Date: Thursday 12th March 2026
The Stayers’ Hurdle remains one of the more data-driven races at the Festival, with several strong trends continuing to shape the race.
Seven-year-olds are still the standout age group in recent renewals, while a rating of 152 or higher and proven stamina over three miles are essential requirements. Previous Cheltenham experience also continues to be a major factor.
One of the more interesting angles in recent years is the performance of runners finishing third or fourth last time out. Those horses have consistently outperformed expectations and often provide better value than those arriving off more obvious winning form.
These are the three that come out strongest on the Turf Talk figures.
TURF TALK RATINGS - LEADING CONTENDERS
| Horse | Turf Talk Rating |
|---|---|
| Irish Point | 226 |
| Buddy One | 221 |
| Teahupoo | 219 |
| Crambo | 213 |
| Home By The Lee | 209 |
The ratings lean towards the progressive seven-year-olds with strong staying profiles, although several runners remain closely matched on the key measures.
MAIN SELECTION
Irish Point (5/1 available)
He comes out on top once the key trends are applied and looks to fit the strongest modern profile for this race.
A seven-year-old with the right blend of class and stamina, he has already shown he can compete at this level and arrives with solid recent form. In a race that often rewards progression rather than exposed form, he looks a strong contender.
BACKUP SELECTION 1
Buddy One (10/1 available)
Another runner who fits several of the key trends, particularly the last time out profile.
He appeals as a value option with the right stamina credentials and looks the type to improve again at the Festival. His profile suggests he could outrun his price.
BACKUP SELECTION 2
Teahupoo (7/4 available)
The class horse in the race and the one the market is likely to centre around.
He ticks many of the major boxes and has already shown he can win at this level over the trip. However, as a more exposed runner and slightly outside the ideal age profile, he may not represent the same value as some of the alternatives.
SUMMARY
Irish Point fits the strongest overall profile and heads the ratings, with Buddy One offering a solid value angle and Teahupoo remaining the class benchmark in a race that continues to reward the right profile rather than simply the most obvious favourite.
