Cheltenham betting: 2026 Arkle Novices' Chase contenders and tip

Cheltenham 2026 is upon us, and Coral has you covered with our preview and tip for the second race of the festival, the Arkle Novices' Chase.

This year’s Arkle looks to be a two-horse race between Willie Mullins’ Kopek Des Bordes and Nicky Henderson’s Lulamba, who both ought to outclass the rest.

Kopek Des Bordes’ hurdle rating was higher than that of Lulamba and he won last year’s Supreme, but he has only had one previous run over fences and - always wearing a hood - is a keen-going sort who can be hard to settle. His proven ability over this track, albeit over the smaller obstacles, aids his case, though, and his raw ability is impressive. 

Lulamba, on the other hand, has now run three times over fences, winning at Graded level twice already this season. He is, therefore, more experienced over the larger obstacles than his main opponent, but has also not been given a real test yet in this division.

This will undoubtedly be his toughest race yet, and Cheltenham remains the only track at which he has been beaten, having succumbed to Poniros in last year’s Triumph.

Kargese is the only mare in the race and is Willie Mullins’ second string. She carries the mares’ allowance, seven pounds less than the geldings, and she ought to be able to make her presence felt.

She is a consistent type who has won at the Cheltenham Festival in last year’s Country Hurdle, so we know she will finish her race here this time, but she is likely best considered for third place behind the two market leaders.