Top Handicap Contenders Announced Ahead of Cheltenham Festival 2026

The 2026 Cheltenham Festival is set to begin on March 15, 2026, and expectations are high as racing enthusiasts prepare for a thrilling week in the Cotswolds. With a mix of prestigious Grade 1 races and exciting handicaps, punters are particularly keen on the potential of several horses highlighted by ratings experts at Timeform.

Timeform has identified three standout handicap contenders, noting significant discrepancies between their British Horseracing Authority (BHA) ratings and their higher Timeform ratings.

Ben Solo: A Rising Star

Ben Solo currently has a Timeform rating of 134 against a BHA rating of 127. Although he is unlikely to compete in the Jack Richards Novices’ Handicap Chase due to being ranked 57th on the entry list, his performance merits attention. Notably, his BHA rating is 7 lb lower than the required mark for last year’s race.

This season, Ben Solo has shown promise at Chepstow, achieving a victory on his second outing over fences. He further impressed Timeform’s analysts with a strong second-place finish, displaying commendable jumping skills. Unfortunately, his last race ended prematurely when he unseated his rider, but he was leading at the time, indicating he was in good form.

In the event he does run at Cheltenham, he would be 2 lb out of the weights if the topweight, Jacob’s Ladder, participates, yet he remains a competitive option.

Madara: Consistent Performer

Another horse to watch is Madara, who carries a Timeform rating of 146 and a BHA rating of 140. He is set to compete in the Sun Racing Plate Handicap Chase, following a successful season under the guidance of trainer Dan Skelton. Madara has already made headlines by winning the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham and the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury.

Madara will run off the same mark as last season when he secured an impressive second place in the December Gold Cup at Cheltenham. His recent performance at Kempton, where he again finished as runner-up, suggests he is primed for a strong showing at the festival. Timeform’s analysts have noted his substantial potential, making him a serious contender for the Plate.

Koktail Divin: Strong Contender in Multiple Entries

Also in contention is Koktail Divin, who has a Timeform rating of 155p and a BHA rating of 150. His entries include the Grade 1 Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase and the Jack Richards Novices’ Handicap Chase, showcasing the owner’s strategic options.

Koktail Divin has demonstrated his ability with notable performances, finishing as runner-up in his initial starts over fences. Most recently, he delivered an outstanding victory, winning by 21 lengths in a beginners’ chase at Leopardstown. This impressive form has led Timeform’s handicapper to rate him favorably compared to the BHA assessment, suggesting he may be operating under a lenient mark.

Tony McFadden, deputy racing editor at Timeform and Sporting Life, commented on Madara’s strong backing for the Sun Racing Plate Handicap Chase. He highlighted Madara’s excellent form at Cheltenham, particularly referencing his runner-up finish in the December Gold Cup last season, which positions him 6 lb ahead of his current BHA mark.

As the Cheltenham Festival approaches, these horses represent significant betting opportunities. The festival promises to deliver excitement, with many eyes on how these contenders will perform on the prestigious stage.