Cheltenham Festival Day 2

Day 1 of the festival was brilliant. Shishkin, Honeysuckle and Appreciate It were incredible. Concertista chinned on the line saved the bookies some huge liabilities.

Blue Lord falling at the last when in clear second hurt, I backed him for a place at fair odds for good money. Funds were clawed back on the favourites, it would have been a good day if Saint Sam didn’t get beat by an 80-1 shot.

Day 2 could see more warm favourites take the beating and I think they will.

In the opening race, The Ballymore Novice Hurdle, Bob Olinger has the best form by a long way. I think the Irish horses are superior to the English so that rules out Bravemansgame. I’m with Bob Olinger and think hell take a lot of beating. Priced at 7-4.

1:55 – Monkfish looks a star in the making and can’t be opposed. In the market without Monkish, maybe The Big Breakaway could be the bet.

The Coral Cup at 2:30 is never easy to find the winner. I’ve backed two horses, Sneaky Getaway and Guard Your Dreams. Priced at 11-1 and 8-1, both EW. Sneaky Getaway looks to have been saved for this, trainer Emmet Mullins has a very good record when sending horse over from Ireland. Guard Your Dreams will love the step-up in trip.

Champion Chase, Chacun Pour Soi looks streets ahead of these. Put The Kettle On can fill the runner-up spot and offers EW value at 8-1.

David Cottin trainer of Easyland hasn’t had a great season, the yard have been quiet of late. However, if Easyland is fit and well, he’s very difficult to oppose in the Cross Country.

The Grand Annual is a tricky race, Zanza was going oh so well when he fell at Cheltenham last time out. The form of that race couldn’t have worked out much better. With a clear round, Zanza should give you a decent run. 7-1 EW. At a massive price, Bun Doran could run much better than odds suggest.

I was with Sir Gerhard in the Champion Bumper, but I’ve now switched to Kilcruit. His win at Leopardstown looked incredible visually. With Sir Gerhard switching stables and what I’ve heard this morning, it’s Kilcruit at 13-8 for me. He could be backed off the boards and push towards even money come race time.