Wednesday is Coral Cup Day at Cheltenham and our official betting partners talk us through the runners and riders for day two of the festival.
It all gets started with the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle…
1:30 Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle – Champ
Champ tends to live up to his name over hurdles – he’s won all four races since being shaded by Vinndication at Ascot last January.
The step up to Grade One at Newbury last December didn’t cause any issues either. He finished over two lengths ahead of Getaway Trump in the Challow Novices’ Hurdle.
Nicky Henderson’s novice with Barry Geraghty in the saddle has proved to be a winning combination before. He’ll be the one to beat in the Ladies Day opener.
2:10 RSA Chase – Delta Work
Santini had a late scare, but he’s been declared by Henderson. That means he’s set for a showdown with Delta Work.
We’re leaning towards the younger horse here. Delta Work comes into this in great shape. Last year’s Pertemps Final winner has comfortably won his previous three races, with the most recent two being Grade One renewals.
2:50 Coral Cup – Cracking Smart (each-way 7 places)
Here we go. Uradel heads the betting, but we think Gordon Elliott’s seven-year-old could be the savvy pick in the stampede.
He’s hit the frame in six of his eight previous runs over hurdles. He’s won over 3m before and coped well over similar distances to this, and that stamina could be crucial.
3:30 Champion Chase - Altior
Can Altior win back-to-back renewals of the Champion Chase? It’s arguably the big story of Day Two at Prestbury Park.
Nicky Henderson’s sensational chaser is after a fourth Cheltenham win here, having also won the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and the Arkle last year. He’s only one win away from the legendary Big Buck’s record of 18 straight wins over jumps too.
The expected rain may well play into Min’s hooves, but it’s still hard to see beyond another Altior triumph here.
Cheltenham Racing Tips
1:30 Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle - Champ
2:10 RSA Chase – Delta Work
2:50 Coral Cup – Cracking Smart (each-way 7 places)
3:30 Champion Chase - Altior
4:10 Cross Country Chase – Tiger Roll
4:50 Boodles Juvenile Handicap Chase – Fine Brunello (each-way)
5:30 Champion Bumper – Envoi Allen
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All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing