Cheltenham’s November Festival continues on Saturday, with the prestigious Paddy Power Gold Cup headlining seven competitive races. The Grade 2 Arkle Trial also promises a fascinating clash between Supreme Novices’ Hurdle winner Old Park Star and the exciting Kabral Du Mathan.
With competitive handicaps, promising novices and several potential Cheltenham Festival contenders in action, there are plenty of betting opportunities throughout the afternoon.
Cheltenham November Festival Day Two Race Day Information
| Date | Saturday, 14 November 2026 |
| Racecourse | Cheltenham |
| Course | Old Course |
| Number of races | 7 |
| First race | 12:35 |
| Last race | 04:00 |
| Feature race | Paddy Power Gold Cup |
| Going | Good, Good to Soft in places |
| Weather forecast | Dry and cloudy |
Cheltenham November Festival Day Two Race Schedule
Time | Race | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| 12:35 | Citipost Amateur Jockeys’ Handicap Chase | 3m1f |
| 01:10 | JCB Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 2) | 2m½f |
| 01:45 | Paddy Power Arkle Trial Novices’ Chase (Grade 2) | 2m |
| 2:20 | Paddy Power Gold Cup Handicap Chase | 2m4f |
| 2:55 | From The Horses Mouth Podcast Handicap Hurdle | 3m |
| 3:30 | Paddy Power Intermediate Handicap Hurdle | 2m5f |
| 4:00 | Karndean Designflooring Mares’ Bumper (Listed) | 2m½f |
Cheltenham November Festival Day Two – Key Stats & Betting Trends
The Paddy Power Gold Cup has traditionally rewarded horses with previous Cheltenham experience, while seven- and eight-year-olds have accounted for six of the last ten winners.
The Grade 2 Arkle Trial also provides useful pointers, with eight of the last nine winners aged six and each of the last seven successful over fences earlier that season.
Cheltenham Official Going – Good, Good to Soft in Places
Conditions remain on the quicker side, with little rain forecast. Horses proven on a sound surface could hold an advantage throughout Saturday’s card.
Cheltenham November Festival Day Two Betting Trends
Trend 1 – Favourites Have Struggled
Stage Star in 2023 is the only favourite to win the Paddy Power Gold Cup in the last 13 renewals, although ten winners during that period returned at 10/1 or shorter.
Trend 2 – Paul Nicholls’ Strong Record
Paul Nicholls won consecutive renewals with Stage Star in 2023 and Il Ridoto in 2024, highlighting his excellent record in the prestigious handicap.
Trend 3 – Cheltenham Experience Counts
Eighteen of the last 19 winners had previously raced at Cheltenham, with 14 already successful or placed over fences at the course.
Cheltenham November Festival Day Two Race-by-Race Preview & Betting Tips
12:35 – Citipost Amateur Jockeys’ Handicap Chase
Distance: 3m1f | Class: 3
Herakles Westwood commands respect having won at Cheltenham off today’s mark on New Year’s Day, although his record when fresh raises concerns.
Irish raider Dinoland is another interesting contender following victories at Downpatrick and Tramore. His recent second behind Intense Approach at Down Royal suggests further improvement could be forthcoming.
However, preference is for TRANSMISSION, who won this contest in 2024 from a mark 2lb higher than today’s rating.
Neil Mulholland’s gelding subsequently finished runner-up to Haiti Couleurs, demonstrating his ability in competitive company.
Although disappointing in two appearances this season, one came over hurdles and the other in Grade 3 company. With proven course form and a potentially attractive handicap mark, he looks capable of bouncing back.
Betting Verdict: TRANSMISSION – 6/1 (Each-Way)
1:10 – JCB Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle
Distance: 2m½f | Class: Grade 2
James Owen has won two of the last three renewals and holds strong claims with Charles Darnay and Magnetude.
Charles Darnay impressed when defeating Minella Rockett at Wetherby, although his tendency to jump left raises questions.
Preference is for Joseph O’Brien’s ATOMIC CITY, who created an excellent impression when winning on his hurdling debut at Cork.
Rated 88 on the Flat, he travelled strongly before quickening clear of Step By Step, with the half-length margin understating his superiority.
Admiral Will Brown is respected following his Down Royal success, but Atomic City looks capable of taking another significant step forward.
Key Race Stat: Each of the last 15 winners had won on their previous start.
Betting Verdict: ATOMIC CITY – 11/4 (Win)
1:45 – Paddy Power Arkle Trial Novices’ Chase
Distance: 2m | Class: Grade 2
Supreme Novices’ Hurdle winner Old Park Star makes his eagerly anticipated chasing debut against the hugely exciting KABRAL DU MATHAN.
