We made it two from two on the lay bet tips for the Cheltenham 2026 festival so far.
Kopek Des Bordes was beaten on day one in the Arkle, and Majborough was defeated in the Champion Chase on day two.
For the first half of the race in the Champion Chase, it looked like Majborough was getting into a lovely rhythm and confirming why he was the price that he was. The second half showed his flaws. Once he made the first mistake, his momentum went and he couldn't bounce back.
Cheltenham 2026 Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle | 3.20 pm – Kabral Du Mathan
The riskiest lay bet of the week so far is Kabral Du Mathan in the Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle. It's the most risky, as there is more liability on this horse if he were to win.
There are a couple of short-priced horses that people will be happy enough to lay on Thursday, but I do think those odds-on shots will win. Whereas, I don't fancy Kabral Du Mathan in this race.
As stated in the preview for this race, I think he has far too much speed to be a strong enough stayer at this trip. If he does stay the trip on a stiff track like Cheltenham, then he could dominate this division for years to come. Having a turn of foot as a stayer is a potent weapon, and isn't a trait shared by many. Look at Kyprios on the flat, he has a turn of foot, and look how long he dominated for.
This lad has done very well since moving to Dan Skelton's, and he has done nothing wrong. The form of his wins has been franked, with the runner-up from Cheltenham last time out winning yesterday in good fashion in the BetMGM Cup.
GambleAware