Cheltenham 2026 horse racing betting tips - Wednesday, March 11th, 2026

The 2026 Cheltenham Festival enters its second day on Wednesday – and Races Now's Harry Fowler is here to deliver his expert insight and betting tips.

Read on for Harry's thoughts on day two of the Festival action!

Harry Fowler's Cheltenham Best Bets - Wednesday, March 11th, 2026

Cheltenham Day 2 is here, and the feature race of the day is the Champion Chase at 4:00, where Majborough is the short-priced favourite. There are huge fields throughout the day, all with double-figure runners, so there’s plenty of proper competitive racing to get stuck into.

1:20 – Turners Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1)

A completely full field of 22, and what a race we have in store. I must admit I’m a little disappointed to see Jack Kennedy has chosen Ballyfad over Skylight Hustle, as I think that may prove to be the wrong decision in time. I believe Ballyfad will ultimately be better going right-handed.

Skylight Hustle is the selection. He was an easy winner in November, where he really put himself into the conversation for races of this nature. He then went to Leopardstown over Christmas and looked about to engage in a proper battle with Talk The Talk before coming down. I don’t think Talk The Talk would have won as easily as people believe that day; I think Skylight Hustle was going to stay on strongly and go very close.

Since that race, this contest has clearly been the plan, and I think he will take plenty of beating.

Harry’s Selection – Skylight Hustle – 1pt win @ 14/1 (William Hill)

2:00 – Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase (Grade 1)

I like Koktail Divin here. He has had three runs over fences and has improved significantly with each one. Last time out, he produced his best effort in a beginners’ chase, beating a 139-rated rival by 21 lengths, which looks strong form.

To me, he looked as good a chance as any during the week for the Jack Richards Handicap Chase, so the fact that connections have decided to come here instead — and that jockey bookings suggest he is the first pick — adds further confidence to the selection.

Harry’s Selection – Koktail Divin – 0.5pt EW @ 7/1 (Bet365)

2:40 – BetMGM Cup Handicap Hurdle

I am disappointed my selection has been heavily backed since the declarations came out, and that selection is Kopeck De Mee.

He was all the rage last year when he disappointed, but it was his first run for Willie Mullins after a lengthy absence. He then went to Aintree where he absolutely should have won — five lengths down at the last and only beaten a neck in the end.

He hasn’t had much talk throughout the Cheltenham build-up, but now we’re seeing plenty of money for him, and Mark Walsh has been booked, which looks positive.

Harry’s Selection – Kopeck De Mee – 0.75pt win @ 13/2 (Unibet)

3:20 – Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase

Favouri De Champdou has been a revelation in his last couple of runs. He was a shock but very easy 66/1 winner over Christmas, and then went to Cheltenham on Trials Day and absolutely bolted up, winning by 8½ lengths.

Although he has gone up in the weights, with Stumptown carrying top weight, he still doesn’t have to shoulder too much. If he turns up in the same form, he should go very close again.

Harry’s Selection – Favouri De Champdou – 1pt win @ 5/2 (BetVictor)

4:00 – BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase

I’m going to call this a no-bet race. I think Majborough will probably win, but he is short in the market, and we’ve seen previously that his jumping can be a little bit hit and miss.

I don’t want to take him on, but I also don’t want to back him at the price.

4:40 – Debenhams Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Challenge Cup

A tricky handicap here in the penultimate race. I like Relieved Of Duties.
He has run two poor races in his last two starts, which I put down completely to the ground. He made a good start to chasing on better ground, but his last two runs have come on soft to heavy and heavy ground.

As a result, he is only two pounds higher than when finishing second here in October, and I think there is still plenty more to come. Jack Kennedy is reunited with him for the first time since his chase debut in October, and he should go well at an each-way price.

Harry’s Selection – Relieved Of Duties – 0.5pt EW @ 14/1 (Ladbrokes)

5:20 – Weatherbys Champion Bumper

I am absolutely no expert when it comes to bumper races, and this looks very tricky. I don’t have a particularly strong opinion, but Keep Him Company looks a good prospect.

He has won his two bumpers easily and, while he hasn’t won by 24 lengths like the favourite, I think his form still counts for something.

Jack Kennedy gets on for the first time, and he might be worth a small go in the bumper.

Harry’s Selection – Keep Him Company – 0.75pt win @ 15/2 (Coral)

Harry's Cheltenham Festival tips for Wednesday, March 11th, 2026

1.20pm - Skylight Hustle - 1pt win @ 14/1 (William Hill)

2pm - Koktail Divin - 0.5pt EW @ 7/1 (Bet365)

2:40pm – Kopeck De Mee - 0.75pt win @ 13/2 (Unibet)

3:20pm - Favouri De Champdou - 1pt win @ 5/2 (BetVictor)

4.00pm - N/A

4.40pm - Relieved Of Duties - 0.5pt win @ 14/1 (Ladbrokes)

5.20pm - Keep Him Company - 0.75pt win @ 15/2 (Coral)

Total staked - 4.5pts

Prices correct as of 7pm GMT on Tuesday, March 10th 2026.