The Irish racing broadcaster has four bets for the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival, including one in the Cross Country Chase.
Visit Betway’s Cheltenham betting page to see all our markets, boosts and specials for the Festival.
13:20 – Turners Novices’ Hurdle
Day two begins with a fascinating clash between a trio of Grade 1 winners in the Turners Novices Hurdle, and while I have the height of respect for the unbeaten duo who dominate the market THE YELLOW CLAY / appears to have been underestimated here. The Yeats gelding has progressed with every run since sent hurdling, culminating in a top level breakthrough at Naas in January. Put away for this afterwards, he is a thoroughly likeable type and should be very difficult to keep out of the frame at least.
14:00 – Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase
Ballyburn is the most talented member of the line-up for the Novices Chase and it would be no surprise if he were to blow his rivals away. However he has been more workmanlike than explosive since switching disciplines, and in stable-mate Dancing City and Better Days Ahead he faces two really solid performers who will be there to pick up the pieces should he fluff his lines. I’m happy to sit this one out.
14:40 – Coral Cup
If his latest effort at Musselburgh can be forgiven SAMUI / is a potentially lively outsider for the Coral Cup
15:20 – Cross Country Chase
For me the Cross Country Chase is all about STUMPTOWN / .
Gavin Cromwell’s eight year-old, who boasts a fine course record over regulation fences, has simply been given a new lease of life by the switch to this discipline. He must shoulder top-weight as a result of those exploits but that isn’t a huge worry as the majority of his opponents make very limited appeal. He also has the advantage of being ridden by Keith Donoghue, who has no equal around here and is seeking a fifth win in the race in seven years.
16:00 – Queen Mother Champion Chase
Jonbon has a golden opportunity to land the marquee festival prize that has so far eluded him in the Queen Mother Champion Chase but I’d nonetheless be in no rush to take a short price about him. Marine Nationale and Found A Fifty may be the ones to give him most to think about.
16:40 – Grand Annual Challenge Cup Handicap Chase
Paul Nolan is bringing his strongest team to the festival for a few years in 2025 and his CONYERS HILL / looks worth chancing off a light weight in the Grand Annual. A strong traveller who will enjoy a decent pace to aim at, Sean O’Keeffe’s mount comes here on a roll after breaking his duck over fences at Down Royal and appeals as still bring nicely handicapped.
17:20 – Champion Bumper
The concluding Champion Bumper contains a plethora of nice prospects, with Mullins duo Copacabana and Gameofinches top of the list, but I have no urge to get involved.
