Cheltenham Festival Day 2 Preview & Betting Tips

The Cheltenham Festival continues into Day 2, also known as Ladies’ Day, featuring a mix of elite novice races, competitive handicaps, and the unique Cross Country Chase. The Queen Mother Champion Chase headlines the card, a race that has delivered memorable champions over the years.

1:20 PM – Turners Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1, 2m 5f)

The festival’s first novice hurdle over an intermediate trip, often producing future stars of chasing. This year’s race sees some of the most promising young hurdlers take center stage.

Race Preview:

• The New Lion arrives with a big reputation after dominating the Challow Hurdle. His slick jumping and turn of foot make him the standout contender.
• Final Demand has looked a strong stayer this season and should be well suited to a tough Cheltenham test.
• Sixmilebridge has improved with every run and could be a dark horse in the race.

🏇 Selection: The New Lion – Looks like a serious talent and should relish the Cheltenham hill.

💡 Betting Tip: Consider a bet on The New Lion to win and an each-way bet on Sixmilebridge.

2:00 PM – Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase (Grade 1, 3m)

A key stepping stone to the Cheltenham Gold Cup, this race often produces top-class staying chasers.

Race Preview:

• Ballyburn has been one of the most talked-about novice chasers this season and looks like the class act of the race.
• Dancing City is a tough and relentless stayer who will thrive in a stamina test.
• Stellar Story, last year’s Albert Bartlett winner, is bred for this kind of challenge and could go under the radar.

🏇 Selection: Ballyburn – Looks like a future Gold Cup contender and should prove too strong.

💡 Betting Tip: Ballyburn to win, while Stellar Story offers each-way value.

2:40 PM – Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3, 2m 5f)

A notoriously tricky handicap that often throws up big-priced winners.

Race Preview:

• Comfort Zone has been well-backed and looks like a strong contender.
• Jipcot has shown serious improvement and could be a potential surprise package.
• Eagle Fang brings strong Irish form into the race and shouldn’t be ignored.

🏇 Selection: Jipcot – Progressive and looks well-handicapped for a big run.

💡 Betting Tip: Jipcot to place in the top 5, with Comfort Zone as a cover bet.

3:20 PM – Cross Country Chase (Class 2 Handicap, 3m 6f)

A unique challenge that requires experience over the Cheltenham Cross Country course.

Race Preview:

• Galvin has Cheltenham Festival-winning form and is expected to go well again.
• Stumptown was impressive last time out but faces a weight penalty.
• The Goffer is lightly raced in this discipline and could improve.

🏇 Selection: Galvin – Has the experience and class to dominate this field.

💡 Betting Tip: Galvin to win, with The Goffer as a place bet.

4:00 PM – Queen Mother Champion Chase (Grade 1, 2m)

The feature race of the day, showcasing the best two-mile chasers in the sport.

Race Preview:

• Jonbon has been exceptional all season, but still needs to prove himself at Cheltenham.
• Edwardstone has strong Festival form and remains a major threat.
• Quilixios is a former Triumph Hurdle winner who could surprise at a big price.

🏇 Selection: Jonbon – The class horse in the race and the one to beat.

💡 Betting Tip: Jonbon to win, but Quilixios offers each-way value.

4:40 PM – Grand Annual Handicap Chase (Grade 3, 2m)

A blisteringly fast handicap chase, often favoring front-runners.

Race Preview:

• The King of Prs has been aimed at this race and looks well-handicapped.
• Nells Son has a history of running well at Cheltenham and shouldn’t be ignored.

🏇 Selection: The King of Prs – Well-prepared for this and should go close.

💡 Betting Tip: The King of Prs to win, with Nells Son as a place option.

5:20 PM – Champion Bumper (Grade 1, 2m)

The only flat race of the festival, often showcasing future stars of jump racing.

Race Preview:

• Fortune De Mer has Cheltenham form and could be underrated.
• Kalypso’chance travels strongly and is suited to how this race usually unfolds.
• Gameofinches is unbeaten and highly regarded.

🏇 Selection: Fortune De Mer – Could spring a surprise in a wide-open race.

💡 Betting Tip: Fortune De Mer to place, with Kalypso’chance as an each-way pick.

Final Thoughts – Cheltenham Festival 2025: Day 2 Preview & Betting Tips

Day 2 of the Cheltenham Festival promises thrilling action, with the Queen Mother Champion Chase expected to be the highlight. Jonbon is the one to beat, but Quilixios could provide each-way value.

Elsewhere, Ballyburn is the standout selection in the Brown Advisory, while The New Lion looks like the real deal in the Turners Novices’ Hurdle.

✅ Top Selections for Day 2:

• The New Lion – Turners Novices’ Hurdle
• Ballyburn – Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase
• Galvin – Cross Country Chase
• Jonbon – Queen Mother Champion Chase
• The King of Prs – Grand Annual Handicap Chase
• Fortune De Mer – Champion Bumper

With competitive fields and unpredictable handicaps, finding value is key. Another spectacular day of racing at Cheltenham awaits! 🏇🔥