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Episode 16 of Upping The Ante acts as the final “normal” studio episode before Cheltenham week begins in earnest. David Jennings and Johnny Dineen reflect on information gathered from preview nights around Ireland and Britain, highlighting several horses attracting strong whispers from connections and pundits. The discussion moves through potential Festival targets, market perceptions and several strongly held opinions about which favourites may be vulnerable. As usual, the episode mixes serious Cheltenham analysis with lively debate, particularly around the Gold Cup market and the likely balance of power between Irish and British runners.
From a viewer’s perspective, the most interesting aspect of this episode is how much preview night information is now influencing Cheltenham markets. Several horses — particularly Macho Man, Sortudo, and Koktail Divin are being talked up by people close to yards, which often proves significant at this stage of the season. The panel also raise genuine questions about some of the shorter-priced favourites, especially in the Gold Cup and novice races. That combination of inside whispers and scepticism about the market leaders makes this episode particularly useful for ante-post bettors.
5/5
| Horse | Race | Trainer | Note |
| Wendigo | Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase | Jamie Snowden | Dineen’s first British/ UK-based selection added to his Festival squad. |
| Jagwar | Ultima Handicap Chase | Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero | Mentioned as having a strong chance if he stays the trip. |
| Panic Attack | Mares’ Chase | Dan Skelton | Discussed but Dineen not convinced she’ll win. |
| Mighty Park | Turners Novices’ Chase | Gordon Elliott | Seen as likely to head to the Turners rather than other options. |
| Romeo Coolio | Arkle Chase | Gordon Elliott | Festival participation still slightly uncertain. |
| Lossiemouth | Mares’ Hurdle | Willie Mullins | Champion Hurdle route considered unlikely. |
| Fact To File | Ryanair Chase / Gold Cup | Willie Mullins | Market suggesting Ryanair rather than Gold Cup. |
| Constitution Hill | Champion Hurdle | Nicky Henderson | Debate about staying over hurdles vs Flat campaign. |
| All About Trev | Future staying hurdler | Jeremy Scott | Highlighted as a long-term staying prospect / bumper graduate. |
| Star Mount | Premier Novices’ Hurdle (Kelso) | Ben Pauling | Weekend betting selection mentioned on show. |
| Kilwaughter | Handicap Hurdle | Philip Hobbs & Johnson White | Considered well treated from current mark. |
| Galopin Des Champs | Gold Cup | Willie Mullins | Questioned whether he can regain peak form. |
| Inothewayurthinkin | Gold Cup | Gavin Cromwell | Price seen as too short currently. |
| Mighty Park | Supreme Novices’ Hurdle | Willie Mullins | Potential late target switch. |
| Old Park Star | Supreme Novices’ Hurdle | Nicky Henderson | Talented but possibly vulnerable favourite. |
| Talk To Talk | Turners Novices’ Chase | Willie Mullins | May switch if stablemate targets change. |
| Macho Man | Turners Novices’ Chase | Willie Mullins | Reportedly working very well. |
| Sortudo | Turners Novices’ Chase | Gordon Elliott | Strong word from preview nights. |
| Koktail Divin | Handicap (Coral Cup/Martin Pipe) | Henry de Bromhead | Considered well treated. |
| Meetmebythesea | Handicap | Ben Pauling | Tipped strongly by Lydia Hislop. |
| Minella Study | Triumph Hurdle | Adam Nicol | Dismissed as having little chance. |
| Maestro Conti | Triumph Hurdle | Dan Skelton | Doubts about ability at top level. |
| Handstands | Ultima Handicap Chase | Ben Pauling | Considered overrated by panel. |
| Doctor Steinberg | Albert Bartlett | Willie Mullins | Viewed as weak favourite. |
| Western Fold | Brown Advisory | Gordon Elliott | Unlikely winner according to panel. |
| Miami Magic | Aintree Novice Chase target | Stuart Edmunds | Impressive recent performance. |
| Kiely’s Place | Novice hurdle prospect | Willie Mullins | Strong debut performance noted. |
| Regent’s Stroll | Supreme Novices’ Hurdle form line | Paul Nicholls | Referenced in novice discussion. |
