Cheltenham betting: 2026 Grand Annual Challenge Cup contenders and tip

Day two of Cheltenham betting continues with the Grand Annual Challenge Cup, which Coral's team of horse racing experts has provided a tip for.

Coral's Grand Annual Challenge Cup Cheltenham 2026 tip

A tricky race to pick from, there will be much debate about who the winner of this race might be. 

Be Aware heads the betting for Dan Skelton, looking to have been carefully campaigned for this. He has been second in his latest three starts and, switching back into handicap company here from graded races, looks to be on a competitive mark.

Ben Pauling’s Vanderpoel seeks a hat-trick, having won at Ascot and Sandown on the way here, and is on a new high mark, but seems to be improving still. He should like the ground to, which will help. His trainer is having a phenomenal season, so this horse has a good chance. 

Jazzy Matty has had wind surgery on the way here, which could help him recapture some better form, while Rubaud looks hugely overpriced at 16/1.

This eight-year-old is now a pound lower than when second at Wincanton last time in the Kingwell Hurdle, and looks at a nice point

in the weights. He is into handicap company after running in graded races all season, and might make a big splash at a price under Harry Cobden. 

Calico could be worth considering too as a course and distance winner who is one pound below his latest start and could reach the prize money under Tristan Durrell. 

Coral’s big-race tip: Rubaud e/w at 16/1

View the latest Cheltenham Festival 2026 betting odds

All odds and markets correct as of date of publication.