Paddy’s stable of top pundits and tipsters have run the rule over our Turners Novices’ Hurdle odds, but who are they backing in the opening race on day two of the Cheltenham Festival?
The Willie Mullins-trained Final Demand emerged as the antepost favourite for the Grade 1 after an emphatic victory in the Nathaniel Lacy at last month’s Dublin Racing Festival, but there are a number of serious propositions in the line-up.
The New Lion, saddled by Dan Skelton, looked like a superstar in the making when breezing to the winning line in the Grade 1 Challow and was subsequently purchased by JP McManus.
Gordon Elliott’s The Yellow Clay is four from four over hurdles and also has Grade 1 honours on his CV after a facile success in the Lawlor’s Of Naas.
The British battalion is further bolstered by C&D scorer Potters Charm, who is bidding to bounce back from defeat to Sixmilebridge at Cheltenham on Trials Day.
Cheltenham Festival odds can be found on the Paddy Power website and Paddy Power app, otherwise, our experts’ tips for the first race on day two of the 2025 meeting are below.
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Cheltenham 1.20 tips
Turners Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1)
Matt Chapman
FINAL DEMAND looks an absolute monster. My boy is undefeated in three starts, a point-to-point and two novice hurdles. He blew the field away in Grade 1 company at Leopardstown last time and while he’s a big chaser in the making. I just think he will be too good for this lot.
Harry Cobden
I really like THE NEW LION. The track and 2m 5f trip will suit him and Dan Skelton has trained him for the race. He could be one of the best chances of the week for the Skelton yard.
Mick Fitzgerald
Will the ground be soft enough for FINAL DEMAND on Wednesday? The softer it is the more he looks to be the winner. I respect The New Lion, but Final Demand could be one with a bright future.
Patrick Mullins
The New Lion has to be taken seriously and I’m a big fan of The Yellow Clay, but we think the world of FINAL DEMAND. We’re hoping he could be a Gold Cup horse in the future. We’ll be very disappointed if he can’t do the business in Wednesday’s opener.
Ruby Walsh
FINAL DEMAND is a very good horse. He jumped brilliantly at Limerick and brought that to a whole new level at the Dublin Racing Festival. He travelled really well and his jumping was rock solid. His form overall is more solid than The New Lion’s. If Paul Townend is positive on him then he’ll be hard to beat. The Yellow Clay is a bigger danger than The New Lion.
Cheltenham Festival Day 2 Tips
- Paddy’s Ultimate Cheltenham Cheat Sheet for day 2 of the 2025 Festival
- ITV Racing pundit Matt Chapman’s Cheltenham Tips for Wednesday
- Harry Cobden’s Cheltenham Tips for day 2 of the 2025 Festival
- Mick Fitzgerald’s Cheltenham Tips for day 2
- Patrick Mullins’ Cheltenham Tips for day 2 feature a 12/1 each-way shout
- Ruby Walsh’s Cheltenham Tips for day 2 of the meeting
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