As the excitement builds towards the 2023 Cheltenham Festival, punters and bookmakers alike are gearing up for one of the biggest events of the horse racing calendar. As the second day of the festival approaches, it’s time to take a closer look at the best bets and the latest odds for Wednesday’s races.
The day kicks off with the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle, a race that has seen some fantastic winners over the years, including the legendary Istabraq. This year’s favourite is currently the Willie Mullins-trained Gaillard Du Mesnil, who has been in impressive form over the jumps this season. Punters looking for a value bet may want to consider Henry de Bromhead’s Bob Olinger, who won the Grade 1 Lawlor’s of Naas Novice Hurdle back in January and looks to be peaking at just the right time.
Next up is the RSA Chase, which is always a fiercely contested race between some of the best young stayers around. The current favourite is Monkfish, another Willie Mullins-trained horse who has been unbeaten over fences so far this season. However, with the likes of Chantry House and Sporting John in the mix, this promises to be one of the most exciting races of the day.
The Coral Cup is up next, a handicap race that can often throw up a surprise winner. This year’s favourite is the Gordon Elliott-trained Black Tears, who has been in good form over the winter months. However, it’s worth keeping an eye on the likes of Blue Sari and Grand Roi, both of whom have the potential to spring a surprise.
The Queen Mother Champion Chase is the highlight of Wednesday’s card, a race that always attracts some of the best two-mile chasers in the business. This year’s favourite is Chacun Pour Soi, who has been electric over the fences so far this season. However, he faces stiff competition from the likes of Altior and Nube Negra, both of whom have the class and the experience to cause an upset.
The Cross Country Chase is always a unique spectacle at Cheltenham, with a mixture of traditional fences, hedges, and banks to negotiate. The favourite for this year’s race is last year’s winner, Easysland, who has looked impressive in his two runs over the cross country course so far this season. However, it’s worth keeping an eye on the likes of Potters Corner and Tiger Roll, both of whom have proven themselves to be quality chasers.
The final race of Wednesday’s card is the Champion Bumper, a race that has seen some of the biggest names in racing take their first steps on the road to stardom. The current favourite for this year’s race is Kilcruit, another of Willie Mullins’ charges who has looked untouchable in his two starts over hurdles so far. However, it’s worth watching out for Kevin Ryan’s The Glancing Queen, who has impressed on both starts so far this season.
In terms of betting tips, it’s always important to approach the Cheltenham Festival with caution, as the races can be fiercely competitive and unpredictable. However, there are a few horses who look to be well worth a punt on Wednesday.
Gaillard Du Mesnil looks like a strong favourite in the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle, with Willie Mullins’ charge having impressed in his victories over the jumps so far this season. At the same time, Bob Olinger offers some great value at around 4/1, having looked in excellent form when winning the Lawlor’s of Naas Novice Hurdle back in January.
Chacun Pour Soi is the clear favourite in the Queen Mother Champion Chase, and it’s hard to argue against his current form. However, there could be some good value in backing Nube Negra, who has the class to cause an upset if he gets a clear run.
Finally, Kilcruit offers some great value in the Champion Bumper, having won both of his starts over hurdles so far this season. With his strong pedigree and impressive form, he looks like a strong bet to take the honours in Wednesday’s final race.
In conclusion, the second day of the 2023 Cheltenham Festival promises to be another thrilling day of racing, with a fantastic selection of races and some great betting opportunities. Whether you’re backing the favourites or looking for a surprise winner, there’s plenty to get excited about as we approach one of the biggest events of the horse racing calendar.