Day two at the Cheltenham Festival is stacked with not just top-quality action but competitive races too, with the Queen Mother Champion Chase taking centre stage.
The second day at Prestbury Park opens with the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle, a prestigious Grade 1 race over two miles and five furlongs, previously won by champions like Faugheen and Samcro.
Following that is the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase, a three-mile Grade 1 event for emerging stars, where Lord Windermere notably triumphed before clinching the Gold Cup.
The Coral Cup adds excitement with its competitive two miles and five furlongs handicap hurdle. The highlight, the Queen Mother Champion Chase, stands as the day’s feature race.
The Cross Country Chase, Grand Annual Chase, and the Champion Bumper, a top event for novices, conclude the day’s thrilling horse racing lineup.
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13:30 – Baring Bingham Novices’ Hurdle (2m5f)
The impressive Ballyburn will be showcasing his talent in the Gallaghers Novices’ Hurdle on Wednesday. Previously celebrated in bumper races, Ballyburn’s standing has only improved with a remarkable season, making him a favourite.
Having consistently been a top pick for the Supreme and Gallaghers, his focus on this race makes him a formidable opponent. Keep an eye on the Ben Pauling-trained Handstands, who is unbeaten so far over hurdles and can play a big part in the finish here.
Pick: Ballyburn to win @ 1.50
Outside Bet: Handstands E/W @ 13.00
14:10 – Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase (3m½f)
Fact to File is the favourite for this race, with the buzz from Closutton hinting at a new star on the rise. Yet, Stay Away Fay presents a compelling choice with attractive odds.
Having clinched the Albert Bartlett under Paul Nicholls last year, this persistent runner thrives on a fast pace set by Broadway Boy. Charging up the hill, Stay Away Fay is poised to potentially deliver a surprise. One that may give him the most to think about is Grey Dawning who is the best of the English challengers and in any normal year could be an obvious choice.
Pick: Stay Away Fay to win @ 4.00
14:50 – Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle (2m5f)
The Coral Cup, renowned for its unpredictability, seems poised for another thrilling showdown in 2024. Dan Skelton’s Langer Dan might replicate his previous success and despite a lacklustre season is back at his winning mark from last year.
Doddiethegreat is of huge interest here, a lightly raced individual who was last seen in the Betfair Hurdle where he came home finishing 4th behind Iberico Lord while Doddiethegreat will relish the step back up in trip.
Pick: Langer Dan to win @ 7.50
Pick: Doddiethegreat E/W @ 7.50
15:30 – Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase (2m)
In the absence of Constitution Hill, El Fabiolo steps up as the star of the Champion Hurdle. With a flawless record over fences, his exceptional speed and strength position him as a leading contender, highlighting him as the top pick for Wednesday’s Queen Mother Champion Chase.
Value could come in the form of an each-way bet on Captain Guinness as Henry De Bromhead is known for his success in this race with three wins and numerous placements in recent years.
Pick: El Fabiolo to win @ 1.50
Outside Bet: Captain Guinness E/W @ 15.00
16:10 – Glenfarclas Cross Country Steeplechase (3m5½f)
The Cross Country Chase often favours experienced contenders, with Minella Indo, the 2021 Gold Cup winner, currently favoured.
However, Delta Work, familiar with this terrain, aims for a third consecutive victory, challenging the favourite in what has become his domain. The Gordon Elliott pair of Galvin and Coco Beach look likely to pose the most likely threat of the other runners.
Pick: Delta Work to win @ 3.50
16:50 – Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Steeplechase (2m)
Predicting the Grand Annual winner is notoriously difficult, yet Maskada, last year’s champion, emerges as a strong each-way bet. Her proven performance and ability to lead suggest she could be the one to beat if she replicates her previous form.
Saint Roi, a Group 1 novice chase winner, has been prepped for this race while Liberty Hunter is a horse bang in form who won last time out at Cheltenham and can’t be discounted.
Pick: Maskada E/W @ 7.00
17:30 – Wetherbys Champion Bumper (2m)
The Champion Bumper is all about potential, and Teeshan comes with considerable buzz. Following an impressive debut, he stands out as a contender with significant promise, potentially outperforming last year’s team performance.
Jasmine De Vaux could run a good race in a field with no standout contender while The Yellow Clay is also one to consider on the back of his 4th place at the Dublin Racing Festival.
Pick: Teeshan to win @ 8.50.
Don’t forget, NetBet are offering a non-runner money back guarantee for every day at Cheltenham, meaning if your horse doesn’t race you’ll get every penny refunded to your account.
*Odds subject to change.
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