BetMGM Cup Handicap Hurdle Tips 2026 – Cheltenham 2:40 Preview & Best Bets

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⭐ BetMGM Cup Handicap Hurdle Tips

WIN: Storm Heart
MAIN DANGER: Puturhandstogether
VALUE BET: Jingko Blue
OUTSIDER: Iberico Lord

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Race Overview – BetMGM Cup Handicap Hurdle (2:40 Cheltenham)

The BetMGM Cup Handicap Hurdle is one of the most competitive handicap races of the Cheltenham Festival, run over 2m5f on the New Course and regularly attracting a deep field of progressive hurdlers.

With a large field and a demanding trip, the race often rewards improving horses stepping up in distance or those who have been campaigned carefully with this race in mind.

The 2026 renewal features several powerful stables including Willie Mullins, Nicky Henderson, and Dan Skelton, all of whom have excellent records in Cheltenham handicap hurdles.

At the head of the market sits Storm Heart, who represents Willie Mullins and looks ideally suited by both the trip and the likely strong pace.

Several other runners also enter calculations including Puturhandstogether, Jingko Blue, and Kateira, making this another wide-open Festival handicap.

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⭐ Main Selection – Storm Heart

Storm Heart makes plenty of appeal for the powerful Willie Mullins yard.

The six-year-old has shown high-class form in novice company and shaped with real promise when finishing second on his most recent start.

That run suggested a step up in distance would suit and the move into handicap company could be perfectly timed.

Storm Heart has always travelled strongly in his races and if he settles into a rhythm early, he could prove very difficult to beat when the race begins to develop turning for home.

Given Mullins’ exceptional record at the Cheltenham Festival, Storm Heart looks a strong contender to land this valuable handicap.

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⚠️ Main Danger – Puturhandstogether

Puturhandstogether could provide the main threat.

Trained by Joseph O’Brien, the five-year-old has already proven he handles Cheltenham well and connections now opt for a significant step up in trip.

That move could unlock further improvement as he has often travelled strongly in his races without fully seeing them out.

If he settles early and stays the distance, Puturhandstogether has the class to play a major role in the finish.

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💰 Value Bet – Jingko Blue

For each-way players, Jingko Blue stands out as a solid option.

The Nicky Henderson-trained runner showed he was returning to form when finishing second over this course earlier in the season.

That effort came behind a highly regarded rival and suggested he remains well capable of competing from his current mark.

Henderson’s runners often peak during the Festival and Jingko Blue could be one to keep onside at attractive odds.

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🐎 Dark Horse – Iberico Lord

Iberico Lord is another interesting contender.

The eight-year-old bounced back to form when winning the Lanzarote Hurdle, proving he still retains plenty of ability.

Although he carries a higher weight here, his experience in big handicaps and strong finishing style could see him run another big race.

If the pace is strong throughout, Iberico Lord could be staying on late up the famous Cheltenham hill.

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Other Contenders

Kateira
Dan Skelton’s runners have an excellent record in Cheltenham handicaps and this consistent mare could be competitive if rediscovering her best form.

The Yellow Clay
A fascinating handicap debutant after competing in strong novice company earlier in the season.

Kopeck De Mee
A horse who attracted significant attention at last year’s Festival and could still have more to offer.

Forty Coats
Unexposed and makes his handicap debut for Henry de Bromhead with cheekpieces applied.

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Predicted Finishing Order

1. Storm Heart
2. Puturhandstogether
3. Jingko Blue
4. Iberico Lord

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Final Verdict

The BetMGM Cup Handicap Hurdle is typically one of the most competitive handicaps of the Cheltenham Festival and the 2026 renewal looks another wide-open contest.

Several runners arrive with strong claims, but Storm Heart stands out as a horse who could still be ahead of the handicapper.

With Willie Mullins’ runners often peaking during Festival week, Storm Heart looks capable of delivering a big performance in the 2:40 at Cheltenham.

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Best Bets Summary

WIN: Storm Heart
EACH WAY: Jingko Blue
DANGER: Puturhandstogether
OUTSIDER: Iberico Lord

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