie Mullins won this race every year from 2016 to 2020, and Bambino Fever looks likely to give him another victory. She won the Champion Bumper here last year and is the joint top rated horse in this field. She'll be better suited by the conditions than her main rival Oldschool Outlaw who would have wanted more rain.
The Jukebox Man (Gold Cup)
The feature of the week is staged on Friday, with The Jukebox Man, owned by Harry Redknapp, bidding to follow up on his statement win in the Grade One King George VI Chase. The eight-year-old has winning form on market rivals Gaelic Warrior and Jango Baie, and was a close second on his only previous start at Cheltenham in the 2024 Albert Bartlett.