Nicky Henderson’s six-year-old possesses enormous ability, but facing an experienced rival of this calibre first time over fences presents a difficult assignment.
Kabral Du Mathan impressed following his switch to Dan Skelton, winning twice over hurdles before finding three miles too demanding in the Stayers’ Hurdle.
He made a flawless chasing debut at Perth last month, jumping superbly before powering clear by 19 lengths.
With race fitness, chasing experience and previous Cheltenham success in his favour, Kabral Du Mathan looks the one to beat.
Key Race Stat: Dan Skelton has won this contest three times from four runners, with Harry Skelton partnering all three winners.
Betting Verdict: KABRAL DU MATHAN – Evens (Win)
2:20 – Paddy Power Gold Cup Handicap Chase
Distance: 2m4f | Class: Premier Handicap
Fifteen runners contest Saturday’s feature, with Dan Skelton holding strong claims through Madara and stable newcomer Blueking D’Oroux.
Madara faces a 15lb rise following his Cheltenham Festival Plate victory, while Blueking D’Oroux is an intriguing recruit from Paul Nicholls.
Meetmebythesea also commands respect after winning the Jack Richards Novices’ Chase at the Festival, although a 12lb rise demands further improvement.
However, preference is for ZURICH, who looks capable of outrunning his odds.
A Cheltenham winner last October, he subsequently finished fourth behind Madara in the Plate despite being hampered early.
He confirmed his progression when narrowly denied in a Grade 2 chase at Haydock in April.
His recent Limerick appearance should have improved his fitness, while a first-time tongue-tie and Sean Bowen’s booking add further encouragement.
If allowed to dictate from the front, Zurich could prove difficult to catch.
Feature Race Trend: Nine of the last ten winners were aged between seven and nine, while none had won on their previous start.
Betting Verdict: ZURICH – 16/1 (Each-Way)
2:55 – From The Horses Mouth Podcast Handicap Hurdle
Distance: 3m | Class: 2
Geezer Rockstar arrives following consecutive victories, including an impressive eight-length success at Uttoxeter, although an 8lb rise makes life tougher.
Jennie Candlish’s Aimeric is another progressive contender seeking a hat-trick and could outrun his odds.
However, preference is for HORACES PEARL, who looks capable of rediscovering his earlier promise.
A Grade 2 bumper winner, he won his first two starts over hurdles before meeting stronger opposition, including Honesty Policy and Kiss Will.
His recent Haydock outing should have sharpened him up, and this lightly raced eight-year-old could prove well treated if returning to his best.
Betting Verdict: HORACES PEARL – 15/2 (Each-Way)
3:30 – Paddy Power Intermediate Handicap Hurdle
Distance: 2m5f | Class: 3
Dan Skelton’s MONEYGARROW looks potentially well treated on his handicap debut from a mark of 133.
A winner of two of his five hurdle starts, he finished eighth in the Grade 1 Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.
His opening rating could underestimate his ability, while the drop in distance should suit.
Recent Chepstow winner Daylatedollarshort and Seamoon Story are respected, while Sunny South West could bounce back from his disappointing Showcase Meeting appearance.
However, Moneygarrow’s unexposed profile and the Skelton stable’s excellent form make him difficult to oppose.
Betting Verdict: MONEYGARROW – 2/1 (Win)
4:00 – Karndean Designflooring Mares’ Bumper
Distance: 2m½f | Class: Listed
Market movements could prove informative in Saturday’s finale, with several promising but inexperienced mares lining up.
A tentative vote goes to EASTERN WHISPER, who impressed when winning on her debut at Punchestown last month.
Ridden by Patrick Mullins, she travelled strongly before doing just enough to prevail, suggesting considerably more improvement could be forthcoming.
She escapes a penalty for that success, while the experience gained should prove valuable.
With Harry Cobden taking the ride, Eastern Whisper looks an appealing option in a wide-open contest.
Betting Verdict: EASTERN WHISPER – 13/2 (Each-Way)
Final Thoughts – Cheltenham Day Two Betting Preview
The Paddy Power Gold Cup headlines an excellent Saturday card, with ZURICH an appealing each-way selection. Elsewhere, KABRAL DU MATHAN can make his chasing experience count against Old Park Star, while MONEYGARROW looks potentially well treated.
ATOMIC CITY is another exciting prospect worth following throughout the National Hunt season.
