As punters across the country gear up for Cheltenham’s renewal, bookies are rolling out their first take on the odds. It’s already shaping up to be an interesting year.
Each day of Cheltenham provides a new spate of high-calibre competition packed across an exhilarating set of courses. With day one out of the way as a warm-up, Ladies Day is poised to be a thrilling event, with top-tier talent gracing the field.
There’s no question: day two is a tough one to call. With this tight a field, it’s wise not to go with your gut. Instead, take a look at the following strategic pointers to prepare for a day of betting and excitement.
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Day Two Focus
Ladies Day at Cheltenham has always been a favourite for racing fanatics. This year packs out a strong field of class-act horses — whether it’s the highly anticipated showdown in the Champions Chase or scouting out new talent in the Cross Country Steeple. There’s no doubt that Cheltenham day two betting brings the most exhilarating collection of competitors together for an action-packed set of high stakes competition.
The Champions Chase is the highlight of the day, and Willie Mullins is tipped to be chasing down a hat-trick of victors with his top-show squad this renewal — but British trainers are angling to bring down the historical Irish domination of the festival.
Champions Chase Top Contenders
Returning bettors will remember Energumene as two-time victor in the Champions Chase. Though Energumene is likely to withdraw from the running this year, Willie Mullins is still chasing a hat-trick with El Fabiolo who stormed Arkle earlier this year, dashing several lengths ahead of the pack. It’s no wonder that tipsters have him flagged as a firm favourite for the race; many recommend betting with the odds this renewal as his form shows no sign of dropping off.
However, El Fabiolo isn’t the only star. The field this year is tight, featuring high-pace horses such as Editeur Du Gire, Gentleman de Mee, as well as Jonbon who only lost to El Fabiolo in his renowned Arkle victory by a head.
Hold-up horses Edwardstone and Nube Negra horde strong chances of surprise victories in the final stint of the chase. But Alan King’s Edwardstone could be the ace up the sleeve in this race. Edwardstone relished the front in his prep run, and could spell trouble for the two favourites if he manages to gain the lead.
Selecting a winner for the Champions Chase is certainly a challenge this year, so the race is sure to create an electrifying atmosphere in the stands. Bettors are encouraged to closely monitor tips and fluctuations in the odds, as acting quickly could result in obtaining generous odds for a contender with a strong chance.
Race Schedule for Day Two
While the Champions Chase remains the Main Event, day two of the races is packed out with several high-calibre events:
- 13:30 Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle
- 14:10 Brown Advisory Novices’ Steeple Chase
- 14:50 Coral Cup Hurdle
- 15:30 Queen Mother Champion Chase
- 16:10 Cross-Country Steeple Chase
- 16:50 Grand Annual Handicap Chase
- 17:30 Champion Bumper
The Coral Cup Hurdle, which has recently transitioned from a handicap to a Grade 3 conditions race, is renowned for generating winners from unexpected contenders. That’s something worth pondering.
It’s also worth noting that last year’s victor in the Grand Annual, Corach Rambler, is coming off a year of bad form and could prove overly favoured in the odds. So look out for a potential upset there.
Contenders in Other Races
For those seeking picks in less prominent events, the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle is an excellent starting point.
Willie Mullins has class-act Ballyburn saddled up for the run, and he’s a winning combination of form, speed, and stamina which outstrips all the other runners in this long-haul race. Ballyburn butts up against Slade Steel, a steady performer, and Hermes Allen, fielded by Paul Nicholls who’s determined to get an edge in for his 47th Cheltenham win. At two miles and five furlongs, there’s plenty of chance for a stumble by Ballyburn to provide a winning angle to these two competitors.
In other races, Impair Et Passe is touted a banker while Gerri Colombe is front of his field in the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase — though Sir Gerhard looks like he’ll press a hard game.
Former Gold Cup winner Minella Indo is on the race card for the Cross Country Steeple Chase, but this chase may be the tightest of the festival as the favourite squares up against Gordon Elliot’s pickings — Delta Work and Galvin. As Elliot’s horses have won day two for five years running, he’s not about to let it slip. It’s worth noting that tipsters point to the ground when it comes to the day: Delta Work favours it soft, while Minella Indo runs best on hard ground.
Enjoy the festival, and best responsibly.
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