In the thrilling yet unpredictable arena of horse racing, where fortunes can shift with a single stride, it's the under-the-radar contenders that often steal the spotlight at major events like Cheltenham. But here's where it gets controversial—could one of these overlooked gems be poised to challenge the favorites, or is the hype just wishful thinking from trainers? Let's dive into Mark Howard's picks for dark horses that might just surprise us all.
Mark Howard's Dark Horses: Five to Remember for Cheltenham
By Mark Howard
Sporting Life Plus
Sun January 04, 2026
·
1h ago
Our expert columnist shines a light on five unexpected contenders that missed out on Christmas festivities but are still firmly in his sights for the prestigious Cheltenham Festival.
First up is C’EST DIFFERENT (profile link: https://www.sportinglife.com/racing/profiles/horse/1164062), targeted at the Pertemps Final. For those new to racing, the Pertemps Final is a thrilling handicap hurdle race held during the Cheltenham Festival, where horses carry weights based on their ability to create a fair contest—it's like a championship where the underdogs can shine if they perform well.
Trainer Sam Thomas has faced a string of misfortunes during the holiday season. The ground drying out ruined Jubilee Express's prospects in the Welsh National, while Lump Sum was sidelined by lameness after a poor showing in the Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase at Kempton. Katate Dori gave it everything but just fell short in a high-stakes handicap chase at Cheltenham on Thursday. And this is the part most people miss—the stable's rising star, C’EST DIFFERENT, a six-year-old hurdler, couldn't compete at Prestbury Park on New Year's Day because of insufficient rainfall. The former Grand National and Gold Cup winner, Sam Thomas, plans to enter this promising Manatee gelding, owned by Dai Walters, in the Pertemps Final come March. To secure a spot, though, he needs one more race to boost the horse's handicap rating and ensure qualification.
Currently rated at 121, C’EST DIFFERENT is the lightest weight in the Pertemps Final's recent history—previous winners carried 121, 129, and 124 pounds. This explains Thomas's hesitation to skip straight to Cheltenham; in racing, these ratings adjust based on performance, and not getting enough runs can leave a horse undervalued. Since switching to handicaps, this young talent has remained undefeated in three outings. Last February, he clinched victories on consecutive days at Carlisle and Chepstow, starting from a modest 92 rating. Those wins showed his preference for longer distances, proving he's not just a sprinter but a developing stayer capable of enduring the demands of extended races.
After a 17-pound increase in weight, C’EST DIFFERENT returned to form brilliantly at Market Rasen in late November. Facing a new challenge of two miles and seven furlongs, rider Dylan Johnston positioned the horse strategically early in the race. They asserted control in the home straight and pulled away decisively for an eight-and-a-half-length triumph. For context, this victory added another dozen pounds to his rating, bringing him to 121, and marked his fourth win in a Listed hurdle race. As a beginner-friendly tip: Listed races are prestigious events just below Grade 1 status, so this is no small feat—it indicates rising quality. Experts believe this gelding still has untapped potential, with perhaps a few more pounds of improvement left in him. But here's the controversy—some might argue that pushing for another pre-festival run risks over-racing a promising horse, potentially leading to fatigue or injury. Is the gamble worth it for a guaranteed Cheltenham spot, or should Thomas trust in his progress so far?
What do you think—will C’EST DIFFERENT emerge as a Cheltenham standout, or is this another case of hype over substance? Do you agree with the strategy of squeezing in one more race, or would you take a different approach? Share your thoughts in the comments below—we'd love to hear diverse opinions!
