Road to Cheltenham 2026: A Star emerges – with Supreme credentials

A wonderful week for Willie Mullins, whose form was questioned over the Christmas period, began at Punchestown on Monday as How's Hannah bolted up by 13 lengths in a mares' bumper. She looks very smart, but as a seven-year-old isn't eligible for the Champion Bumper.

Twenty four hours later, Ben Pauling and JP McManus' Meetmebythesea made it 2-2 over fences, winning a novices' chase at Ayr by just under two lengths. He still needs another run, but is one step closer to booking his Cheltenham Festival ticket - for the Jack Richards', perhaps?

The rearranged card at Fairyhouse on Wednesday began with an intriguing clash between two Mullins juveniles - Proactif and Macho Man. The former, another for the green and gold, came out on top, producing a more polished performance to win by a few lengths.

He looks a lively one for the Triumph Hurdle, but bear in mind the current favourite Narciso Has represents the same connections. I wouldn't give up on the runner-up, either. He jumped poorly and wasn't able to close the gap on the front-runner. I suspect he'll be closer next time.

Later on the card, Champion Bumper heroine Bambino Fever got off the mark over hurdles after a shock defeat on debut last month. She beat very little, though, so I'm not sure we learned much - if anything.

Despite suggestions of a Supreme bid post-race, I expect her to go for the Mares' Novices' Hurdle where she'll be the one to beat. I'm not enthusiastic about odds of 2/1, though.

Mullins also won the bumper, with the Luke McMahon-owned The Wager. He looks useful, but I wouldn't be getting carried away. I think the yard has better Champion Bumper prospects.

Over at Newbury, Philip Hobbs & Johnson White's Sober Glory bounced back to form after a disappointing effort in Listed company at Sandown last month. He was 2/13f, so was entitled to do what he did, but it was good to see him back in rude health.

Nicky Henderson unleashed Fire Warning - a five-year-old grey in the famous pink and green silks of Rich Ricci - in the next race in Berkshire. He holds a lofty reputation and won a two-and-a-half-mile maiden in good style, but I think he's one for next year - and up in trip too.

C'Est Different continued his journey up the handicap with another authoritative win at Newbury. He's now the clear favourite for the Pertemps Final, and I couldn't put anyone off.

What to do with Panic Attack? Dan Skelton's mare has been a revelation this season and while she had little to beat in a Listed event later on the card, she looks every inch a graded mare to me. The Grand National is reportedly her big aim, but I would send her to Cheltenham first for the Mares' Chase. Don't discount her, even against the Willie Mullins battalion.

Only one to take out of Thursday, but a significant one at that - Mighty Park bolted up on rules debut at Fairyhouse, by a mere 38 lengths. The Willie Mullins-trained, JP McManus-owned five-year-old has a big reputation, and it looks justified.

If he goes straight to Cheltenham, for the Supreme or Turners (the pick for me, after a certain performance at the weekend), his inexperience would have to be a big worry, so I'd like to see him turned out again. However, it's not the strongest year for novice hurdlers and connections seem extremely bullish about this one, so even if he goes straight there he's dangerous.

A few handicappers to note - namely Moneygarrow, No Questions Asked and Be Aware - emerged from Windsor on Friday, while it was great to see Potters Charm back in the winners' enclosure. He's got a bit to find on the market principal for the Stayers' Hurdle, but at least he'd be going there with a win under his belt.

On Saturday, Jonbon won the Clarence House Chase again. The 11th Grade 1 of his career. What a legend - my favourite horse in training. He's bound for the Ryanair (7/1) in March.

Il Etait Temps didn't go a yard, so put a line through his run. That being said, it was a bad fall he suffered two out - bad enough to make me cautious about backing him for the Champion Chase. Thistle Ask has been a revelation this season and Dan Skelton's nine-year-old is a danger wherever he goes, jumping as well as he does from the front.

Elsewhere at Ascot, Winston Junior bolted up in the juvenile hurdle. He was on many radar's for a Fred Winter, so it'll be interesting to see what the handicapper does. I wouldn't rule out a Triumph bid if the treatment is harsh.

Ooh Betty returned to form to win a Grade 2 mares' hurdle, from Mares' Novices' Hurdle hopeful La Conquiere. The latter didn't enhance her claims, but she's not ruined them either. She's hard to weigh up for me.

For me, the most likely Cheltenham Festival winner that emerged from last week was Old Park Star, who was so impressive in the Rossington Main at Haydock. Nicky Henderson's six-year-old surged a whopping 18 lengths clear of a good rival in Hurricane Pat, backing up the visual impression he created at Cheltenham the last day.

I loved everything about him and at this moment in time, I have no interest in opposing him for the curtain-raiser.

Others to note from Haydock were Peter Marsh hero Imperial Saint and Dalston Lad. I could see both lining up for a Festival handicap in March.

At Navan, another impressive bumper winner for the Mullins camp - The Irish Avatar. He looks more of a Champion Bumper type to me.

Skipping through Sunday, Espresso Milan and Eachtotheirown put their names into the hat for the Albert Bartlett and Supreme respectively. The latter is perhaps a bit fanciful, but Barry Connell has always thought a lot of this horse, and he doesn't get it wrong all that often.

Jade De Grugy got off the mark over fences at the third attempt and is one of the many Mares' Chase hopefuls right now. What a renewal that promises to be.

Finally, back to the Winter Million Festival at Windsor. Protektorat won the Fleur de Lys Chase, but Cheltenham? Not for me. Salver obliged in the Grade 2 Hampton Novices' Chase, but it's fair to say several of the beaten horses have handicaps in mind.

One of those, I hope, is Moon Rocket for the Ultima. If you follow me on X, you'll know I'm keen on the possibility, but I was admittedly a bit disappointed by his effort in Berkshire. He needs another run, so let's see how he gets on there. I'd be hoping for a much-improved effort to put him spot on for March.

Click the link for all the latest Horse Racing Odds

Find more Cheltenham Tips here at Betfred Insights