Hollywodbets’ Neil Morrice brings us his in-depth analysis of the second day of the Cheltenham Festival.
This preview has a detailed written analysis as well as video tips.
With just 12 going to post the Gr1 Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle is all about quality and no horse exudes that more than ENVOI ALLEN whose unblemished record includes the Champion Bumper here in 2019.
Gordon Elliott, who pondered a switch to the shorter Supreme before sticking to his original plan, insists Envoi Allen will never do any more than he has to.
The 11-8 favourite with Hollywoodbets is many people’s banker of the week but I don’t see him having it all his own way.
- 15h30 Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m 5f £125,000
- 16h10 RSA Insurance Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) 3m 80y £175,000
- 16h50 Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3) 2m 5f £100,000
- 17h30 Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase (Grade 1) 1m 7f 99y £400,000
- 18h10 Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase 3m 6f 37y £65,000
- 18h50 Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3) 2m 87y £80,000
- 19h30 Weatherbys Champion Bumper (Grade 1) 2m 87y £75,000
Blocking his path are two hugely talented rivals that go by the names of SPORTING JOHN and THE BIG BREAKAWAY.
Sporting John jumped well when stretching his own unbeaten record at Ascot where he had Pipesmoker toiling in his wake. He relished the deep ground and looked better the further he travelled. Owner JP McManus had no hesitation in nominating this race for the Philip Hobbs-trained runner.
