Thursday, November 21, 2024

The second day of the Cheltenham Festival is more commonly known as Ladies Day and it commences with an exciting staying novices hurdle and rounds off with the Champion Bumper. The main highlight of the day sandwiched in the middle of the card is the Queen Mother Champion Chase. The race is steeped in history and many household names including the likes of Moscow Flyer, Master Minded and in more recent times Sprinter Sacre and Altior.

Aside from all of that mouth-watering action, there is also the Glenfarclas Chase which sees horses cover almost every inch of Prestbury Park jumping anything that stays still for long enough. It is a helter-skelter of a race which is run over three miles and six furlongs.

There have been some memorable performances in this race over the years with the brilliant Tiger Roll winning it three times and now his stablemate, Delta Work is aiming to achieve the same accolade.

At the time of writing, the 48-hour declarations for the day 2 races at Cheltenham Festival have not been announced. Nevertheless, we’ve picked the horses we believe you should consider in each race on the second day of racing action. Don’t forget to visit Punters Lounge every day during the festival to get our expert Cheltenham tips and free horse racing predictions.

13:30 – Baring Bingham Novices’ Hurdle

The Baring Bingham Novices’ Hurdle tends to favour horses gifted with natural speed who are capable of surging ahead of competitors with stronger stamina. This was evident last year when Impaire Et Passe swiftly took control of the race on the final turn, securing Willie Mullins his sixth victory since 2008.

In recent years, Irish-trained horses have dominated, winning nine out of the past ten editions, with seven of them being unbeaten hurdlers. It is wise to acknowledge established Grade 1 performers, and historically, horses with wins in Point-to-Points, bumpers, and Graded novice hurdles have all excelled.

Ballyburn

The ante-post favourite for the race is Ballyburn who has shown immense potential in his five career starts to date. He has been beaten only once in that time and that was on the back of a seven-month absence from the track. He is trained by Willie Mullins who has won four of the last ten renewals of this race, so the six-year-old gelding commands respect. Ballyburn is also entered in the Supreme Novices Hurdle, but in true Mullins style, we will not know his intended target until the very last declaration point.

Mystical Power

Mystical Power comes here in the same guise as Ballyburn in that we will not know what race he is due to run in until 11 am on Sunday. Like his stablemate, he is entered in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. His dam is Quevega who is something of a Cheltenham legend having won at this track no fewer than six times in her illustrious career. He is unbeaten in two starts under rules including when winning a Grade 2 last time and could be anything.

Slade Steel

Slade Steel is a gelding that continues to go from strength to strength. He ran a particularly good race at the Dublin Racing Festival in the race won by Ballyburn. That was his first attempt at a Grade 1 race and this longer trip may actually suit him better. Henry De Bromhead usually has his stable in peak form to coincide with Cheltenham and you would be foolish to think that he couldn’t turn the form around against Ballyburn if the oppose each other once more.

Ile Atlantique

Ile Atlantique may well have snuck in under the radar as he was beaten a neck on his seasonal reappearance by his stablemate Readin Tommy Wrong. He loves testing conditions, so his owners including Brighton and Hove Albion supremo Tony Bloom will be doing a rain dance prior to racing. He is another one of the talented Mullins brigade and it was no surprise to see him feature prominently in the closing stages.

Readin Tommy Wrong

Readin Tommy Wrong got the better of his stablemate Ile Atlantique in a similar race at Naas back in January. That was somewhat of an unexpected result, but he did it well. Paul Townend will have a difficult decision to make as to what horse he rides here particularly if this unbeaten runner lines up too. Has shown he is capable of staying this trip and upsetting a few more fancied rivals.

Predators Gold

Predators Gold is an intriguing outsider who stays longer than this trip. He has never been out of the first two places in any race including when chasing home stablemate Dancing City at the Dublin Racing Festival last time. Samcro won the race in these exact same colours back in 2018 and Gigginstown Stud would love nothing more than to have another big race winner. He is a lively outsider and should outrun his likely odds.

