Cheltenham Day 2 – Wednesday

In this post, we will identify the top contenders that pose the greatest threat to the favourites in the Day 2 races at the Cheltenham Festival. By analysing various factors such as form, distance, and more, we aim to find reasons why the favourites may not be as strong as their odds suggest and could potentially be beaten by another horse. Our goal is to uncover potential upsets and let’s hope we have a few here!

Champ Kiely bounced back to form when winning the Grade 1 over 2m3f and although he clearly settled better over this trip and going forward, does it not also suggest that he wants this and further really and not the 2m trip he got beat over. He won a Grade 3 over 2m but he was only beating Brazil that day and he’s not going to be challenging for Grade 1 races anytime soon. The fact he was started out over 2m5f over hurdles suggests he has plenty of stamina and on the basis he could at least be competitive over 2m in Grade 1 company shows he has a lot of class about him. I think he could go forward at Cheltenham in the Ballymore and take a lot of passing!

Current Favourite: Hermes Allen @ 3/1

Champ Kiely @ 6/1

Thyme Hill has Cheltenham form of 23142 and 3 of those were at the Cheltenham Festival where he clearly thrives. He won nicely as expected on debut over fences before being beaten by McFabulous at Newbury but thoroughly reversed that form at Kempton when winning the Kauto Star Grade 1 by 15 lengths with the cheekpieces fitted. I expect to see him in the Reynoldstown next time at Ascot in February before turning up at the Cheltenham Festival with a favourites chance!

Current Favourite: 3 or 4 very close

Thyme Hill @ 8/1

I have talked about this one multiple times this season. I really hope Langer Dan runs here instead of the Martin Pipe. A horse who was thought of as being incredibly well handicapped last year when running in the Martin Pipe is only 3lb higher this year. It’s now time for Harry to ride him in the Coral Cup instead of giving their best handicapped horse to a conditional. We know his 2^nd at Cheltenham behind Galopin Des Champs was a massive run whilst his win at Aintree last season after falling early at Cheltenham was very good as well. When he’s running to his best he’s a very good horse.

Current Favourite: Gaelic Warrior @ 10/1

Langer Dan @ 18/1

I can’t see past Energumene here but if I was to take a chance on one then maybe Editeur Du Gite could be the fly in the ointment particularly if he’s allowed an easy lead. His recent form when making the running over 2m 111U11. He was going to get beat at Ascot when unseating but that was making it 3 defeats from 3 runs at Ascot suggesting his front running tactics are not as effective at Ascot. He has managed 2 wins from 2 races WHEN going forward at Cheltenham. He’s also finished 4^th and 3^rd when his jockey has tried to track the leaders or even be held up. He’s clearly better when going forward and it’s very possible he could run away and the others look at each and not know when to get after him.

Current Favourite: Energumene @ 8/11

Editeur Du Gite @ 25/1

A little bit left field here as he’s not even guaranteed to come over but I think the best of the French currently is Saint Godefroy despite being beaten just a few days ago. He wasn’t beaten far by a horse who at least had some Cross Country ability and experience. If there’s one who could challenge Delta Work then I think Saint Godefroy who had been very good in the Cross Country races before his recent defeat is the one, it wouldn’t surprise me at all if JP made a purchase!

Current Favourite: Delta Work @ 2/1

Saint Godefroy @ 20/1

If you’ve read my posts and blogs you’ll know there are a few in here that I have my eye on including Gunsight Ridge and Frero Banbou but the one I would be going for here is Il Ridoto. He’s been running well over 2 ½ mile but not quite getting home. He finished 4^th last time out recently when appearing as the main danger coming to the last but faded late on. He instantly reminded me of Le Prezien who was also stepped up in trip after finishing 8^th in the Grand Annual. He ran ok but wasn’t quite good enough so they dropped him back in trip for the Grand Annual and he won off a 4lb higher mark. Il Ridoto could run off a 5lb LOWER mark than when finishing 8^th last season as a 5 year old! I really expect him to go much closer this year if he takes his chance!

Current Favourite: Boothill @ 12/1

Il Ridoto @ 20/1

Last year I was fan of Bonttay who had won 3 bumpers including 2 at Cheltenham but she failed to make the Cheltenham Festival and has since finished 2^nd in a bumper and 2^nd in a Novice hurdle (arguably left it too late). This year I think the same race at Cheltenham is the one to look at. Encanto Bruno was winning that race and he’s the one against those at the top of the market that I want to take a chance on. His form looks very strong, he beat Strong Leader that day (that’s his only defeat in 4 races) and back in 3^rd was Thecompanysergeant who came into the race off the back of 2 wins in bumpers at Kilbeggan and Listowel. 4^th came out and won next time out in a Novice hurdle, 5^th won a Bumper next time out. Encanto Bruno was only 4 as well and I think there is lots more to come.

Current Favourite: Chapeau De Soleil @ 8/1

Encanto Bruno @ 20/1

You really should be signed up for the BEST RATINGS & Analysis around!