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Episode 9 of Racing Post’s Upping the Ante, centres on the unusually open look of the 2026 Cheltenham Gold Cup, with Johnny Dineen reluctantly nominating Jango Baie as his pick while stressing the race is not a betting proposition at this stage; popular market horses such as Haiti Kora are dismissed, Gaelic Warrior is respected but not fancied to win, and Afrdale Fury is ruled out entirely. The discussion shifts more positively toward handicaps, where McIlory (Jack Richards Novices’ Handicap Chase), Blaze Away (Kim Muir) and The Short Go (Ultima) are highlighted as potential Festival angles despite clear caveats. Among novices, I’ll Sort That earns praise but raises questions over trip and level, Quirin is flagged as an interesting Champion Bumper contender after an impressive win, Healey’s Pub is noted as one to follow in maiden hurdles, while Garvito is firmly opposed due to repeated weak finishes.
After viewing Episode 9 of Upping the Ante by Racing Post, my main takeaway is just how unclear the Cheltenham Gold Cup picture still is, with no horse really standing out and even Johnny’s tentative pick, Jango Baie, coming with plenty of hesitation rather than confidence. The episode reinforced that this feels like a year to be cautious ante-post, especially with popular horses like Haiti Kora being firmly dismissed and doubts lingering around established names such as Gaelic Warrior. What I found more useful were the handicap angles, with McIlory, Blaze Away and The Short Go all emerging as festival types worth keeping onside depending on entries and conditions. Among the supporting races, Quirin caught my attention as a lively Champion Bumper contender, while Healey’s Pub stood out as a solid horse to track going forward, and Garvito was one I’d be happy to keep firmly on the “avoid” list.
4.5/5
| Horse | Race | Trainer | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jango Baie | Gold Cup | Not mentioned | tentative pick in open renewal |
| Haiti Kora | Gold Cup | Not mentioned | popular but dismissed |
| Gaelic Warrior | Gold Cup | Willie Mullins | ability respected, stamina doubts |
| Afrdale Fury | Gold Cup | Not mentioned | ruled out as contender |
| Edwardstone | Champion Chase | Alan King | respected older Grade 1 winner |
| McIlory | Jack Richards Novices’ Handicap Chase | Not mentioned | handicap prospect |
| Blaze Away | Kim Muir | Willie Mullins | Cheltenham experience, solid profile |
| The Short Go | Ultima Handicap Chase | Henry de Bromhead | risky but well treated |
| Conjure Hill | Grand Annual | Not mentioned | needs pace to suit |
| I’ll Sort That | Novice Hurdles | Declan Queally | underrated trainer angle |
| Captain Guinness (Jackie The Pike) | Novice Chase | Willie Mullins | sharp turn of foot |
| Quirin | Champion Bumper | Not mentioned | impressive bumper winner |
| Garvito | Novice Hurdles | Willie Mullins | weak finisher, avoided |
| Healey’s Pub | Maiden Hurdles | Oliver McKiernan | tracker horse |
| Feel Good | Juvenile Hurdle | Not mentioned | strong confidence midweek winner |