Baring Bingham Novices’ Hurdle Ante-Post Odds

Ballyburn 5/4, Mystical Power 11/4, Slade Steel 3/1, Ile Atlantique 4/1, Readin Tommy Wrong 6/1, and Predators Gold 10/1.

bet365 Sport

Bet £10 & Get £30 in Free Bets

  • Weekly Free Bet Promotions
  • Quick Withdrawals
  • Acca Boosts

New customers only. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. Registration required. 18+.

14:10 – Brown Advisory Novices’ Steeple Chase

Yet another event witnessing a decline in field sizes in recent times is the Brown Advisory Novices’ Steeple Chase. This is partly due to the inception of the Turners Novices’ Chase and also owing to the escalating standard of the National Hunt Chase. Nonetheless, it remains a race steeped in heritage, boasting a prestigious Roll of Honour featuring legends such as Arkle, Tied Cottage, Florida Pearl, Looks Like Trouble, Denman, Bobs Worth, and Lord Windermere, with the latter four triumphing in the Gold Cup at Cheltenham the subsequent year.

Last year’s edition delivered a thrilling finale as Gerri Colombe made a desperate bid to reel in The Real Whacker. It’s a contest where lightly-raced hurdlers often excel. Keep an eye out for a promising staying novice from the preceding year, with the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle frequently providing valuable insights, as highly rated staying hurdlers tend to struggle in this race due to their extended time over hurdles.

Fact To File

The ante-post favourite for this race is Fact To File. He has done nothing but improve since making his seasonal debut where he finished second to American Mike. He has won his two subsequent races at Leopardstown, including in a match battle last time with Gaelic Warrior.

He went into many notebooks as a result and looks to have leading claims here. The further he went last time, the better he looked so the step up in trip looks sure to suit. He does have previous experience with the track as he was second to A Dream To Share in the Champion Bumper last season. Willie Mullins has won this race twice in the past ten years and looks to have another fascinating contender for it here.

Stay Away Fay

Stay Away Fay won the Albert Bartlett here last season over the course and distance, so that is an invaluable experience that he can rely on. He made two winning starts to his current campaign including when winning the Grade 2 Esher Novices Chase at Sandown back in December. Since then he has subsequently become unstuck against Capodanno in the Cotswold Chase a couple of months ago and he has enjoyed a bit of a break since. Now freshened up he could well put up an improved performance and with his yard in decent form, it is hard to knock his chances.

Monty’s Star

Monty’s Star is still only lightly raced and only shed his maiden over fences last time out when winning at Punchestown. He pulled up in the Albert Bartlett over this course and distance last year so perhaps the track just didn’t suit him. Henry De Bromhead feels that these larger fences are his future, but his form just looks to fall short when compared to previous horses that have won this.

Grey Dawning

Grey Dawning is going the right way and was last seen winning the Grade 2 Hampton Novices Chase at Warwick. He cleared right away from Apple Away beating him fourteen lengths indicating that there was more to come. All of his best form has come on flat tracks though so the steep galloping uphill finish here would be a major concern.

Embassy Gardens

Embassy Gardens seems to be a reformed character this year and has certainly improved for jumping a proper fence. The eight-year-old has won his last two races by ten and thirteen lengths respectively. Like Monty’s Star, he pulled up in the Albert Bartlett over this course and distance last year which has to be a cause for concern. Still unexposed in this sphere though and may well find the necessary improvement required.

Sandor Clegane

Sandor Clegane could well be a forgotten horse. He is trained by Paul Nolan who often does well when sending his runners over from Ireland. He was a solid third in the Albert Bartlett behind Stay Away Fay last year and then followed that up with a win at the Punchestown Festival.

He gives the impression that this may have been his target all year and the three miles around here will be of little consequence to him. Whilst he was beaten by Embassy Gardens last time out, given the occasion it would be of little surprise to see him turn that form around.

Brown Advisory Novices’ Steeple Chase Ante-Post Odds

Fact To File Evs, Stay Away Fay 3/1, Grangeclare West 7/2, Monty’s Star 11/2, Grey Dawning 7/1, Corbetts Cross 12/1, and Broadway Boy 12/1.

