Day Two at Cheltenham was certainly a day for the punters.
Altior and Tiger Roll would have been expected to take victory, but wins for the heavily-backed Band Of Outlaws and Envoi Allen in the last two races packed a serious punch.
Let’s just say after one leg its level, but punters are ahead on away goals!
13:30 – JLT Novices Chase
The two we are sweet on in the opener are Defi Du Seuil and Vinndication. Kildisart looks to have a fair amount to prove at this level and that’s why he’s not in our thoughts here.
14:10 – Pertemps Handicap Hurdle
As always this race has a very open look to it and we are paying six places in this one, so it’s worth a punt for sure. First Assignment and Coole Cody are interesting prospects here for sure, while Not Many Left looks a very good ride for man of the moment Mark Walsh.
14:50 – Ryanair Chase
This has the makings of a potential classic and with plenty of pace on show, there should be no hiding place. Un De Sceaux has been a warrior for a number of years now, but he was unable to repel Balko Des Flos last year and being a year older in a deeper race, he’s hard to make a case for in this. His stablemate Footpad was a sublime winner of the Arkle last year, nothing much has gone right for him this season, but looks to have serious claims here with the step up in trip sure to suit. Frodon has a likeable attitude and has struck up a great partnership with Bryony Frost, but we just don’t see him being first past the post.
15:30 – Stayers Hurdle
Can Faugheen roll back the years and add to his festival tally? We believe he can and along with Black Op we would hope they can give favourite Paisley Park something to seriously think about.
16:10 – Brown Advisory Plate
This is wide open, Janika has looked better than a handicapper in his two runs for Nicky Henderson’s yard, but has a fair share of weight to carry here. Both Polidam and Eamon An Cnoic look decent each-way plays and we’re paying five places, so what’s not to love?
16:50 – Mares Novice Hurdle
Epatante falls into the ‘could be anything’ bracket and will likely be a popular selection with punters, but what she has achieved so far is open to question and there have to be some doubts about her getting home (although, the hood should help her settle). Both Sinoria and My Sister Sarah have achieved more at this stage.
17:30 – Kim Muir Handicap Chase
This one is another very competitive handicap chase, this time for amateur jockeys. Jamie Codd has already registered two wins from two rides at the festival and Measureofmydreams is bound to be popular as a result. There could be better value in the JP McManus runners Any Second Now and No Comment though come the off.
Find the odds from Day Three of Cheltenham over at paddypower.com