The Notebook - Cheltenham 2026 Edition

Not every big performance results in a headline victory. Sometimes it is the subtle runs, the late headway, the eye-catching move through the field, or the effort against unfavourable conditions, that signal a horse ready to strike next time. Here are four runners who caught the eye this week and may be worth adding to your notebook for future races...

King Of Answers

King of Answers ran a huge race when finishing second in the National Hunt Chase and may have gone one better if he had been ridden more prominently. In the build-up, he held entries in this race and the Ultima Handicap Chase, which is a shorter trip by five furlongs. Connections opted for the stronger stamina test, but he was ridden cold by Derek Fox, indicating there may have been slight reservations about this trip. He still ran a fantastic race, but coming back in trip will likely be where we see him next. He’s been raised 3 lbs for this effort, taking his mark to 143, which highlights his progressive nature, having started the season on 128.

Salver

Salver ran a mighty race in the Grade 1 Brown Advisory Novices' Chase, finishing third on ground that would have been far too quick for him. He was stone last turning in as the race began to develop, but showed a good turn of foot to pass rivals in the closing stages. He has stamina in abundance, but showed he has that touch of class to run big races in unfavourable conditions. Connections may target the Coral Gold Cup next year, formerly the Hennessey, and if the ground came up soft, he would have a strong chance off a big weight.

Regent’s Stroll

I can see a world where Regent’s Stroll becomes a 155+ horse in the coming seasons, and he is finally learning to settle in his races, which obviously aids his cause. During his younger years, he was a bit of a loose cannon, often over-racing and giving his jockey very little chance of controlling him. Now he is beginning to learn how to race. The key to this horse will be moving up to three miles. He has hit the line strongly on his last two starts, just being slightly outpaced as they quicken. Cheltenham potentially doesn’t suit as well as a flat track does, so he will be of major interest if connections go back to Aintree, where he finished second in a Grade 1 last year.

Maestro Conti

Very few horses excite me as much as Maestro Conti, who ran a superb race when finishing second in the Triumph Hurdle. Having followed him since his British debut, I thought his inexperience may catch him out in a race of this nature, as he often races keenly, blunting his finishing effort. However, the big field scenario allowed him to settle and be smuggled into the race in perfect fashion by Harry Skelton. Connections are likely to go to the Grade 1 Juvenile Hurdle at Aintree, and he would have a mighty chance. They had second in that contest last year with Live Conti, but Maestro Conti looks slightly more forward at this stage of his career and will relish a big field on a flat track.