10bet

Get 100% Bonus up to £50

  • Regular Free Bet Promotions
  • BOG On Horse Racing
  • Experienced Bookmaker

New bettors; Code SPORT; Wager deposit & bonus 8x; Max qualifying bet stake=initial bonus; Valid 60 days; Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply; T&C apply; 18+

14:50 – Coral Cup Hurdle

The initial handicap hurdle of the week is the Coral Cup Hurdle. It is typically regarded as the most prestigious. Similar to the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle, numerous recent victors have swiftly transitioned to or from Graded races in their subsequent outings. This race favours lightly raced hurdlers, although last year’s champion boasted more experience than the norm. Consequently, younger contenders often shine, making it a venue for unexpected winners in recent times.

Sa Majeste

Sa Majeste has been a positive mover in the market in recent days and having won on bottomless ground over two-and-a-half miles at Limerick last time he caught the eye of many. He was far from fancied that day but took the notable scalp of Grand National-winning Noble Yeats on what was his seasonal reappearance. The runner-up has come out to frank the form subsequently paying a handsome compliment to the Mullins runner. He does lack a previous run here at Cheltenham though and is untested on what will likelier be better ground.

Langer Dan

Langer Dan is prominent in the market given his win in the race last year but it is hard to fathom exactly why. The eight-year-old has produced several lacklustre efforts so far this season in similar company, so it is very difficult to see where the enthusiasm comes from. He has been doing most of his racing this season on flat tracks though and it could be that a return to Prestbury Park inspires enthusiasm in him. He is two pounds higher in the ratings than when winning last year but looks up against it this time around.

Doddiethegreat

Doddiethegreat had a practice around here in a similar handicap back in December where he finished second to Go Dante. He then had a couple of months off before lining up in the Betfair hurdle at Newbury where he finished fourth to Iberico Lord. That should have left him pretty much spot on for this and this consistent son of Fame And Glory ticks many boxes. Nicky Henderson has won this race three times in the last ten years and no surprise if this one added to that impressive record.

Built By Ballymore

Built By Ballymore won back-to-back races at Punchestown and Limerick within the last couple of months. He comes here without much handicapping experience so it is difficult to assess how he will handle conditions. This prize has travelled back across the Irish Sea in five of the last ten renewals but without previous track experience, he may well find himself out of his depth. On the plus side, he has thrived since going up to this sort of trip so one to watch.

Making Headway

Making Headway got his second win of the season when beating East India Express at Newbury most recently. This will be his handicapping debut if he takes his chance and it will be an unrelenting baptism of fire. The two wins that he has secured have both come on heavy ground so connections will be hoping that the heavens up before the race. Martin Brassil always commands respect with any horse he brings over to the Festival, but this looks to be Making Headway’s toughest task to date.

Might I

Might I was beaten out of sight in his last race, although that was in Grade 2 company and in a chase. He will certainly appreciate the drop back into handicaps as a reversion to hurdles in what is likely to be a larger field. He did shed his maiden over fences at Exeter a couple of starts back but has his sights lowered significantly here. He was a decent fourth in the Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle around here last season when chasing home Iroko. He looks to be in with a squeak given the experience he gained at this track last season.

Hiddenvalley Lake

Hiddenvalley Lake has done all of his winning on testing ground so connections will be hoping that the heavens open before racing. He returned from a short break to win the Boyne Hurdle at Navan last time and that is a key trial, which more than hints at Cheltenham success. Supasundae and Commander Of Fleet used the race as a stepping stone to success here. It is run over a similar trip and with the De Bromhead horses starting to hit their peak, it would be foolish to dismiss his chances.

Coral Cup Hurdle Ante-Post Odds

Sa Majest 5/1, Langer Dan 7/1, Doddiethegreat 8/1, Built By Ballymore 12/1, Making Headway 12/1, Might I 14/1, and Hiddenvalley Lake 14/1.

