Road to Cheltenham 2026 Episode 7: A step up in trip for Jagwar?

| Tuesday 16th December 2025, 10:41am

Tuesday 16th December 2025, 10:41am

Matt Hulmes, Frankie Foster and Joel Ross are joined by trainer Josh Guerriero for Episode 7 of Road To Cheltenham.

The yard's leading lights are discussed, plus a wide array of other topics including the performance of some British novices over the weekend.

Cheltenham 2026 Odds

Old Park Star @ 14/1 for the Turners Novices' Hurdle
Cristal d'Estruval @ 28/1 for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle

*odds correct at time of publication

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Jagwar could step up to three miles at the Cheltenham Festival in March, suggests trainer Josh Guerriero in Episode 7 of Betfred's Road To Cheltenham.

Guerriero, who operates alongside Oliver Greenall, says he was "very" happy with the six-year-old's third in the December Gold Cup at HQ on Saturday.

The Plate hero's jumping frailties are discussed - and it's disclosed where he's set to line up next.

All roads lead back to Aintree for stable star Iroko, who finished fourth in this year's Grand National. Guerriero was also pleased with his run at Haydock, over a inadequate trip against a King George hopeful in The Jukebox Man.

Others from the Cheshire yard, including Gamesters Guy and Melon, are put under the microscope.

Afterwards, Matt, Frankie and Joel look back at some of the highlights from the Christmas Meeting at Cheltenham - most notably Old Park Star.

How good is Nicky Henderson's highly-impressive winner - and is he a Supreme or Turners type? The lads set out their stall.

Another British novice hurdler full of promise, Cristal d'Estruval, is a topic of discussion. Matt thinks he's got a "huge future" and clearly his trainer Harry Derham agrees, suggesting he could be one for the Supreme in March.

It's a Yard In Focus, instead of Horse In Focus, this week - and it's Gavin Cromwell, who might have another Cross Country specialist on their hands in Final Orders after his impressive victory on Friday.

All this and more, in Episode 7 of Road to Cheltenham.

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