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The Cheltenham Festival is effectively and really underway and day one noticed successes from much-fancied State Man within the Champion Hurdle and the pre-race favorite Gaelic Warrior within the Arkle Challenge Trophy.
It was an enormous day for jockey Paul Townend as he celebrated three triumphs, the third coming on Lossiemouth within the 16:10 Mares’ Hurdle.
On Wednesday, day two, seven races spanning your entire afternoon could have punters watching on in delighted style, with coach Willie Mullins little doubt eager to see extra of his winners are available in.
You can see the most recent tip picks from James Boyle on Wednesday’s races right here, whereas we’ve additionally bought a group of each-way bets for day two within the Novices Hurdle, Coral Cup and extra. Finally, you’ll be able to see our full preview and prediction for the Queen Mother Champions Chase, run at 4pm.
Stay up to date throughout the pageant and get our free betting e-newsletter with the most recent Cheltenham odds, presents and ideas by signing up right here, whereas you can too see our listing of Cheltenham presents and free bets right here.
Racing ambassadors Alex Hammond, Oli Bell and Ed Chamberlin spoke to Sky Bet about their Day 2 picks, whereas legendary former jockey Ruby Walsh shared his ideas with Paddy Power and ex-jockey Barry Geraghty gave his picks to William Hill.
13:45 – Novices’ Hurdle
Ed Chamberlin – Ballyburn: “Welcome to Cheltenham everybody, it’s damp and dreary but it’ll take more than that to dampen our spirits though. Particularly, as in the Gallagher hurdles, Sky Bet are being brave, Ballyburn is all the talk and he’s been price boosted. I think it’s going to take the world of beating in that race, the first race on Wednesday.”
Ruby Walsh – Ballyburn and Jimmy Du Seuil (every method): “Willie Mullins has plenty of runners in here and I’m a huge fan of Ballyburn. He’s a short price and a value pick could be Jimmy Du Seuil to be placed. He’s an each-way shout if eight runners line up.”
14:30 – Novices’ Steeple Chase
Oli Bell – Fact To File: “Ahead of day two at Cheltenham we’re in the Brown Advisory and I’m very sweet on the chances of Fact to File. He is a short-price favourite and there is a price boost with Sky Bet. I think he’s going to take a world of beating at the Brown Advisory, price boost on Sky Bet – get involved.”
Ruby Walsh – Fact To File: “Broadway Boy not running makes this a tougher task for Stay Away Fay. It’ll be a tricky ride for Harry Cobden against Fact To File and his chances have been enhanced. He’ll be too quick for the rest of these.”
15:15 – Coral Cup Hurdle
Alex Hammond – Shanbally Kid: “The Coral Cup is incredibly competitive, but Sky Bet are paying eight places rather than four, which brings my selection right into it. I think the price of Shanbally Kid is one to keep onside, hopefully he won’t mind the ground. He’s a horse who hasn’t stayed three miles, hasn’t enjoyed his only start over fences, so I think dropping back to this trip and the handicap has taken a bit of a chance with him. Shanbally Kid is the one for me in the Coral Cup.”
16:00 – Queen Mother Champion Steeple Chase
Ed Chamberlin – Edwardstone: “The Champions Chase is going to be a cracker. Sir Anthony McCoy always says it’s his favourite race at the meeting. El Fabiolo is the hot favourite, but I do think Edwardstone will give you a good run for your money, I hope he goes from the front again like he did at Newbury. El Fabiolo might be far too good, but I do see Edwardstone running a big race.”
16:10 – Cross Country Steeple Chase – CANCELLED DUE TO BAD WEATHER
16:50 – Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase
Alex Hammond – Libberty Hunter: (*2*)
Ruby Walsh – Libberty Hunter and Saint Roi: (*10*)
Barry Geraghty – Harper’s Brook: “Harper’s Brook put in a good performance when winning at Sandown last time and considering he still looked to have plenty of running left in him at the line, a four-pound rise in the weights might just underestimate him. He has form on testing ground and is unexposed over this trip, so he could go well.”
17:30 – Champion Bumper
Ed Chamberlin – Quebecois: “I’m delighted to see Sky Bet paying five places rather than three in the Bumper because it looks so hard this year. There isn’t a standout, so many Mullins contenders, I hope Daryl Jacobs goes close, but the horse I back is a horse called Quebecois, for the Nicholls team. Paul Nicholls doesn’t waste runners in the Bumper and Megan says he’s pretty done.”
Ruby Walsh – Argento Boy: “I’ve been with Argento Boy for a while and I’m not deserting him. He’ll stay well and he’ll enjoy the going. He’s a good each-way shout.”
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