New Bookmaker
BetMGM

Bet £10 Get £60 in Free Bets

  • Daily Profit Boosts
  • Weekly Free Bets
  • Bet Builder Feature

NI excluded. New customers only. 7 days to place qualifying bet to receive 6 x Free Bets: 2 x £10 BetBuilder, 2 x £10 Acca, 1 x £10 Horse Racing, 1 x £10 Football. Stake not returned.

15:30 – Queen Mother Champion Chase

The Queen Mother Champion Chase is the premier event on the second day, marking the pinnacle of the 2-mile chase category for the season. Precise and rapid jumping is crucial for clinching victory in the Queen Mother Champion Chase.

Following Badsworth Boy’s unprecedented triple triumph in 1983, 1984, and 1985, eight additional horses have secured victory twice, including the current titleholder, Energumene. Nicky Henderson and Paul Nicholls have both claimed victory in the race on six occasions, positioning them alongside Tom Dreaper as the most accomplished trainers in Grade 1 history.

El Fabiolo

El Fabiolo has only met with defeat once in his career and that came at Aintree over hurdles back in April 2022. Since then he has made a more than successful transition to the larger obstacles winning a Grade 2 Chase as well as four Grade 1 Chases including last time out in the Dublin Chase at Leopardstown. He barely turned a hair taking apart the opposition including Dinoblue and the re-opposing Captain Guinness. He thumped Jonbon in the Arkle at this meeting last year and should be able to confirm that form given that there have to be question marks hovering over his biggest rival.

Jonbon

Jonbon failed to read the script when he was turned over at long odds on when last seen out over the course and distance in the Clarence House Chase. He made some significant errors in the race and if putting in a similar round, he may not be so lucky this time around. He was gaining all the way to the line to try and catch Elixir Du Nutz, but ultimately, the errors took their toll. He also has significant work to do to try and reverse course and distance form with El Fabiolo. Nicky Henderson trained Altior to win back-to-back successes here in this race, but his representative could be found wanting here.

Edwardstone

Edwardstone seems to have been on the downgrade for such a long while. It was lovely to see him put his head in front at Newbury last time in the Game Spirit Chase in such a commanding fashion. There were some forty lengths between him and Funambule Sivola, but you get the impression that he needs to turn in a career-best effort in order to feature here. He has been beaten on each of his last three visits to this venue and hard to see him keeping pace with the spritelier El Fabiolo.

Captain Guinness

Captain Guinness is as mad as a box of frogs. You never know what form he is going to turn up in. He can be good as he showed on his seasonal reappearance this year when winning the Fortia Chase at Navan. Since then he has been pulled up and then finished some fourteen lengths behind El Fabiolo at Leopardstown last time out. If on a going day he has place opportunities at best but that is a big if!

Elixir Du Nutz

Elixir Du Nutz booked his ticket for this race when upsetting Jonbon in the Clarence House Chase over the course and distance a couple of months ago. He had fortune on his side that day as Jonbon blundered away chance after chance and he stuck his neck out right when it mattered the most.

This race may well cut up before the off and that is when the Joe Tizzard runner is at his supreme best. He has only ever won in races with six or fewer runners. If any of the front two fluff their lines he will almost certainly be there to plunder the prize.

Queen Mother Champion Chase Ante-Post Odds

El Fabiolo 4/9, Jonbon 3/1, Edwardstone 11/2, Captain Guinness 14/1, and Elixir Du Nutz 18/1.

bet365 Sport

Bet £10 & Get £30 in Free Bets

  • Weekly Free Bet Promotions
  • Quick Withdrawals
  • Acca Boosts

New customers only. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. Registration required. 18+.

16:10 – Glenfarclas Cross Country Steeple Chase

This upcoming Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase, which marks its 20th anniversary, remains a race that sparks diverse opinions. However, there exist notable figures in the sport who actively target this contest. Traditionally, the Irish have held sway in this race, with Gigginstown House Stud and JP McManus, prominent owners, claiming victory in the last nine renewals.

Among the standout performers, Tiger Roll, a two-time Grand National champion, has triumphed three times in this event. Additionally, Delta Work, representing the same connections, has secured victory in the past two renewals. While course experience often proves advantageous, it is worth noting that a high-calibre contender, like Delta Work demonstrated two years ago, can also prevail on their debut over the distinctive obstacles of this unique race.

