Hi all,

Cheltenham experienced more rainfall than forecast on Monday night and into Tuesday morning. The track was inundated with significant precipitation, leading to concerns about the Wednesday Cross-Country race. An inspection is scheduled for 8 am on Wednesday to determine whether the race can go ahead.

The rain meant that going was changed from soft to heavy after race two and looking at the times that seemed about right.

There were some good winning performances on Day 1 from the likes of Gaelic Warrior, State Man, Lossiemouth and Corbetts Cross.

Despite the heavy ground, the day proved to be punter-friendly, with even the biggest priced winner being just 9/1. This often signals a tough day for me, but successful bets on Chianti Classico and Famous Bridge in the Ultima Handicap allowed me to secure a profit.

Cheltenham Festival – Day 2

The feature race of Day 2 is the Betway sponsored Grade 1 Queen Mother Champion Chase. Other highlights include the Grade 1 Gallaghers Novices’ Hurdle and Grade 1 Brown Advisory Novices Chase. There are also two exciting big field handicaps the Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle and the Grand Annual Challenge Cup.

Below are some trends for the five ITV races on Day 2.

1:30 – Gallagher Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) (Registered As The Baring Bingham Novices' Hurdle) – 2m 5f

All the last ten winners of the race were Officially Rated 146 or higher.

Nine of the last ten winners were returned 9/1 & under with favourites 5 winners from 10 runners, 8 placed.

Eight of the last ten winners were 6-year-old’s.

Six of the last ten winners were trained by Willie Mullins (4) and Gordon Elliott (2).

2:10 – Brown Advisory Novices' Chase (Grade 1) – 3m ½ f

All the last ten winners were returned 9/1 or shorter. Although clear favourites are only 3 winners from 9 runners, 5 placed.

Seven of the last 10 winners were 7-year-old’s and eight were previous course winners.

2:50 – Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) – 2m 5f

Not a great record for the favourites just one winner. The Coral Cup is race that can provide a big-priced winners with four of the last 10 being returned between 20/1 & 50/1.

Eight of the last 10 winners had 9 or less races over hurdles and nine had 0 to 1 wins in handicap hurdles.

Eight of the last 10 winners had previously won 2m 4f+.

Five of the last ten winners were trained by Nicky Henderson (3) and Gordon Elliott (2)

3:30 – Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase (Grade 1) – 2m

Nine of the last 10 winners of the Champion Chase were returned 17/2 or shorter.

Nine of the last ten winners were trained by Nicky Henderson (3), Henry De Bromhead (2), Paul Nicholls (2) and Willie Mullins (2). 

4:10 – Glenfarclas Chase (Cross Country Chase) – 3m 5 ½ f

The Cheltenham Festival marmite race. You either love it or hate it. I’m firmly in the latter camp but there’s a chance I might have bet in this year’s race. Still, I would prefer to see back as a handicap rather than a level-weights conditions race.

Horses returned 18/1 & bigger are 0 winners from 89 runners, 6 placed.

Previous course winners have won 9 of the last 10 renewals.

Eight of the last ten winners were Officially rated 148 or higher.

Trainer Gordon Elliott has saddled the winner of the Cross Country five times – 5 winners from 18 runners, 11 placed.

Not sure punters have realised how uncompetitive this race has become. Since 2016 when it became a non-handicap all eight winners had the following traits.

Odds SP: 8/1 & under

Official Eating: 142 & higher

Wins at the Track: 1+

8 winners from 19 runners +14.23, 14 placed.

Cheltenham – Day 2 – Tote Placepot

If you’re having a go at Wednesday’s placepot here are some suggestions for Day 2.

1:30 – Ballyburn & Handstands

2:10 – Monty’s Star

2:50 – Black Bamboo, Built By Ballymore & Jigoro

3:30 – El Fabiolo & Edwardstone

4:10 – Delta Work, Coko Beach & Foxy Jacks

4:50 – Hardy Du Seuil, Libberty Hunter & Sa Fureur.

Should the Cross-Country race not take place here’s some placepot picks for the final race on the card.

5:30 – Jalon D'oudairies, Romeo Coolio & Teeshan.

This perm comes to 108 bets and works out as follows 2 x 1 x 3 x 2 x 3 x 3 = 108 bets.

I’m using 10p unit stakes, so my total stake is £10.80.

Good luck with your Cheltenham bets.

John