Cheltenham Hunters’ Chase Tips 2026 – 4:40 Preview & Best Bets

⭐ Hunters’ Chase Best Bets

⭐ WIN: Con's Roc
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⭐ MAIN DANGER: Its On The Line

⭐ VALUE BET: Panda Boy
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⭐ OUTSIDER: Wonderwall

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⭐ Top Cheltenham Betting Offers

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Race Overview

The Princess Royal Challenge Cup Open Hunters' Chase closes the televised card on Cheltenham Gold Cup Day and is one of the most competitive hunter chases of the season.

Run over 3m2½f, the race is often dominated by experienced point-to-point performers and strong stayers who thrive over marathon trips.

Several familiar names return in 2026 including Its On The Line, Panda Boy, and last year’s winner Wonderwall, while lightly raced contender Con's Roc could be the one with the most improvement.

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⭐ Main Selection – Con's Roc

Con's Roc looks one of the most interesting runners in the field and could still have plenty of improvement to come.

The Terence O’Brien-trained nine-year-old has had very few runs under rules but has already shown plenty of ability in hunter chases and point-to-points.

Key positives include:

• Lightly raced profile
• Progressive form over staying trips
• Likely to improve for 3m2½f

In a race that often rewards stamina and untapped potential, Con's Roc fits the typical profile of many past winners.

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⚠️ Main Danger – Its On The Line

Few horses have been as consistent in this race as Its On The Line.

The Emmet Mullins-trained runner has finished second in the last three runnings of this race, and connections have clearly targeted this contest again.

With top amateur Derek O’Connor booked for the ride, he looks certain to be competitive once more.

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💰 Value Bet – Panda Boy

Panda Boy could be an interesting each-way option at slightly bigger odds.

The Martin Brassil-trained runner was once a high-class chaser and has rediscovered his form in recent hunter chase victories.

His class could play a major role if he continues his resurgence.

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🐎 Outsider to Watch – Wonderwall

Last year’s winner Wonderwall returns after a very similar preparation and could easily run another big race.

The S Curling-trained runner proved his ability over this course and distance last season and comes into the race fresh again.

That type of preparation has worked well in the past for repeat attempts.

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Other Contenders

Golden Son
Trained by Paul Nicholls, he is unbeaten in two hunter chases and could play a role if staying the trip.

Stattler
A former Cheltenham Festival winner who possesses strong stamina and could be finishing strongly late on.

Barton Snow
Arrives in excellent form after a series of victories but faces a much stronger test here.

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Predicted Finishing Order

1. Con's Roc
2. Its On The Line
3. Panda Boy
4. Wonderwall

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Final Verdict

The Hunters’ Chase often produces dramatic finishes and rewards strong stayers with untapped potential.

Con's Roc looks an exciting contender with the profile of a horse capable of significant improvement over this trip.

However, Its On The Line once again looks sure to run a big race, while Panda Boy and Wonderwall could both challenge if things fall their way.

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Best Bets Summary

⭐ WIN: Con's Roc
💰 VALUE: Panda Boy
⚠️ DANGER: Its On The Line
🐎 EACH WAY: Wonderwall

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