Minella Indo

Minella Indo was winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup back in 2021 and now he finds himself keeping company with some other former stars in this unique event. He made a seasonal winning reappearance back in October when winning a Grade 3 Chase at Punchestown.

He then finished last of four at Down Royal where the ground had gone completely against him. He loves it when the mud is flying so it was not a shock when he put in a much better performance over this course and distance the following month. If the ground is anything other than soft or worse he would be a false favourite.

Delta Work

Delta Work will try to emulate the success of former stablemate Tiger Roll by winning this three times. The reigning champion warmed up for this with a run in the Boyne Hurdle, a route so often taken by Tiger Roll. That run behind Hiddenvalley Lake will likely put him spot-on for this and he looks a massive threat to all. Gordon Elliott’s record in this race is second to none and no surprise if he were to make history by winning three of these on the bounce.

Conflated

Conflated is the young pretender to Delta Work and has been involved in Grade 1 races as recently as February. He has unseated his rider on his last two starts including in the Irish Gold Cup behind Galopin Des Champs. He has had a long and trying year so no surprise to see connections enter him for this. It could spark a flame of enthusiasm, but he is probably best watched to see how he handles this undulating track. He might find this all a little bit strange compared to what he is used to.

Galvin

Galvin seems to be going backwards rather than forwards and has had plenty of opportunities to win one of these since finishing runner-up in this race last season. He is a particularly frustrating sort who has not won any race he has run in since October 2022. He hinted at a return to form when fourth in the Boyne Hurdle behind Hiddenvalley Lake last time out but that is no guarantee that he will put in a premium performance here. He has his own ideas about things and they don’t often involve winning.

Coko Beach

Coko Beach has been having a wonderful time of things of late. He scooped the Troytown Chase at Navan back in November and then showed his versatility by winning a cross country chase on the first attempt. That win at Punchestown saw him record a six-length win over Genois. He has a little touch of class that you need to be involved in the closing stages of one of these races and although he has no experience of the cross country track at Cheltenham, he was runner-up in a Boodles four years ago on the track proper. Another intriguing contender for the Gigginstown Stud.

Foxy Jacks

Foxy Jacks finally got his head in front when winning the trial for this race over the course and distance back in November. Prior to that he had fallen and unseated his rider in two previous attempts. He is usually a consistent performer and he has been given a three-month break since finishing fourth to Gaoth Chuil at Leopardstown in a handicap hurdle at Christmas. He has never won first time back after a break so that is an obvious concern and Mouse Morris will need him to come back in top form if he is to play a role in the finish.

Stattler

Stattler has been well beaten in all three starts so far this year including against Coko Beach in cross country race at Punchestown last month. He is mentioned on this shortlist as this time last year he was finishing a gallant second to Galopin Des Champs in the Irish Gold Cup at the Dublin Racing Festival. He is winless since March 2022, but if on a going day and fortune favours the brave, he could be an outsider to keep on the right side of.

Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase Ante-Post Odds

Minella Indo 15/8, Delta Work 10/3, Conflated 4/1, Galvin 4/1, Coko Beach 9/2, Foxy Jack 12/1, and Stattler 16/1.

10bet

Get 100% Bonus up to £50

  • Regular Free Bet Promotions
  • BOG On Horse Racing
  • Experienced Bookmaker

New bettors; Code SPORT; Wager deposit & bonus 8x; Max qualifying bet stake=initial bonus; Valid 60 days; Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply; T&C apply; 18+

16:50 – Grand Annual Handicap Chase

Now into its third iteration on day two of the Festival. The Grand Annual Handicap Chase was once the concluding race of the entire event, and transitioned from the New course to the Old course in 2021, consequently undergoing a slight reduction in distance.

Despite this minor alteration, it continues to present a challenging handicap where novices and second-season chasers often excel. Keep an eye out for potential improvers. The victor frequently has prior experience in this race, underscoring the importance of reviewing the 2023 edition in depth.

