Road to Cheltenham 2026 Episode 12: Old Park a Star indeed – or is he?

Another week, another episode of Road To Cheltenham - and another step closer to the greatest four days on the calendar!

It's another full house as Matt Hulmes, Frankie Foster and Joel Ross get together to discuss all things National Hunt racing.

Despite another easy-on-the-eye victory in the Rossington Main at Haydock on Saturday, Matt admits to being unconvinced about the new Supreme favourite Old Park Star in Episode 12 of Betfred's Road to Cheltenham.

The six-year-old has been cut into 9/4 for the Cheltenham Festival curtain-raiser, which Hulmes believes to be a massive overreaction.

Joel, who tipped Nicky Henderson's Grade 2 winner at 8/1 in a previous episode, argues otherwise. A heated debate - which side are you on?

The lads discuss the Clarence House, controversially called a "Mickey Mouse race" by Barry Connell, and the wider Champion Chase picture. Is Connell's Marine National a banker? Can Il Etait Temps be forgiven? Is there a lurker in the pack?

Jonbon is bound for the Ryanair according to Henderson, so his credentials come under scrutiny. It's accepted the one standing his way sports the same green and gold silks of JP McManus.

Reminiscing about the career of the "enigma" that is Goshen, who was retired last week, THAT moment at the last in the 2020 Triumph Hurdle is brought up. Thanks, lads. I'm still not over it...

Once again, the Gold Cup picture is a topic of discussion. Rebecca Curtis' consideration of the Irish Gold Cup for stable star Haiti Coeulers is praised, and Matt is "fuming" (not for the first time this episode) as he toyed with tipping the Irish and Welsh Grand National hero at 66/1 after his no-show in the Betfair Chase in November.

Frankie's keeping the faith in the champion and Joel's keen on an up-and-comer who also has Festival form in the bag.

Finally, another round of antepost tips. Joel's got his eye on a handicap hopeful that caught his eye last week, while it's Impose Toi in the Stayers' Hurdle for Matt ahead of his intended appearance on Trials Day. Frankie likes Only By Night for the Mares' Chase.

All this and more, in Episode 12 of Road to Cheltenham.

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