Get ready for a thrilling Cheltenham Festival, because the 2026 Arkle Chase is shaping up to be a race like no other! With a 10/1 contender boasting an electrifying turn of foot, the competition is heating up, and we’re here to break it all down for you. PP racing expert Frank Hickey has dissected the strengths and weaknesses of the top contenders for the 2m Novices Chase, and his insights are nothing short of eye-opening. But here’s where it gets controversial: could this year’s lineup challenge everything we thought we knew about the Arkle? Let’s dive in.
First things first, Paddy Power has introduced Non-Runner Money Back (NRMB) on all 28 Cheltenham Festival races, meaning if your chosen horse doesn’t make it to the starting gate, your stake is refunded. This game-changer adds a layer of security to your bets, so you can focus on the analysis. Speaking of which, Frank Hickey has shared his thoughts on the Arkle Chase contenders, and there’s plenty to unpack ahead of the race on Tuesday, March 10th, 2026.
Romeo Coolio vs. Kargese: Who Takes the Crown?
Frank’s traditional Arkle criteria—a horse with a handicap rating of at least 145 and the stamina to handle 2m 4f—has served him well. Past winners like Shishkin and Jango Baie fit this mold, but this year’s field is anything but straightforward. Between Romeo Coolio and Kargese, Frank boldly declares, ‘He beats her every day of the week.’ But why?
Romeo Coolio ticks the boxes as a 2m 4f specialist, though his recent jumping performance left something to be desired. The soft-to-heavy ground may have played a part, but it’s a question mark worth considering. Interestingly, both horses are priced similarly for the Arkle Chase, and if Romeo Coolio skips this race, the Brown Advisory Novices Chase becomes his likely alternative. But here’s the kicker: Frank wouldn’t back him in the Brown Advisory, and the race has been thrown wide open after recent developments.
Is it too much to ask a 2m or 2m 4f horse to step up to 3m for the first time at Cheltenham? Frank thinks so, and he’s bullish on Romeo Coolio’s chances in the Arkle but skeptical about his prospects in the Brown Advisory. One thing’s for sure: it would be a surprise if Romeo Coolio doesn’t line up for the Arkle.
Could Lulamba Be the Next Big Thing?
Lulamba is the current favorite, but Frank isn’t convinced he’s worth the hype. Yes, he’s a decent horse, and the market uncertainty has boosted his odds, but what has he truly achieved? His debut win at Kempton for Nicky Henderson was impressive, but let’s not forget: Macho Man, the horse he beat, is no longer the 110-rated flat horse he once was. ‘Wimpy Man’ might be a more fitting nickname now, and Lulamba’s form since then has been underwhelming.
In last season’s Triumph Hurdle, he was beaten by a horse making his hurdles debut, and the horses he did beat have done little to prove their worth. His Punchestown Festival win was solid, but the form hasn’t held up. Over fences, Lulamba’s victories at Exeter and Sandown raise more questions than answers. At Exeter, he beat Salver, who’s since won two races, but Salver was running under conditions that didn’t suit him. At Sandown, Be Aware and Alnilam set the race up for him, only to be beaten by No Questions Asked at Windsor later.
Is Lulamba capable of more? Absolutely. But at current prices, Frank wouldn’t back him. And this is the part most people miss: the market may be overestimating his potential.
Dark Horses to Watch
Beyond the favorites, there are several intriguing contenders. Kopek Des Bordes is a horse of immense ability, but there’s a chance he’ll bypass the Arkle for the Champion Hurdle. If he does, the Arkle field weakens significantly. Salvator Mundi, running in a Beginners’ Chase at Thurles, is another wildcard. If he wins, his odds will plummet, and let’s not forget he thrashed Romeo Coolio at Aintree. A Grade 1 attempt may have come too soon, but he’s one to keep an eye on.
Irish Panther, a 9-year-old, is another name that stands out. While age is a concern—it’s been a while since a 9-year-old won this race—his recent form is hard to ignore. He placed at Leopardstown and Punchestown last year and bolted up at Naas, with Jacob’s Ladder (who later won at the DRF) finishing second. Could he be the exception to the rule? It’s a debate worth having.
Mambonumberfive, a progressive Grade 2 winner, is another contender, but his tendency to fade mid-race is worrying. Steel Ally, a former handicap hurdler, impressed on his chase debut at Carlisle and followed up with a strong performance at Ascot. His form has held up, but does he have what it takes to win the Arkle?
Frank’s Pick: Kappa Jy Pyke
The horse Frank is most excited about at current prices is Kappa Jy Pyke, and he recommends taking advantage of NRMB. When Kappa Jy Pyke beat Salvator Mundi, the focus was on Salvator Mundi’s poor performance rather than Kappa Jy Pyke’s brilliance. But Frank sees something special in him. His jumping is impeccable, and his turn of foot to catch Salvator Mundi was nothing short of impressive. Yes, he needs to prove himself in stronger company, but his performance at Punchestown was promising. Held up at the back, he unleashed an electric turn of foot between the second-last and last fence to run down Predators Gold.
Predators Gold and Jacob’s Ladder (who we’ve already discussed) rounded out the top three, and while Kappa Jy Pyke was well-beaten in Grade 1 hurdles last season, he looks a different horse over fences. His jumping, traveling, and that electric turn of foot make him a serious contender, especially if Kopek Des Bordes heads to the Champion Hurdle.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Arkle Chase is shaping up to be a race full of surprises, and Frank’s analysis highlights the fine line between potential and proven ability. From Romeo Coolio’s questionable jumping to Lulamba’s underwhelming form, there are plenty of reasons to question the favorites. Meanwhile, dark horses like Salvator Mundi, Irish Panther, and Kappa Jy Pyke are waiting in the wings, ready to pounce.
But here’s the big question: Who do you think will take the Arkle Chase this year? Is Frank right about Kappa Jy Pyke, or is there another contender you’re backing? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to check out Paddy Power’s NRMB offer to secure your bets. With £/€10K up for grabs in Paddy’s Eliminator Racing Game, there’s never been a better time to get involved. Happy punting!
