Advertisement

The42′s Winning Post: Everything you need to enjoy day two of Cheltenham

And hopefully pick you a winner.

LAST UPDATE | 14 Mar 2018

Bet365 Gold Cup Day - Sandown Racecourse Altior has question marks ahead of the Champion Chase. Julian Herbert / PA Images Julian Herbert / PA Images / PA Images

Three big talking points…

1. THREE IS THE magic number: On their peak form, there’s little to separate Altior (evens), Douvan (7/2) and Min (4/1) but all three come into this race with question marks.

For the favourite, it’s the fact he reported lame on Monday only to be cleared Tuesday morning. For Douvan, it’s that he’s running for the first time since a poor outing here last year and for Min, well, even at his best Willie Mullins’ second-string had something to find on the top two in the market.

For many, it’s difficult to see the winner of the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase (Wednesday, 3.30pm) coming from outside those three, even if last year’s winner Special Tiara (33/1) will tempt each-way backers.

2. Son of Samcro: For many, Samcro (4/6) is the horse they’ve come to see this week and if you head to YouTube to watch any of his previous wins, it’s very easy to see why he’s the favourite for the Ballymore Novices Hurdle (or the Neptune in old money) at 1.30pm on Wednesday.

After victory in quality company last time out in Naas, Ruby Walsh and Willie Mullins have every reason to believe Next Destination (4/1) can give them their third Grade One of the week while Vision Des Flos (16/1) appears a better prospect with a tongue tie.

Fairyhouse Winter Festival - Fairyhouse Races Can Presenting Percy justify his favouritism? Brian Lawless / PA Images Brian Lawless / PA Images / PA Images

3. Who’ll need roadside assistance in the RSA Chase? Just ten horses go to post for this year’s renewal of the RSA Insurance Novices’ Chase (Wednesday, 2.10pm) with Presenting Percy the 5/2 favourite.

Last year’s Albert Bartlett runner-up, Monalee (3/1) is likely to be the main opposition but Al Boum Photo (13/2) and Ballyoptic (16/1) are going to have plenty of interest too.

NAP of the day…

We made a bit of a mess of this yesterday as Apple’s Jade let us down badly but Acey Milan (13/2) can get us back on track in the Champion Bumper (Wednesday, 5.30pm) having already shown the ability to win on trying ground.

Punchestown Festival - Day Three - Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle Day Cantlow loves this course and distance. Niall Carson / PA Images Niall Carson / PA Images / PA Images

An each-way fancy…

Tuesday’s selection was second by the shortest of necks so here’s hoping Cantlow (25/1) goes one better in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase (Wednesday, 4.10pm). Placed third here last year he found only Bless The Wings (9/1) better over this course and distance in December.

Accumulator…

Four was probably a little greedy Tuesday but it’s not like we were a million miles away either so we’re going for something similar on day two.

With that in mind, the quartet of Samcro (4/6), Al Boum Photo (13/2), Altior (evens) and Acey Milan (13/2) will pay €187.50 for every €1 staked.

Altior ‘all systems go’ for Champion Chase but My Tent Or Yours scratched from the Champion Hurdle

Author
Steve O'Rourke
View 3 comments
Close
3 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel