The countdown to Cheltenham is reaching fever pitch. The handicap weights have been revealed, leading to some big gambles. Meanwhile, the decision on Constitution Hill‘s participation is creeping ever closer.
Read on for more racing news today in our Wednesday round-up.
Cheltenham build-up increasing with weights reveal
The weights have been revealed for every handicap contest at the Cheltenham Festival. That includes the weights for the chasers and hurdlers, with many eyes on the ratings and weights allotted to the Irish contingent of runners. In total, there are 11 handicap races among the 28 contested at the meeting. Punters now have two weeks to pore over the exact form before the meeting kicks off on Tuesday 10 March. (Sporting Life)
After the handicap weights, Paddy Power revealed the horse they are most afraid of winning. Ante-post punters have latched onto Henry De Bromhead’s Koktail Divin for their money. The six-year-old won by 21 lengths in a beginners’ chase won in recent seasons by Galopin Des Champs and Fact To File. He is set to run in the Jack Richards Novices’ Handicap Chase on day three of the Festival. A spokesperson for the betting firm suggested that punters were unconcerned by his proximity to the top-weights. (The Sun)
Constitution Hill decision closer and Bumper entries made
Meanwhile, Constitution Hill’s connections are one day nearer a decision about their participation in the Champion Hurdle. The nine-year-old won in superb style on his flat debut at Southwell last Friday. Wednesday will see the former Champion Hurdle take in a schooling session. The result of that preparation will seemingly have a huge bearing on a decision to race. Since winning at Southwell, he has become the favourite for this season’s Champion Hurdle. (Racing Post)
Lastly on the Cheltenham front, 36 entries were made for the Champion Bumper. The race is the only one without obstacles at the Cheltenham Festival. It is also the final Grade 1 contest to receive its entries, with aspirations high among a number of connections. It is the race in which Willie Mullins has been most successful, sending out 14 winners since its inception. Just one fewer entry was made for the Hunter Chase on day four. Of the 35, last year’s first and second Wonderwall and Its On The Line are perhaps the most significant. (Sporting Life)
Epsom Derby entries include US-trained horse
The 2026 Epsom Derby could play host to a first American-trained runner for more than 30 years. 88 horses were entered in all, with Bob Baffert’s Greenwich Village the potential raider from across the Atlantic. Michael Dickinson’s Wolf Prince was the last US-based runner, finishing eighth in 1993. There are also two entries for Japan and one for France in a more global set of entries. Pierre Bonnard is the ante-post favourite for the race and received his entry for Aidan O’Brien. (Racing TV)