Like usual, the Lucky 15 daily thread for the Cheltenham Festival will remain.
Even if you're not a usual punter of multiple bets, for the big occasions like Cheltenham, they are a fun bet to have and a great way to combine the multiple selections you've picked out.
Who knows, you might be lucky and win yourself an early retirement.
Cheltenham 2026 Ultima Handicap Chase | 3.20 pm – Hyland 10/1 (6pl)
I've backed Hyland once this season, and despite the fact that he jumped like a snooker table for the vast majority of it, I came out thinking that this lad can definitely win a big pot.
Cheltenham isn't as hard a jumping test as many believe it is, but in the grand scheme of things, it's definitely one of the hardest tracks. With that said, Hyland has a superb record at this track, which doesn't add up given his jumping can be a huge issue.
Today's ground should be ideal for him. Nicky Henderson only runs him on good or slightly worse ground, and it's seen him rack up many victories across the years. I tipped him up last time out in a Grade 3 handicap chase at Ascot, and he ran a cracker to finish fourth. With a clear round of jumping, I think he takes that race, as he was only beaten by 1.5L.
His handicap mark is the same as last time, and he has been given a break to remain fresh for this outing.
Cheltenham 2026 Unibet Champion Hurdle | 4.00 pm – Poniros 14/1 (3pl)
I have tipped up Lossiemouth for this race in the antepost article, so I'd obviously like her to go and win. However, with me picking out three each-way plays for the Day One Lucky 15, it makes no sense to chuck in Lossie at a short price.
As a result, Poniros gets my vote as a horse who could easily hit the frame. This lad caused the shock of last year's festival, and there's no reason to believe he can't do something similar this year.
He is a very unexposed horse, with just three hurdle runs to his name. Last time out at the DRF, he must've needed the run, and I don't think the ground was to his liking. It's not a surprise to see Paul Townend on Lossiemouth, but Danny Mullins is a capable rider, and does well on the outsiders for Willie.
Cheltenham 2026 Sun Racing Plate Handicap Chase | 4.40 pm – Downmexicoway 9/1 (5pl)
Henry De Bromhead always does well at the Cheltenham Festival, and can often pop up in handicaps like this.
At first glance, I didn't rate Downmexicoway, but that might have been down to him being thumped in a Grade 1 in a race he had no right in winning. In hindsight, that race was probably used as a stepping stone to keep him ticking over for his race today.
I like the look of novice runners in races like this, as they are totally unexposed and could easily progress further. This horse is 2/4 over fences and has proven to be versatile on different ground. He put in a very nice performance at Gowran Park the time before last, and we've seen similar types from this yard do well in the chase handicaps in the past.
Henry has three in the race, but this is the pick of his stable jockey, Darragh O'Keefe.
Cheltenham 2026 National Hunt Challenge Cup Novices' Handicap Chase | 5.20 pm – King Of Answers 14/1 (5pl)
I'd be lying if I weren't to say that I was fuming to see King Of Answers turn up for this race, instead of the Ultima. I tipped him up at odds of 33/1 for that race in the antepost article; he went on to win at Kelso, and his odds nearly halved.
I was a big fan of his run at Windsor over slightly further than three miles, and he did a lot wrong. He was off the bridle, not doing much, but stuck to his task very well and caught my eye as the Ultima pick. At the time, the yard was in one of the worst forms they have ever been in since Lucinda Russell took out her training licence, and he ran well.
Last time out at Kelso, when backed into favourite, he put in a good performance and won quite easily. I think that the yard is in love with Myretown (won Ultimaa last year) and wanted to separate the pair of them, hence why he is running in this race.
I believe this trip is perfect for him, as all he does is stay. The change to a handicap gives him a solid chance.
GambleAware