Day 2 was an absolute scorcher in Cheltenham, but whilst the sun may have been easy to spot in the clear blue sky, most punters, including my good self, struggled to spot the winners.
Cause of Causes has done me a favour, but at the half way stage we’ve got a fair battle on our hands to get out!
Onward!
13:30 JLT Novices’ Chase: I hate to say it, but the way Willie’s have been running would make Yorkhill look vulnerable, especially at the prices. Was even money Wednesday morning and on the drift. The one I like is Disko for Noel Meade and Gigginstown. Bounced away at Leopardstown the last day and looked impressive under Sean Flanagan. A certain B Cooper takes over here and he’s my selection. 13/2 available with one firm at the moment.
14:10 Pertemps Final: The one I’ve gone with here at an each way price is Rocklander E/W with 25/1 currently available. Second behind Impulsive Star at Exeter last time when giving away a bundle of weight. I think this son of Oscar could well out run his price tomorrow and go close for Tom George and Adrian Heskin who are bang in form this season.
14:50 Ryanair Chase: The ground has gone against UDS and for me Empire Of Dirt is the one here. Looked so good in the Troytown, ran a belter in the Irish Gold Cup. He should be bang there.
15:30 Stayers’ Hurdle: I’ve got a tendency to look for a way to get Unowhatimeanharry beaten everytime he runs but this time I think he’ll be very tough to pass. Cole Harden for the forecast/betting without.
16:10 Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate Handicap Chase : I’m a bit of Richard Newland fan boy, particularly in trappy handicap chases. This will probably be the best ground Rock Gone E/W has met in his career but I’m hoping he can put in a big shift. 33/1 e/w.
16:50 Trull House Stud Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle: Willies two, Lets Dance and Airlie Beach, look really sharp and are the most likely to fill the first two spots. However, one which I feel has been overlooked in the betting is Toe The Line E/W for John E Kiely and Denis O’Regan. She’s a mare that I have a real soft spot for and is worth an each way shout at 20s.
17:30 Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup: Squouateur has gotten in to this and has every chance of giving Jamie Codd his third winner of the festival! Was very well fancied ahead of the Martin Pipe last year but underperformed. Hopefully chasing will bring out the best in this son of Martaline this year!
That’s Day 3 folks! The very best of luck!
Slán tamaillín,
T
Turf Talk 
Go’aaan Nuuge!
Make haste, the tide of fortune soon ebbs!