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Episode two of Upping the Ante from Racing Post, sees David Jennings and Johnny Dineen return with record-breaking viewership and another lively deep dive into early Cheltenham 2026 narratives. The pair reflect on Johnny’s up-and-down betting week, before tackling viewer questions ranging from the merits of Grey Dawning to the ethics of campaigning Gold Cup contenders. There’s plenty of debate as they analyse the John Durkan, the development of Gaelic Warrior versus Fact To File, the challenges for modern punters, and the ongoing fascination around Constitution Hill’s return. As always, Johnny’s blend of humour, frustration, and sharp racing instinct anchors the conversation, while DJ keeps the pace and structure tight.
The episode delivers strong opinions and clear takeaways, highlighted by Johnny’s top performances of the week led by Django Boy, his tracker horse Zanoush, and his midweek treat Risk Away. They preview a huge upcoming weekend featuring the Fighting Fifth, the Coral Gold Cup, and Grade 1 action at Fairyhouse, offering views on Meertown, Tupo, Romeo Coolio, and the emerging Champion Hurdle picture. The show closes with DJ vs JD charity bets, festival squad additions, and Johnny’s joke of the week. For punters and racing fans, it’s another punchy, insightful episode filled with value-driven thinking and early festival clues.
4.5/5
| Horse | Race | Trainer | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grey Dawning | Cheltenham Gold Cup | Dan Skelton | Suited by soft ground, underrated |
| Gaelic Warrior | Ryanair/King George route | Willie Mullins | High-class but jumping concerns raised |
| Fact To File | King George/Gold Cup | Willie Mullins | Possibly better than Gaelic Warrior at peak |
| Constitution Hill | Champion Hurdle | Nicky Henderson | Major doubts after Punchestown flop |
| The New Line | Champion Hurdle | Willie Mullins | Progressive, unexposed, big test ahead |
| Iberico Lord | Fighting Fifth/Champion Hurdle | Nicky Henderson | Outsider, limited chance |
| Jango Boy | King George/Gold Cup | Paul Nicholls | Huge engine, long-term player |
| Gidleigh Park | Brown Advisory | Paul Nicholls | Good horse but short of top class |
| Zanoush | Mares’ Novice/Handicap | Colm Murphy | Strong eyecatcher, well handicapped |
| Desertmore House | Cross Country Chase | Martin Brassil | Strong stayer, natural banks type |
| Tupo | Stayers’ Hurdle | Gordon Elliott | Expected to be fully tuned, solid Grade 1 form |
| Ballyburn | Various graded targets | Willie Mullins | Questions over current form |
| Romeo Coolio | Drinmore Novice Chase | Gordon Elliott | Standout novice, hard to oppose |
| Mare Town | Coral Gold Cup | Willie Mullins | Progressive and powerful jumper |
| Larry’s Bar | Coral Gold Cup | Not mentioned | Each-way outsider |
| Risk Away | Maiden Hurdle | Gordon Elliott | Improving mare, solid chance |
