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With the Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle shaping up to be one of the standout contests of the Cheltenham Festival, the betting has already taken shape for what promises to be a fascinating renewal.
According to the latest Cheltenham 2026 odds, one name stands out at the top of the market as punters debate whether the staying crown is heading back to Elliott’s yard.
The 2024 winner is once again the horse they all have to beat. Not only did Teahupoo regain his aura after defeat to stable companion Bob Olinger in last year’s Stayers’, he did so emphatically.
Three wins from three to close last season — including a second Champion Stayers Hurdle — were backed up by a Hatton's Grace and Christmas Hurdle double this campaign.
The latter saw him reverse that Bob Olinger form in authoritative fashion. On current output, he’s a deserved favourite and perhaps a better horse now than at any point in 2024.
The biggest threat to Teahupoo might come from the next box along. Honesty Policy progressed rapidly last season, graduating from maiden hurdles to Grade 1 company and landing the Turners Mersey Novices' Hurdle at Aintree, fending off Regent’s Stroll by half a length.
His reappearance third in the Long Walk Hurdle doesn’t tell the full story; the race turned into a dash late on, playing against his proven stamina.
Back in a strongly-run championship stayers’ test — and on ground he can make use of — the script could read very differently.
The British drought in this division stretches back to Lisnagar Oscar in 2020, but Ma Shantou is a genuine contender to break the sequence.
Emma Lavelle’s seven-year-old loves it around Cheltenham and arrives with three wins at Prestbury Park already this season.
Two handicap wins set the platform, before a powerful seven-length demolition of Impose Toi in the Grade 2 Cleeve Hurdle on Trials Day.
Ground versatility adds to the appeal, with victories on both good and soft suggesting little to worry about come March.
“He’s answered plenty of questions emphatically and today has been the most impressive he’s been and as soon as Ben gave him a click off he went. In my wildest dreams I wasn’t expecting him to be that impressive.
“He was impressive, he jumped, travelled and did everything right so he clearly doesn’t want to be staying in handicaps,” Lavelle said.
“The one thing I’ve always said about him is his way of racing is befitting of a genuine stayer and he’s just gone and done that beautifully today.
“One of the things I love about this horse is he loves Cheltenham more than anywhere else and if you are going to have a horse who loves a particular course, then Cheltenham is not a bad course to pick.
“Why has he improved the way he has? I think he’s maturing, enjoying it and loves Cheltenham.
“I was unbelievably lucky to have one like Paisley Park and to think I’ve got another one that may be heading in that direction, I feel very spoilt and we’re going to enjoy this journey as well.”
With those three forming the front of the market, it’s no surprise that both Bob Olinger and Impose Toi are next in the betting.
Bob Olinger reminded everyone of his ability when taking the Stayers’ last year, while Impose Toi continues to make steady progress in open company.
As we edge closer to Festival week, the question for punters and tipsters is whether class will prevail or whether the domestic challenge can finally fire again.
As far as Cheltenham predictions go, this feels like a division far less straightforward than the prices might imply.
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