Cheltenham Day 2 – Can the form continue?!

I think it’s safe to say that the day just gone is the most ridiculous day I have ever had in my entire life. It’s days like that make you fall in love with the game. My phone has been ringing non stop all day with words of congratulations and thanks. The kind words are very much appreciated! I highly doubt that a day like that will happen to me again anytime soon, but here is my attempt to recreate the magic tomorrow!!

John Oaksey National Hunt Chase 13:30 – This four mile race will be a gruelling challenge tomorrow, with the ground being on the soft side. Backinfocus is the deserving 3/1 favourite, coming out of a yard that is in red hot form and after three wins on the spin. He deserves a lot of respect, as does Godsmejudge, who has every chance in this marathon. Alan King will have him right for the day and is in with every chance. I’m not too sweet on him, but he is my each way selection.

Neptune Hurdle 14:05 – The bookies are due an upset at some point having been absolutely cleaned on the first day of the festival but I really don’t see it coming here. Pont Alexandre is the fully qualified favourite at 6/4, and the Mullins’ team reckon he is one of the best they have. High praise indeed. An each way squeak lies with Taquin de Seuil but I can’t see Willie’s charge being beaten tomorrow.

RSA Chase 14:40 – Unioniste is the favourite here but I’m not 100% on him. Boston Bob could easily throw it up to him in this one, and for those looking to take on the fav, would be the one for me. Another horse with an each way squeak is   Lyreen Legend who is my e/w selection at 9’s currently.

Queen Mother Champion Chase 15:20 – Sprinter Sacre, that is all. If you want to have an each way bet, don’t. Sit back and enjoy the machine that this fella is!! Betting without markets – Sizing Europe is the obvious choice.

Coral Cup 16:00 – This is a wide open handicap with a big field. The field is laid at 12/1 bar two, which is a good indicator that this is a complete lottery, seeing a lot of horses with claims to make. Keeping your bet small and each way are key tactics for the knowledgable punter here. Abbey Lane is in with a right chance here, and sees Walsh and Mullins team up again in an attempt to continue their form. He carries a handy weight and had a nice win in Leopardstown the last day. A chance also lies with Medinas, again from the King yard with Wayne Hutchinson in the plate. After a nice win at Ffos Las and a nice, but not overwhelming, bit of form, I’d give this lad an each way shout @ 20/1 currently.

Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle 16:40 – Another handicap with a big field with the field laid at 9/1 bar. Again several horses have claims to make but a horse I deem to be superb value is Fatcatinthehat at 14’s currently. Very impressive when winning his maiden the last day in Leopardstown. A case can also be made for Zamdy man from the Venetia Williams’ yard. He lack’s a little place on the flat but has a chance of getting into the frame @ 25/1.

Champion Bumper 5:15 – The talk of the town is Blackmail who has a bit a form and is supposed to be in tip top shape. Connections are hoping for a BIG run – take from that what you will. Another I want t mention is Shield. People might say I’m only mentioning him because it’s O’Brien’s return to National Hunt, but to be honest it has nothing to do with that. I was really impressed with his win the last day and was given a great ride by Katie Harrington. This lad screams each way value, to me anyway, at 16’s generally.

That’s it for Day 2 folks. Thanks again for all the messages and kind words of support. The traffic on the blog and facebook/twitter activity has been incredible, with it becoming quite popular in Ireland and in the U.K. I’m told there’s a lot of people following me tomorrow after today’s performance so the pressure is on.

The very best of luck with your own selections! Skin the Bookies!!

Slán tamaillín,

T

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