March 16th, 2022 | Updated on June 29th, 2022
“And they’re off” – the three words that any racing fan loves to hear.
As soon as the tannoy announcer gets the race started, the tape is lifted and the raucous atmosphere is in full swing – there’s nothing quite like it. With the 2022 renewal of the Cheltenham Festival already underway, punters are scrambling for the latest odds when choosing their Cheltenham races bets.
Former jockey Ruby Walsh knows a thing about the meeting at Prestbury Park – he finished as the Cheltenham Festival’s ‘Leading Jockey’ a mammoth 11 times between 2004 and 2017 – and recently spoke to Paddy Power’s “From the Horse’s Mouth” podcast to deliver his tips ahead of this year’s Cheltenham Festival.
If you’re looking for some tips ahead of day two of the Festival – often referred to as ‘Ladies Day’ – read on.
13:30 – Ballymore Novices’ Hurdles
Willie Mullins’ Sir Gerhard is the favourite going into the day’s opening race – and he’s odds-on to beat his eight opponents, following two wins over hurdles already this season. Walsh commented:
“Sir Gerhard looks in great form and I don’t have any worries about the trip. It looks an easier race than the Supreme too. Three Stripe Life was behind him at Leopardstown and I don’t see how he turns the form around.”
14:10 – Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase
Walsh picks two horses to watch in the day’s second Grade 1 race – and there’s a surprise as he doesn’t choose leading favourite Bravemansgame. In his words, this race is “wide open”. The ones to watch are Capodanno (Mullins) and L’Homme Press (Venetia Williams). Comparing the two, the former jockey said:
“Capodanno is looking good and I was surprised that he fell at Leopardstown last time. He’s a great jumper and 3m will really suit him.
“I like L’Homme Presse too. People are saying Venetia Williams’ horses will be cold but she’s had four winners from 20 runners in the last two weeks – that’s a pretty good strike rate!”
14:50 – Coral Cup
Another fairly open race this year, with the joint-three favourites all priced at 7/1 – and Drop The Anchor at 15/2, at the time of writing. This one could be too close to call, as Walsh explains:
“I have been sweet on Saint Felicien since I watched him win at Gowran Park back in November. That was a taking performance. He’s at the top of the betting but there’s more value in Grand Roi, another Gordon Elliott runner. Davy Russell is on board which is always a bonus.”
15:30 – Queen Mother Champion Chase
Here’s the day’s big one and it’s certainly a battle of the trainers. Both Mullins and Henry de Bromhead saddle two entries, while the Brits will be looking to halt the dominance of the Irish – with Williams, Nicky Henderson, Paul Nicholls and Dan Skelton all boasting an entry each. As for the one to watch, you can’t look past Shishkin with Nico de Boinville in the saddle. Walsh believes:
“This race has everything, including a top horse in Shishkin.
“As for Shishkin v Energumene, I just don’t know how Willie’s runner turns the Clarence House form around. Nico de Boinville will keep it so simple on Shishkin that he’s going to be impossible to beat.”
16:10 – Cross Country Chase
Following the bombshell news that Tiger Roll will be withdrawn from the Grand National next month, amidst another handicap row – all eyes turn to the Gordon Elliott trained 12-year-old as he looks to win a record-equalling sixth jump race at Cheltenham in what could be his final farewell. According to Walsh, it’s Elliott’s race to lose with both Tiger Roll and stablemate, Delta Work up there as the favourites:
“What’s key for this race is the weather. If is nice and the ground is good, Tiger Roll will win. Whereas some rain would make him opposable. Delta Work is the one you could oppose him with but it all depends on how much rain we get”
16:50 – Grand Annual Chase
If you take a look at the markets for the day’s penultimate race, it’s wide open – and with the exception of 2020 winner Chosen Mate, the favourite rarely wins. It’s little wonder then, that Walsh has chosen outside chance Poseidon, who hasn’t won in four races – but has backed him all the day. He explained his decision:
“I’m going to stick with my previous antepost pick in Poseidon. He finished half a length behind Embittered at Killarney last August and he’s 4lbs better off than him now.”
17:30 – Champion Bumper
Wrapping up day two, we have the Grade 1 Champion Bumper – the most prestigious flat race. As a three-time winner himself, Walsh is best placed to choose his pick – and as the leading trainer with 21 wins, you simply can’t deny Mullins of another victory. With two wins from two this season, Facile Vega is the one to beat:
“I’ve always been in the Facile Vega camp and I’m not going to jump ship now.”
However, if he was to pick another entry – Elliott’s American Mike could stand a good chance.
