Cheltenham Day Two Preview

Cheltenham 2025 Day 2 Preview

1.20 Turners Novices Hurdle

At the top of the market lies the Willie Mullins trained, Final demand who was very impressive at the Dublin Racing Festival where he pulled clear to win comfortably. He was also excellent on his hurdling debut when he won in good fashion over Christmas in Limerick. The yellow clay needs respecting also as he’s won his last four races but I think this race will go to Britain’s Skeltons. They have The New Lion who has created a very good image when winning recently. Although the winning margins weren’t massive, jockey, Harry Skelton barely moved a muscle and since the Challow, he has been bought by the iconic JP Mc Manus for what is believed to be a very large sum (A Very Large sum). I feel like this will be a close race but The New Lion will edge it as he is a faster horse than Final Demand if it comes to a sprint.

2.00 Brown Advisory Chase

Another shorty? I think so! Ballyburn should win this fairly comfortably but I wasn’t convinced by his jumping at Leopardstown last month. I was there when he battled gamely to defeat an onrushing Croke Park who I was looking forward to seeing here, unfortunately he’s a non-runner. With only 7 runners, this is a very poor turnout with Willie Mullins having the top 2 in the market. He was one of the best hurdlers around last season and with a lot of victories to his name, it`s very difficult to oppose Ballyburn. Lecky Watson is overpriced in my view and could pick up the pieces if ballyburn fails to fire.

2.40 Coral Cup

Langer Dan has been successful in the last two running’s of this race but he’s entered in the stayer’s hurdle on Thursday. Second to Ballyburn at the festival last year was Jimmy Du Seuil. Trained by the maestro Mullins, he has been seen on few occasions this season with many suggesting he’s been kept for this. I have a feeling he will run well with probably the most underrated jockey in the weighing room, Danny Mullins booked. He’s definitely one to note at around 10/1. Comfort Zone representing JP and Joesph O`Brien looks like he’s also been kept for this race. A plot job? It has been the case in recent renewals of this. Down the bottom of the racecard with a nice weight is Vischio. He was impressive at the Dublin Racing Festival when he finished like a train, Emmet Mullins is a shrewd operator and I expect him to go well at a nice price.

3.20 Cross Country Chase

This is the one race at the festival where I never have a strong opinion. Nearly Four miles with various different obstacles, it’s a proper slog. Stumptown has been the favourite for a good while now but I do think he’s carrying too much weight on board. This has been the target for Busselton for a while now and its evident that Joseph O`Brien does well when targeting big races. If I was to pick one it’d be him, he’s a proper consistent horse who can go well at odds of around 11/2. Trained in France now is Roi Mage, who I think is well overpriced, he’s an old horse but has raced over this unique course before. And showed well in the grand national which shows he has the engine needed to compete at this distance.

4.00 Champion Chase

No doubt the favourite will be popular here, but I will be opposing Jonbon. He is winless at the festival although he has bumped into excellent horses along the way, that record is still there. The horse who I am very much looking forward to seeing is Solness. I love a front runner and if he can get into a good rhythm, he could prove tricky to catch. This horse has gone under the radar even though he’s won well in his last two outings including winning at 28/1, (both were Grade One`s). If he bowls out in front, I will be surprised if he’s not in the first three at the finish. It may be heart over head, but I do fancy Solness strongly. It’d be a fantastic story if Marine Nationale came back to his best. Trainer Barry Connell is confident and there’s no reason why he shouldn’t be in the reckoning.

4.40 Grand Annual

Last year`s winner Unexpected Party is here and lies at the top of the market. He’s 6 pounds higher this time round but could make a bold bid for the Skeltons. Number one on your racecard is JPR One, who I think will win this handicap chase. A brilliant jumper who is no doubt dropping down in class this time round, he can defy top weight for the Tizzard’s. Lucinda Russell enjoyed a good win yesterday as she seems to be doing well in big field handicaps. She is represented by Traprain Law who has a good each way shout with a strong finish at the end looking likely.

5.20 Champion Bumper

This is a race where the Irish have been dominant in recent years. Willie Mullins is well represented with five chances. The Favourite Copacabana looked good on debut and leading amateur Patrick Mullins is on board. According to JP Mc Manus, he’s the only horse he backed prior to the festival which is high praise indeed.  Gameofinches will be partnered by Paul Townend, he won very easy a few weeks ago in what can only be described as an Armchair ride that day. The one I like is Bambino Fever who is going under the radar, maybe its because Jody Townend is booked rather than Mullins`s top two jockeys. Bambino Fever hacked up at the Dublin racing Festival where she simply swooped by around the outside and won with plenty in hand. This mare has a handy weight and should go well. As these horses have only ran a handful of times, there is an unknown present for sure. El Cairos and Fortune De Mer who are both British trained deserve a mention and can outrun their odds

Best bet for Day 2: Solness (EW)

Be sure to check in tomorrow, where the NAP of the week runs. Always Remember to gamble responsibly