Dave Massey is bringing in the New Year as nature intended – bringing us Cheltenham Tips from the home of jumps racing. Read his exclusive preview for kwiff ahead of Cheltenham’s New Year’s Day Meeting 2026.
Dave Massey’s Cheltenham Tips, Jan 1st 2026
Cheltenham Tips NYD 2026: Excello (1:25)
Excello doesn’t win as many as he ought for a horse of his talents, with inconsistency holding him back for much of his career, but he really ought to have won at Sandown in the spring, De Boinville probably doing too much too soon on him, and he lost out on the run-in, beaten a length.
He looked as if he’d retained all of his ability when a staying-on third to Colonel Harry at Aintree on his reappearance and soft ground was against him over the National fences last time. He won’t have to worry about that here, Cheltenham likely to ride good (or even a bit quicker) and perhaps this is the time to catch him.
Cheltenham Tips NYD 2026: Il Ridoto (2.00)
It pains me to have to jump ship and leave Glengouly, who did the column a massive favour when winning the Paddy Power at 33-1 last time out, but there are two others that catch the eye today. Il Ridoto (2.00) has been struggling for a while and was well behind Glengouly in the aforementioned Paddy Power, but he’s on a very dangerous-looking mark now, 2lb lower than when winning the 2024 PP.
With Freddie Keighley taking another seven off his back, only a fool would discount him doing better, particularly on the drying ground. It might be he’s just had enough now, but this does look a suitable opportunity to find out if the engine is still there, and he has to be considered.
More obvious is bottom weight Just Over Land, who has looked a different horse this year, and got the better of the useful Ben Solo at Chepstow last time out. Third home Lunar Discovery was a winner at Chepstow on Welsh National Day to give the form a boost, and he doesn’t look like he’s finished improving yet.
Cheltenham Tips NYD 2026: Gowel Road (2:35)
If Kabral Du Mathan turns up in the same form as he did when beating Andashan – form that was franked at Newbury the other day – then the fun here comes from finding the forecast option, as he’s going to take a lot of beating. This is looking a bit like a race for failed chasers, The Real Whacker a very honourable exception to that, and maybe Gowel Road (2.35), another that gave fences an unsuccessful try last time, is the one for the runner-up spot.
He looked in good nick when third to the improving Kikijo here in November, giving absolutely chunks of weight away to the first and second, and merely a reproduction of that here might be enough for second. Lucky Place just had his measure in this last year, but he’s not been in the same form this time around and Gowel Road looks sure to give this a good go from the front.
Cheltenham Tips NYD 2026: Ace of Spades (3:10)
A few of these are trying to bounce back after poor efforts last time out, but not Ace Of Spades (3.10), who ran a cracker to finish fourth to Electric Mason in a very competitive handicap at Haydock last time out. He gave the impression an even stiffer test would suit after getting a little outpaced turning for home, and it’s worth bearing in mind he’s already a Cheltenham winner, having taken a maiden hurdle here last season. He can come out on top.
By Dave Massey
Please note that the information provided in this Cheltenham Tips: Jan 1st 2026 article is for entertainment purposes only. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided. Any action you take upon the information on this article is strictly at your own risk, and we will not be liable for any losses and damages in connection with the use of our article. We do not encourage gambling and remind you to gamble responsibly.
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