My Mate Mozzie

My Mate Mozzie has the right profile coming into this race and deservedly heads the market. He won a novices race around this track and trip back in November and was not beaten too far in the Grade 1 Racing Post Chase at Leopardstown next time out. Dropping back into handicap company means he will carry his fair share of weight, but he has the class to see him through. He has a lot in his favour.

Saint Roi

Saint Roi seems to be on a recovery mission if taking his chance here. He was last of five when beaten out of sight by El Fabiolo in the Dublin Chase last time out. He was third to that same rival in last year’s Arkle Chase. Although without a win of any kind since December 2022, he hinted that he could be useful in handicaps such as this back in January when he was fourth to Uncle Phil at Punchestown. He is a former County Handicap Hurdle winner so has a winning experience at the Festival which is an invaluable asset to have on your side.

Liberty Hunter

Liberty Hunter is worth keeping an eye on. Aside from a blip on debut, the eight-year-old has made both of his subsequent starts over fences winning ones. The vast majority of his winning form has come on the ground that has plenty of give in it, although he has also won on slightly better going. He came here to contest a handicap chase back on New Year’s Day and got the job done nicely in the end as he saw off the challenge of Matata. He looks to still be improving and he cannot be ruled out.

Madara

Madara is extremely lightly raced and is still only a five-year-old. He has made giant steps in his career for one so inexperienced and having already won at Cheltenham, connections had the foresight and wit to attack the Ryanair Chase at the Dublin Racing Festival. They were duly rewarded for their bravery as the son of Doctor Dino arrived late on the scene to beat Path D’Oroux in the closing stages. No novice as young as him has won since Palarshan in 2003, but he could be something a little bit special.

Harpers Brook

Harpers Brook has been hinting at a return to form for quite some time and a return to two miles did the trick at Sandown last time out. He has always been held in high regard by Ben Pauling but his past form around this track is atrocious. In four previous visits to Cheltenham he has fallen, finished last of five, been pulled up and was then also beaten fifty-five lengths in a handicap by Stage Star. He will need to find improvement from somewhere in order to figure amongst others who are at least proven here.

Maskada

Maskada is the defending champion here and is only one of a couple who are entered and ran in it last year. Horses who come back again tend to do better but he has a nine-pound weight disadvantage this time around and that could make him vulnerable to younger and more progressive types. Unlike the remainder though, he has been here and done it all before and that is a bonus that works in his favour. He looks like he is just running into form and a bold run is expected once more.

Grand Annual Handicap Chase Ante-Post Odds

My Mate Mozzie 6/1, Saint Roi 7/1, Liberty Hunter 10/1, Madara 10/1, Harpers Brook 11/1, and Maskada 14/1.

17:30 – Weatherbys Champion Bumper

Since its inception, the Weatherbys Champion Bumper has consistently been dominated by Irish contenders and closes the action on the second day of the festival. Last year marked the 31st renewal of the race, with Irish-trained horses securing victory in 24 of those.

This event often serves as a launching pad for esteemed National Hunt competitors, boasting an illustrious Roll Of Honour featuring renowned names such as Florida Pearl, Monsignor, Cue Card, Champagne Fever, Envoi Allen, and Sir Gerhard. Impressively, five out of these six champions went on to triumph at the Cheltenham Festival just twelve months later. In recent seasons, there has been a noticeable emergence of higher-rated contenders, showcasing proven form at the Graded level.

Jalon D’Oudairies

Jalon D’Oudairies remains undefeated in two starts for Gordon Elliott and Gigginstown House Stud. He won at Fairyhouse on debut when getting the better of Major Barry by five lengths before following up at Leopardstown a few weeks later to see off the challenge of Redemption Day. Horses that finished in behind him that day have been placed subsequently at the Graded level, but there has been no winning boost to the form so far. Clearly held in high regard but still has questions to answer.

Jasmin De Vaux

Jasmin De Vaux made an impression on debut winning as he liked at Naas over a longer trip than this. Paddy Mullins was on board for that success and he runs in the familiar double-green colours of Isaac Souede and Simon Munir. The form has been let down on a couple of occasions since but as he hails from the yard with an outstanding record in this race he is one to be taken seriously. Paddy Mullins will likely have the pick of the Mullins horses in this race and having been on board for his win last time, I would be amazed if he jumped ship.

