Steeplechasing’s highest-rated horse ALTIOR carries the ‘wow’ factor into Day 2 of the Cheltenham Festival as he bids to complete back-to-back victories and extend his incredible winning sequence to 19 in the Queen Mother Champion Chase.
Cheltenham Festival
Day 2 Preview
The apple of trainer Nicky Henderson’s eye, ALTIOR survived hitting a flat spot before taking the 2018 running as an Evens favourite under Nico de Boinville. The same jockey takes the reins on the nine-year-old as he bids to stretch his seasonal run of success to four.
However this could be the last time jumping’s biggest draw competes over two miles, as Henderson already has his eyes fixed on a step up the distance scale for a tilt at the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.
And who knows, should the gelding prove anywhere near as good over three miles, will he next year be allowed to return to Cheltenham for a shot at the blue riband of ‘chasing, the Magners Gold Cup?
Altior heads a field of nine for the Wednesday feature as a 4-10 shot with Hollywoodbets, with the Irish challenge spearheaded by MIN who rates clear second best at 4-1 for the Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh combo.
The card kicks off with a cracking heat as Henderson’s CHAMP bids to live up to his name and reputation in the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle.
Barry Geraghty will don the famous green and yellow hoops of legendary owner and gambler JP McManus on the seven-year-old who is looking to complete a Nap hand of victories and remain unbeaten this season.
Henderson also fields one of the big guns in the RSA Insurance Novices’ Chase in the shape of SANTINI who must demonstrate that an interrupted preparation has not blunted his panache… the gelding missed an important trial for the race owing to the equine flu ban and then endured issues with a foot.
Owing to this, both Gordon Elliott’s DELTA WORK and the Paul Nicholls-trained TOPOFTHEGAME have come in for strong support.
The hottest betting heat of the afternoon happens in the 26-runner Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle in which the Five Place Fixed Odds wagering offered by Hollywoodbets is sure to prove popular.
The Willie Mullins-trained URADEL has the makings of a plot and dominates the betting market but those seeking value might consider former Champion Bumper winner BALLYANDY as an Each Way option.
Full Cheltenham Festival Day 2 – Race Previews below:
Race 1 – Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle
Race 2 – RSA Insurance Novices’ Chase
Race 3 – Coral Cup Handicap
Race 4 – Queen Mother Champion Chase
Race 5 – Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase
Race 6 – Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle
Race 7 – Weatherbys Champion Bumper
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