Five Cheltenham Festival Contenders to Watch Out for on Sunday (2026)

Attention all racing enthusiasts! We've got an exciting lineup of runners who could be about to make their mark at Cheltenham. But here's where it gets controversial... these horses have a chance to prove their worth and potentially shake up the odds. Are you ready to explore the possibilities?

Five Horses to Watch Out For:

  1. Pure Steel: This six-year-old trained by Jimmy Mangan has been backed as the favorite for the novice chase at Punchestown. Despite a recent setback, Pure Steel's potential is undeniable, with a Racing Post Rating of 136. Can he live up to the odds and secure a win on Sunday?

  2. Fantasy World: Making his hurdling debut, Fantasy World is a four-year-old with a promising future. Trained by the renowned Nicky Henderson, he has shown progression on the flat and is now set to showcase his skills over hurdles. Will Fantasy World's debut be a triumph, or will he need more time to adjust?

  3. Kiss Will: Trained by the legendary Willie Mullins, Kiss Will aims for his first success over fences. With a solid record over hurdles, including two wins, he's a contender for the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase. Can Kiss Will translate his hurdling success to the chase discipline?

  4. Heads Up: A close second to a favorite in the Turners Novices' Hurdle, Heads Up is an intriguing prospect. Trained by John C McConnell, this runner could be a dark horse in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle. Will Heads Up's form hold up under the bright lights of Cheltenham?

  5. Heldam: Another Willie Mullins-trained horse, Heldam, has the potential to make a splash in the Champion Bumper. With a point-to-point win under his belt, Heldam aims to live up to his trainer's high standards. Can he rise to the occasion and secure a top position in the pecking order?

These five runners have the opportunity to enhance their Cheltenham claims and potentially rewrite the odds. But here's the part most people miss: racing is full of surprises, and these horses might just be the ones to deliver them.

So, who do you think will shine on Sunday? Will these runners live up to the hype, or will they need more time to prove their worth? Let's discuss in the comments and share our predictions!

Remember, in the world of racing, anything can happen, and these horses could be the stars of tomorrow.

Five Cheltenham Festival Contenders to Watch Out for on Sunday (2026)
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