Romeo Coolio

Romeo Coolio did the job nicely when making a winning debut at Fairyhouse back in January where he beat Sporting Glory by just over a length. He was partnered on that occasion by Harry Swan who was able to claim five pounds off his partner’s back. The form of the race is beginning to work out with the runner-up having won next time out. Whilst he appears to be the stable second string, it means nothing in a race such as this.

Teeshan

Teeshan is a home challenger who appears to have a bright future. Trained at Ditcheat by champion trainer Paul Nicholls, the five-year-old gelding won as he liked on debut at Exeter last month. He tracked his rivals into the race and assumed control with more than two furlongs left to go. He pulled away to win by seven lengths under Harry Cobden and looks like the best homegrown chance that there has been in a while.

Argento Boy

Argento Boy was an impressive winner on debut for Willie Mullins. The striking son of Jukebox Jury tracked his rivals in a bumper at Fairyhouse and slowly but surely made his way into contention under Jody Townend. The pair surged clear in the closing couple of furlongs to win as they saw fit. He looks tailor-made for a race of this nature and Mullins has won it with horses who were not favoured in the betting. He looks like an interesting recruit and the grey could have an exciting future.

Mister Meggit

Mister Meggit is trained by Jonjo O’Neill and comes into this race completely unexposed. He is unbeaten in two previous bumpers at Carlisle and Doncaster and is another of the home contingent looking to break the Irish stranglehold on this particular race. The most recent of those victories saw him beat off De Kingpin by almost five lengths. There is no doubt he will have to improve again to get involved, but he races in the colours of Hemmings Racing and he will be a popular winner should he find the class to get him home.

Weatherbys Champion Bumper Ante-Post Odds

Jalon D’Oudairies 4/1, Jasmin De Vaux 5/1, Romeo Coolio 11/2, Teeshan 6/1, Argento Boy 12/1, and Mister Meggit 16/1.

bet365 Sport

Bet £10 & Get £30 in Free Bets

  • Weekly Free Bet Promotions
  • Quick Withdrawals
  • Acca Boosts

New customers only. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. Registration required. 18+.

Tumbleweed King’s Final Thoughts

This looks to be a day where the Irish can strike it rich. There seems to be no end to the talent that emerges from the Emerald Isle year after year. Willie Mullins looks sure to have a big day with the likes of Ballyburn and Fact To File fancied to go particularly well.

The main event is the Queen Mother Champion Chase and having beaten most of his rivals in the past, it looks as though El Fabiolo has nothing to fear but the fences themselves.

There are a couple of exciting handicaps thrown in for good measure, which should prove ultra-competitive. Finding the winner could be the equivalent of finding a needle in a haystack, but the form is usually there if you are inquisitive enough to do the research.

Day two rounds off with the stars of tomorrow lining up in the Champion Bumper. It is a race that continually churns out subsequent Festival winners on an annual basis.

Don’t Miss Out!

Remember to stick with Punters Lounge for daily Cheltenham Festival ante-post previews this week for the remaining three days of action rolling out daily. Our expert tipsters will be providing Cheltenham tips for the duration of the festival so keep an eye out for them.

Don’t forget to check out the popular racing forum where you will find all the latest hot topics and discussions surrounding the festival along with fantastic competitions to enter with prizes to be won.

You can also keep up-to-date with all the action at Cheltenham across our social media channels on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.

All odds are correct with Bet365 at the time of writing.

Karl Hedley is the Punters Lounge Festival and accumulators tipster. He received his break when he entered the Racing Post Search for A Tipster competition in 2006, and beat 6000 others to win the title in 2007.Since then he has been written countless articles for The Irish Field, The Irish Post and several online websites. He was until recently the Irish racing tipster for The Times (Ireland edition).His favourite racing memory to date includes being present to see the brilliant Kauto Star win the Champion Chase at Down Royal.