Cheltenham Tips: Paddy’s Pundits’ Epic Wednesday Cheat Sheet for day two of the Festival

Ballyburn is the obvious pick but I’d sooner Ile Atlantique (each-way) who has some very good form to his name.

Most will see this as a penalty kick for Ballyburn, but I’ll have a few quid each-way on JINGKO BLUE at the prices.

We think the world of Ballyburn and this will tell us whether we are right or not. Trip and ground will suit.

Ballyburn has been my pick in whatever race he runs in so I’ll stick with him. Jimmy Du Seuil could be an each-way play.

Now that Ballyburn runs here he’s still the one to beat.

I’m not as convinced that Fact To File will relish this 3m trip. Stay Away Fay is a very strong stayer and I’d sooner side with him if this turns into a slog.

I’m a huge STAY AWAY FAY supporter whoever beats him here will have to be a real star. Of course Fact to File might, but I’ll stick with Harry Cobden.

Fact to File jumps, settles, and has a high-cruising speed and a turn of foot. The full package.

Fact to File should be too quick for Stay Away Fay who will have to do a lot of the donkey work now up front.

I fancy Monty’s Star each-way to run a big race.

Doddiethegreat ran really well in the 2m Betfair Hurdle and the step up in trip to 2m 5f should really suit him.

The one I’m risking here is MIGHT I. He’s interesting off 142 having been fourth this time last year off 145 in the Martin Pipe behind Iroko.

If Sa Majeste runs like he works at home then he is well handicapped.

Willie Mullins saddles Sa Majeste who could be well handicapped but his price is short enough now for a handicap like this. I prefer First Street (each-way) for a bit of value.

Built by Ballymore is set up for this race, he’s been laid out for it all season.

I feel like a deserter ignoring Jonbon but everything has to go right for him to win. El Fabiolo just always finds a way to get the job done.

I’m massively in the EL FABIOLO camp and expect him to prove the outstanding two-miler chaser of the season.

El Fabiolo beat Jonbon last year and should confirm that result again.

I still think the angle on Jonbon
(each-way) stands up. I can’t see him out of the three so you’ll get your money back. If he beats El Fabiolo you’ll get a bunch more.

I can’t get away from El Fabiolo.

Delta Work is a real course specialist and looks for a hat-trick of wins in this contest. He’s a proven performer.

I wanted to oppose the former Gold Cup hero MINELLA INDO but he will love the heavy ground and he really does have an excellent chance of winning.

Minella Indo is a former Gold Cup winner in the Cross Country. He picks himself.

The Cross Country course faces an 8am inspection on Wednesday. If the ground is that heavy it will suit Coko Beach.

I’m going with Galvin who put in a brilliant run at Navan last time.

Libberty Hunter is a novice with some very good form this season. The booking of top UK jockey Harry Cobden should be noted.

UNEXPECTED PARTY (each-way) would want better ground but he might just be a very well handicapped. If held up off a strong gallop could be very interesting.

Saint Roi always runs well at Cheltenham and is a Grade 1 horse in a handicap.

Two against the field for me in Saint Roi who ran well enough in the Arkle last year and Libberty Hunter.

San Fureur was a very decent hurdler and has good chase form this season. He steps in to handicap company now and handles soft ground.

Romeo Coolio looked very good when winning at Fairyhouse and could give his owners reason to celebrate after Mount Ida won for them at a ‘Covid’ Cheltenham.

For some time I’ve been siding with YOU OUGHTA KNOW (each-way) who is one of many who goes for Willie Mullins. A big field and strong pace should suit.

Jasmin De Veux put in the most visually impressive performance at Naas and I’m lucky enough to be riding him.

Argento Boy (each-way) performs better on the track than he does in his homework and will stay going in the soft ground.

I have to go with The Yellow Clay. There’s a lot more to come from him.