Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle Tips 2026 – 5:20 Cheltenham Preview & Best Bets

⭐ Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle Best Bets

⭐ WIN: Wendrock
Get the Best Odds at Betfred

⭐ MAIN DANGER: Andashan

⭐ VALUE BET: Kel Histoire
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⭐ OUTSIDER: Fiercely Proud

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⭐ Top Cheltenham Betting Offers

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Race Overview

The Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle traditionally closes the Cheltenham Festival and regularly produces one of the most competitive races of the week.

Run over 2m4½f on the New Course, the race often features lightly raced improvers and well-handicapped novices, many from leading Irish yards such as Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott.

The 2026 renewal looks another wide-open contest with leading contenders including Wendrock, Kel Histoire, Roc Dino, and Andashan.

Because many runners remain unexposed, identifying horses with improvement potential at this trip is often the key to solving the race.

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⭐ Main Selection – Wendrock

Wendrock could be one of the most interesting runners in the race.

The Gordon Elliott-trained five-year-old has shown flashes of strong ability and may be well treated by the handicapper if returning to his best form.

A key factor is the return to 2m4f, a distance that appeared to suit when he produced strong late headway on a previous start.

Key positives include:

• Untapped potential at the trip
• Representing a powerful Gordon Elliott Festival yard
• Likely to improve in a strongly run handicap

With many runners stepping up in trip or tackling a big field for the first time, Wendrock could prove well suited to the demands of this race.

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⚠️ Main Danger – Andashan

Andashan is an improving hurdler and arrives with a strong record since entering handicap company.

The Chris Gordon-trained runner has form figures of 3-2-1 since handicapping and looks capable of further improvement over this intermediate trip.

With stamina in his pedigree and a progressive profile, he looks one of the most solid contenders in the field.

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💰 Value Bet – Kel Histoire

Kel Histoire represents the powerful Willie Mullins yard, which has an excellent record in this race.

The lightly raced six-year-old has shown promise in Grade 3 company this season and could take a significant step forward in handicap company.

Given Mullins' ability to prepare horses specifically for the Cheltenham Festival, he looks a very interesting runner.

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🐎 Outsider to Watch – Fiercely Proud

Fiercely Proud is another runner with the potential to outrun his odds.

The Ben Pauling-trained hurdler produced a strong performance to win at Ascot over 2m3f, suggesting this longer trip could suit.

If building on that effort, he could easily get involved in the finish.

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Other Contenders

Roc Dino
A respected runner from the Willie Mullins yard who has finished runner-up in two strong races since joining the stable.

East India Express
Finished seventh in this race last year and could improve on that effort with another year of experience.

Air Of Entitlement
Last year's Grade 2 Festival winner who could bounce back returned to Cheltenham.

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Predicted Finishing Order

1. Wendrock
2. Andashan
3. Kel Histoire
4. Fiercely Proud

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Final Verdict

The Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle is always a difficult race to solve, but Wendrock looks a runner with significant improvement potential returned to his optimal trip.

However, Andashan and Kel Histoire both look major threats, while Fiercely Proud could also be dangerous if continuing his progression.

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Best Bets Summary

⭐ WIN: Wendrock
💰 VALUE: Kel Histoire
⚠️ DANGER: Andashan
🐎 EACH WAY: Fiercely Proud

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