Day 2 Preview
13:30 - The Ballymore Novice Hurdle, 2m5f (Grade 1)
Being named after Tony McCoy and being a Challow Hurdle winner makes it easy to see why Champ is favourite for this. Not to mention that he's quite a way clear on official ratings too. Challow Hurdle winners have a horrible record in this for some reason and it's enough to put me off.
BATTLEOVERDOYEN is the standout hope for Ireland and the most obvious one to put it up to the favourite. His Grade 1 win gives him an excellent chance here.
Brewin'upastorm and Beakstown bring nice Grade 2 form here but may not be up to the standard required. City Island might fall into that camp too but remains unexposed.
Easy Game looks like a nice each way selection and Ruby will be looking to vanish the memory of his last fence fall in the mares race yesterday.
2. City Island 9/1
3. Brewin'upastorm 8/1
3. Brewin'upastorm 8/1
14:10 - The RSA Novice Chase, 3m (Grade 1)
I think DELTA WORK (NAP) could be the real deal. Since winning the Pertemps by a nose here last year he has really taken to chasing and has bagged two grade 1s en route, thrashing Mortal in doing so.
Santini is undoubtedly a very good horse but his third in the Albert Bartlett last year and again in the Kauto Star chase over Christmas make me think he's destined to be placed again when coming up against a real grade 1 performed like Delta Work.
Topofthegame is a more likely challenger. He was 2 lengths ahead of Santini at Kempton and also has Cheltenham form when just a neck 2nd in last years Coral Cup. Paul Nicholl's is having one hell of a season and I think this horse is the most likely challenger to Delta Work.
On the Blind Side has a squeak but I think will be vulnerable to these provden Grade 1 performers. The same can be said for The Worlds End and the ground has probably gone against him.
Now McGinty would probably be my each way selection if you prefer one at a price.
1. Delta Work 13/8
2. Top of The Game 7/2
3. Santini 3/1
2. Top of The Game 7/2
3. Santini 3/1
14:50 - The Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle, 2m5f
Very hard to find the winner. Uradel looks well in towards the bottom of the weights but the price has gone a long time ago. He's one of six Willie Mullins runs as well as Wicklow Brave in the same colours who could outrun his price if returning to his grade 1 winning form.
Lil Rockerfeller, Apples Shakira and KILLULTAGH VIC also hold good Grade 1 form and would go well if recapturing it.
Ballyandy ran a good 4th back in the 2017 Suprme. A return to that sort of form off this weight would stand him in good stead but he was behind Brio Conti last time, who looks like he could be a smart prospect for Paul Nicholls.
Highest Sun is the joint youngest horse in the race alongside Farclas. Both have potential to improve.
Lil Rockerfeller, Apples Shakira and KILLULTAGH VIC also hold good Grade 1 form and would go well if recapturing it.
Ballyandy ran a good 4th back in the 2017 Suprme. A return to that sort of form off this weight would stand him in good stead but he was behind Brio Conti last time, who looks like he could be a smart prospect for Paul Nicholls.
Highest Sun is the joint youngest horse in the race alongside Farclas. Both have potential to improve.
1. Killultagh Vic 14/1
2. Uradel 5/1
3. Brio Conti 10/1
15:30 - Queen Mother Champion Chase, 2m (Grade 1)
ALTIOR is the best horse in training and will make a historic 18th back to back victory over obstacles if winning here. It takes him to be markedly below form or something to go wrong to see any other result. Acts on good, soft and heavy, has dished out a beating to Min at the last three festivals. The only way to get him beat is to get a vast amount of distance in front coming down the hill. They had that last year and he looked in trouble turning in but when he gets to the second last then nothing can live with his turn of foot.
You'd have to expect that Min will follow him in. The danger to the forecast is if Min pushes too hard to try and beat Altior and doesn't quite last home. In which case Sceaux Royal looks like he could pick up a place. Politolgoue is a classier horse but not necessarily over this course and distance. Ordinary World could outrun his odds. God's Own also deserves a mention and should run into the prize money for a 4th consecutive year for minor honours.
1. Altior 2/5
2. Min 4/1
3. Sceaux Royal 9/1
16:10 - Cross Country Chase, 3m6f
Three time festival winner and Grand National hero TIGER ROLL made a brilliant return when winning over hurdles earlier in the season. His price is unsurprisingly a bit on the short side given the public following. It's a long race in which anything can happen but he remains the most likely winner off level weights.
Tea for Two brings Grade 1 winning quality to the race and Auvergnat is more than good enough to give Tiger Roll something to think about.
1. Tiger Roll - 11/10
2. Tea for Two 20/1
3. Auvergnat 6/1
16:50 - Juvenile Handicap Hurdle, 2m
2. Ciel De Neige 11/1
3. Dogon 22/1
17:30 - Champion Bumper National Hunt Flat Race, 2m (Grade 1)
1. Envoi Allen 7/2
2. Master Debonair 12/1
3. Sempo 12/1
1. Envoi Allen 7/2
2. Master Debonair 12/1
3. Sempo 12/1
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